Now is your chance to live in a world with your very own life-size Tupac hologram - if it's part of your academic research, that is. Microsoft is now accepting academic proposals for use of their HoloLens, a wearable visor that allows you to interact with three-dimensional holograms.
According to the press release, the purpose of Microsoft's newly minted Microsoft HoloLens Research Awards program is to "better understand the role and possible applications for holographic computing in society," as well as encourage further use of mixed and augmented reality in multivaried platforms.
Microsoft's HoloLens is a visual device that seamlessly merges high-def holograms with the world around you, blending the digital and the real. As their informational video suggests, the HoloLens can be used for interactive 3D design, or something as simple as projecting a television show onto a blank wall, all for your private viewing.
To reify the diversity of the HoloLens' use, Microsoft suggested possible fields in which it could be applied, including STEM research, experimental media art, and data visualization, among others.
The tech corporation predicts that they will allot $100,000 USD to approximately five lucky candidates; however, only two of them will receive a full HoloLens kit. Respective funding and use will last for one year.
Unfortunately, not just any regular Joe or Jane can send in a proposal: an applicant's research project must "[seed-fund] larger initiatives," and from the looks of it, the applicant must belong to some sort of academic institution. In short: garage inventors need not apply.
For more information about HoloLens, check out the video below.
