HoloLens 2, Microsoft's second model of the augmented reality goggles, released this week. However, unlike the first version of the Hololens, this one's intended market are businesses.
Upgraded Reality
HoloLens 2 is a vast improvement of the first Hololens. With a wider field of view and more versatile motion controls, the second Hololens make the first one look like a cheap knock-off.
HoloLens 2 features an improved headset - lighter and more ergonomic. However, its most utilized upgrade is its wider field of view - which now extends to a 52 degree-periphery on both sides. The first HoloLens only had 34 degrees of peripheral vision, which means the new one offers about 50% more coverage.
The new device also recognizes more motions than its predecessor. Unlike the first one that can only recognize "air taps" as a form of input, the new HoloLens could recognize pinching motions. You could also drag objects you pinch around the user interface, which wasn't possible for the previous version.
Microsoft's new headset also places a holographic button on your wrist. When pushed, it displays a menu which can theoretically be used for different things.
Business Opportunities
These new features are meant to entice businesses to upgrade their AR headsets. Microsoft hopes that these changes have enough potential for business applications, which should justify the upgrade.
At the same time, Microsoft revealed that their pre-order commitments are divided evenly between new users and existing AR adopters. Slowly, Microsoft is building a base for their AR devices. Although there's currently a small number of users for the HoloLens, it's a captured market that will more than likely adopt innovations upon the device.
Not for Everyone
The new version of the HoloLens is versatile, and there are surely many applications that could be made useful with the new gestures it recognizes. However, HoloLens 2 was intended towards businesses, not consumers.
The second HoloLens isn't intended to replace all of the first one, only those in businesses. Because of this, Microsoft will continue supporting the first HoloLens. In line with this, Microsoft has already prepared the development kit for HoloLens 2, so that developers could make their own apps as they wish. The development kit costs $99 a month.
The price point isn't consumer-friendly either, anyway. At $3,500, HoloLens 2 is more than 15% more expensive than its predecessor, which originally shipped for $3,000.
The HoloLens 2 is available now for those who pre-ordered in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
If you're looking to buy a HoloLens 2 for your own business, you could order for the second batch of shipping here.
