Microsoft Reportedly Skipping HoloLens V2 To Develop Groundbreaking V3 Augmented Reality Headset
Microsoft is taking a rather unusual path with its HoloLens augmented reality (AR) headset. The corporation is reportedly skipping the second version of the product and jumping right into development of what was to be the third generation model. The latest and greatest and HoloLens is expected to be available for consumers in 2019.
At the moment, Microsoft appears to be the lone wolf in the AR field. Companies like Magic Leap have promised ground-breaking products, but have yet to deliver anything to their investors or potential consumers.
Microsoft therefore does feel pressure to release a cheaper “gen two” product, but has decided to instead focus on how it can further innovate with the next HoloLens. Many have complained hat 2019 feels like a long time to wait, however, it is important to note that if Microsoft had released a “gen two” device, “gen three” would most certainly not be available as soon as 2019.
How much will the future HoloLens cost? This past January Alex Kipman, the Brazilian-born Microsoft executive who helped to develop the original HoloLens, stated that his team was working on creating a device that would costs less than $1,000. Was Kipman referencing the ill-fated gen two device or is he working to make sure that the gen three product is at a more affordable price range? There is currently no confirmation.
The HoloLens is the world’s first, and still only, self-contained holographic computer. It features a Holographic Processing Unit (HPU), which is a co-processor built on a 28-nanometer manufacturing process by TSMC. The device also contains an Intel Cherry Trail SoC containing the CPU and GPU, inertial measurement unit (IMU), four "environment understanding" sensors, a depth camera, a photographic video camera, a four-microphone array, and an ambient light sensor. The device lasts two to three hours during active use on an interchangeable rechargeable battery. It is currently available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Germany (and soon China) for $3,000 USD.
At the moment, Microsoft appears to be the lone wolf in the AR field. Companies like Magic Leap have promised ground-breaking products, but have yet to deliver anything to their investors or potential consumers.
Microsoft therefore does feel pressure to release a cheaper “gen two” product, but has decided to instead focus on how it can further innovate with the next HoloLens. Many have complained hat 2019 feels like a long time to wait, however, it is important to note that if Microsoft had released a “gen two” device, “gen three” would most certainly not be available as soon as 2019.
How much will the future HoloLens cost? This past January Alex Kipman, the Brazilian-born Microsoft executive who helped to develop the original HoloLens, stated that his team was working on creating a device that would costs less than $1,000. Was Kipman referencing the ill-fated gen two device or is he working to make sure that the gen three product is at a more affordable price range? There is currently no confirmation.
The HoloLens is the world’s first, and still only, self-contained holographic computer. It features a Holographic Processing Unit (HPU), which is a co-processor built on a 28-nanometer manufacturing process by TSMC. The device also contains an Intel Cherry Trail SoC containing the CPU and GPU, inertial measurement unit (IMU), four "environment understanding" sensors, a depth camera, a photographic video camera, a four-microphone array, and an ambient light sensor. The device lasts two to three hours during active use on an interchangeable rechargeable battery. It is currently available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Germany (and soon China) for $3,000 USD.
