Microsoft launched its second-generation mixed reality headsets–the HoloLens 2, at MWC on Sunday. The HoloLens 2 brings in a lot of improvements over its predecessor including a better display, more comfortable design, improved gesture controls, and better performance coupled with higher power efficiency. The HoloLens is priced at $3,500(₹2,49,000 roughly) and is now available for purchase in United States, Japan, China, Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia, and New Zealand from the official Microsoft e-shop.
The company also launched the Azure Kinect at MWC 2019, which is now on pre-order and will initially go on sale in the US and China.
Microsoft claims that it has doubled up the field of view on its second generation Windows Mixed Reality headset compared to its predecessor. The HoloLens 2 now offers a 52-degree field of view while maintaining the holographic density of 47 pixels per degree of sight. The HoloLens come integrated with microelectromechanical system (MEMS) display technology which, according to Microsoft offers the equivalent of a 2K display for each eye.
The headset is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 Compute Platform as well as a custom-built Holographic Processing Unit. In terms of audio input and output, the device features a 5-channel microphone array and a built-in spatial audio hardware respectively. The headset comes with an iris scanner for authentication which activates as soon as a user wears the headset. For charging, the HoloLens 2 comes with a USB Type-C port while an 8-megapixel sensor facilitates video conferencing.
The HoloLens 2 also comes with an advanced ToF sensor that works in tandem with a built-in AI and spatial awareness algorithm that makes it possible for users to interact with holograms with their hands. The headset even lets the users feel the holograms via synthetic tactile feedback. Besides controlling the holograms through hand gestures, he HoloLesns 2 also allows users to interact with the holograms through eye tracking and voice commands.
The HoloLens 2 offers optimum fit with the help of its dial-in fit design and it also comes with a flip-up visor. Other developments that the HoloLens 2 comes with over its predecessor are advanced vapor chamber technology for better thermal management and a new software solution called the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Guidelines that has been designed for first-line workers and offers step-by-step instructions in real-time for various work scenarios.
Also read:
Microsoft Employees Protest Use of HoloLens for War, Ask Company to Drop US Army Contract
Huawei Mate X 5G Foldable Smartphone With Falcon Wing Design Unveiled at MWC