Word of Microsoft’s HoloLens has been spreading for a while now, with whispers of capabilities and rumours that it would never make it to a consumer level. Well, believe it, Microsoft’s augmented reality tech is on its way, and they’re tying it with Windows 10 to boot.
During Microsoft’s keynote at its Build conference, the company introduced the HoloLens holographic headset and operating system. The new bit of hardware offers users the ability to pin holograms to their physical environment, all without the need for wires, phones, or PC connections.
The technology has a consumer angle, with features – apart from Windows 10-specific offerings – allowing for virtual-type gaming on Minecraft and “floating” Skype capabilities, but Microsoft is ensuring that real-world industries are set to benefit as well.
Partners like New York City-based Trimble Architecture and Case Western Reserve University have come on board to create architectural design and medical education features respectively.
Developers are also a big market being eyed by Microsoft. According to the company:
Built on Windows 10 and delivering the trusted mobile device management and enterprise networking on which IT professionals rely to help secure devices in the workplace, Microsoft HoloLens will be a revolutionary tool for businesses – transforming how companies, designers, and creators work with three-dimensional data to bring products and information to life.
There’s no word as to when the HoloLens will become widely available for purchase, but rumours suggest that the product will be launched this year – possibly September. Early estimates on price are surprisingly modest, with many suggesting that the device could be under $US500 upon release.
