HoloLens 2 Wearable Expected At Microsoft MWC Event

There have been rumors going around for a while now that Microsoft was ready to unveil the second generation of its HoloLens wearable at Mobile World Congress 2019. Microsoft has now sent out invites to its MWC event, which will be held on February 24 at 5 pm CET (11 am ET). On hand at the event will be Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, CVP Julia White, and Alex Kipman.

Kipman being on hand for the event is believed to be a tip that HoloLens 2 will be unveiled, as he is known for his work on the wearable. Recent rumors have suggested that HoloLens 2 will use a Snapdragon 850 SoC. That would mean it will be an always on and connected device ready to go when the user is.

It's not common for Microsoft to attend MWC; it has avoided the event in recent years after it canceled it’s Windows Phone platform. Before that cancellation, Microsoft held a press event at MWC to update users on Windows Mobile and Windows Phone. Presumably the fact that the HoloLens 2 uses a mobile SoC is why the software giant is returning.

The next-gen HoloLens has been in development for a few years according to rumors and is rumored to carry the codename Sydney. Other than the Snapdragon 850, the HoloLens reportedly includes the latest Kinect sensor and a custom AI chip to improve the overall performance of the device. The invite sheds no light on anything that will be covered at the event, but there should be things other than HoloLens 2 for Microsoft to talk about.