HoloLens was Microsoft’s try at creating a mixed reality headset and it was welcomed with open hands by the tech world. So naturally, Microsoft had an immense task on their hands developing its successor. Now the Redmond tech giant has unveiled the second generation of their HoloLens, and it comes with a very neat set of upgrades.
To start with, users now have twice the field of view when compared to the original, providing users with 47 pixels per degree of view. Having more viewing angle is always a pleasure for users as it means that the software can use the additional real estate to render more imagery. However, that is all we know about the field of view as Microsoft likes to keep the official numbers a mystery.
There was no indication of the exact field of view in the first generation HoloLens and the same secrecy is evident on the second generation as we are not given the official numbers this time either.
One among the other cool new feature coming to HoloLens 2 is its ability to track the motion and relative distance of your hands, even the fingers. This enable the users to interact directly with the holograms, making the changes live in real time.
From press event in Barcelona itself, it is clear that the new HoloLens is much more compact. Microsoft is using an ergonomic eye tracking system in HoloLens 2 that doesn’t make the housing look so bulky.
The addition of flip-up glasses also means that the user doesn’t have to lift the headset up every time they want to switch between normal view and AR. There is also a universal fit mechanism coming to HoloLens than makes it wearable to anyone without having to order a custom fit.
In essence, Microsoft has greatly improved on the first generation of HoloLens in terms of both features and usability.
With the announcement, it is clear that Microsoft is aiming HoloLens 2 at professionals working in a variety of niches including entertainment, content development, healthcare, automotive industry, etc.
Even though anyone can order the HoloLens, the price makes it clear that the market Microsoft hopes to capture are enterprises as the HoloLens 2 cost $3500 a piece.
