What You Need to Know About Microsoft's HoloLens

HoloLens 2 is designed to be more immersive and comfortable. Microsoft said it's improved its visual display system, so holograms are more vibrant and realistic, allowing text and intricate details of 3D images to be viewed more easily, at lower power.

1. What can Microsoft HoloLens do?
2. Can you wear glasses with HoloLens?
3. Does HoloLens require a PC?
4. How much does a Microsoft HoloLens cost?
5. Why is HoloLens so expensive?
6. Is HoloLens VR or AR?
7. Can I buy a HoloLens?
8. How does HoloLens display work?
9. Where can I try HoloLens?
10. Is Magic Leap better than HoloLens?
11. Does HoloLens work with Xbox?
12. What programming language does HoloLens use?

What can Microsoft HoloLens do?

The Hololens is Microsoft's take on augmented reality, which they call “mixed reality”. Using multiple sensors, advanced optics, and holographic processing that melds seamlessly with its environment, These holograms can be used to display information, blend with the real world, or even simulate a virtual world.

Can you wear glasses with HoloLens?

The original HoloLens. “I want it to be instinctual,” Microsoft technical fellow Alex Kipman, who led the development of the HoloLens 2, told Quartz. ... You can also wear the HoloLens 2 with glasses, which is very nice for us nerds who wear glasses.

Does HoloLens require a PC?

The HoloLens 2 Emulator requires the Windows 10 October 2018 update or later. In the BIOS, the following features must be supported and enabled: Hardware-assisted virtualization.

How much does a Microsoft HoloLens cost?

The price for the headset on the Microsoft Store remains $3,500. HoloLens 2 first made its debut at Mobile World Congress 2019, before shipping in November of 2019. At Build 2020, Microsoft announced that the mixed reality headset will expand to 25 countries and regions starting this fall.

Why is HoloLens so expensive?

The high cost is due to new technology with custom pieces; the fact that Hololens is standalone, so it has a complete PC in the headset; few devices produced, so cost is even higher. It's obvious. The main reason the price is 2x-3x what it could have been to keep it out of consumer's hands.

Is HoloLens VR or AR?

Microsoft, with its HoloLens is trying to fetch the best features from both AR and VR, that is, HoloLens will feature a wide FOV (Field of View), which is typically associated with the VR devices along with a transparent display surface ideal for the AR applications.

Can I buy a HoloLens?

There is currently only one place where you can buy a HoloLens kit from: Microsoft's Store. Before you hit the buy button, it is worth mentioning that you'll be getting either the HoloLens 2 (device only) or the HoloLens Development Edition.

How does HoloLens display work?

The HoloLens 2 display is a combination of waveguides and light projectors. Users look through the waveguides—the lenses inside the visor—when wearing the headset. The light projectors are inside the enclosure above the brow. HoloLens 2 uses laser light to illuminate the display.

Where can I try HoloLens?

You can try HoloLens' radical mixed reality experiences at Microsoft Stores this fall.

Is Magic Leap better than HoloLens?

In terms of the actual visible area, the HoloLens 2 wins again, with Magic Leap losing some of the content on peripheral vision, but the HoloLens isn't perfect in this department either and has a tendency to cut projections off as they moved out of the holographic part of the display.

Does HoloLens work with Xbox?

You can totally stream Xbox One games to the HoloLens and play them.

What programming language does HoloLens use?

Although the HoloLens runs UWP apps, which are in turn written using C# and Visual Studio, the unique aspect of HoloLens apps is the 3D holograms.