Microsoft unveiled its HoloLens 2 a while back, but now the company is going to offer a package specifically catering to developers. This edition of the HoloLens 2 will cost $3,500 — the exact same pricing as the version that will be sold to businesses later this year, and it comes with a handful of neat extras.
The HoloLens 2 development kit will come with free three-month trials of Unity Pro and the Unity PiXYZ plugin for CAD data. Microsoft is also throwing in $500 in Azure credits into the mix, all of which should make it easier for developers to build mixed reality enterprise off the bat and upload their creations online as well.
HoloLens 2 Developer Edition Monthly Pricing
The best part is that developers can opt to snag it for $99 a month for 36 months instead of the previously announced $125 monthly price tag. It's still going to cost $3,500 when purchased outright, though.
The company did not reveal international pricing but did say this HoloLens 2 edition "will be available for preorder soon and ship later this year." Developers who want to preorder the HoloLens 2 developer edition can enroll in Microsoft's Mixed Reality Program to receive updates.
Unreal Engine 4 Support
Microsoft also confirmed that Unreal Engine 4 support for HoloLens 2 will come by the end of this month. Once it arrives, game developers will have an easier time building for the platform and more efficient ways of doing so. Beyond gaming, it'll also be a key addition for regular developers since it will allow their apps to utilize Unreal Engine 4's features such as photo-realistic rendering in conjunction with manufacturing, product design, architecture, and others.
Microsoft unveiled the HoloLens 2 in February at the Mobile World Congress. It comes with double the field of view compared to the original HoloLens, and will integrate with Azure and Microsoft Dynamics 365. Much like its predecessor, HoloLens 2 appears to be aimed at enterprise, not consumers. In fact, in a press release, Microsoft mentioned something about "professional mixed reality experiences using your industrial design data."
Microsoft remains tight-lipped on when exactly this device is going to ship. That said, between the improved hardware and a more focused push toward developers, it should perhaps come as no surprise if more businesses end up purchasing the HoloLens 2. Make sure to check back with Tech Times as we learn more. If you have comments, feel free to sound them off below!
