The future of productivity is holographic, says Microsoft
Microsoft has revealed that the dev kit for its forthcoming HoloLens VR and AR platform will be available for pre-order 30 March at an eye-watering price of $3,000.
HoloLens is Microsoft’s take on virtual reality and augmented reality and in many ways represents the Windows giant’s take on the future of computing as we know it.
Microsoft sees HoloLens transforming not only entertainment but also productivity.
For example Microsoft has revealed partners such as Volvo, Autodesk Fusion 360, NASA and the Cleveland Clinic.
The headset, which is purely wireless, is in-use by astronauts in the International Space Station focused on Project Sidekick.
HoloLens has see-through holographic lenses that use an advanced optical projection system to generate multi-dimensional full-color holograms with very low latency so you can see holographic objects in your world.
The HoloLens Development Edition kit will contain the HoloLens headset, a charger, a Bluetooth 4.1 clicker, a carrying case, a microfiber cloth and replacement nose pieces.
It will require a PC that can run Windows 10 and Visual Studio 2015.
The future is holographic
The Microsoft HoloLens Developer Edition
Microsoft’s Alex Kipman said that the future of technology won’t be confined to two dimensions and will in fact closely mirror the real-world.
“Technology coexisting in our real, three-dimensional world, beyond screens and pixels,” Kipman said.
“We believe that the future is holographic, and as a result, we will continue to empower the developers who will help bring that future to life.”
He said that the APIs responsible for holographic computing are already contained in Windows 10.
From today developers will have access to documentation, guides and tutorials at dev.windows.com/holographic.
“The device consists of multiple environment understanding sensors and it’s powered by a custom-built Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) and an Intel 32-bit architecture,” Kipman said.
“The HPU is custom silicon that allows HoloLens to understand gestures and gaze while mapping the world all around you, all in real time,” he added.
