Daniel Imblum
"Microsoft HoloLens is the first self-contained, holographic computer, enabling you to engage with your digital content and interact with holograms in the world around you." (Microsoft.com, 2017) The HoloLens is similar to virtual reality headsets such as the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive. A big difference is that instead of needing to rely on a computer or smartphone, The HoloLens is its own Windows 10 PC. This is impressive in itself. Starting from its early days a year ago, there was actually a mini pc that the user would need to wear around their neck. That is not the case anymore.
Microsoft describes the HoloLens as a mixed reality headset more than a virtual reality headset. A virtual reality headset puts you in a completely different environment to make you feel immersed. Mixed reality is described as mixing elements of virtual reality with the real world around you. One of the biggest ways this is shown is through the video game component. In 2014, Microsoft bought one of the highest selling video games of all time, Minecraft a few years ago for 2.5 billion dollars. For those that don't know, the best way to describe Minecraft is a sandbox open world video game version of Lego Building Blocks. You can play the traditional way which is from a 1st or 3rd person view of a character you play, moving and interacting with the world around you if you play with a controller. However, with the HoloLens you can drop the controller and enter a sort of god mode to control huge landscapes by using your voice and hand gestures right on your coffee table.
This sort of technology seems obvious to gaming, but there are some other real world applications that the HoloLens plans to relate to. One is the ability to create 3D art models which can bring any art made to life. Another application is a way to give step by step directions for projects such as home improvement. Imagine having it feel like a person is helping you fix your sink except just from wearing a headset. Another application is a heads up GPS. This is a cool idea except I am not sure if it is okay to drive a car with the headset on.
Overall, the HoloLens is a great view into the future of reality and how we perform daily tasks. As of right now there is a way to purchase the HoloLens for around $3000. So if anyone is interested we can pool our money together to get one.
It is interesting to see where Microsoft will take this project. It's interesting that rather than focusing on the current VR trend, Microsoft has taken a AR route. From a business aspect, It'll be interesting to see towards what application Microsoft will decide to focus on. From the looks of it, it seems that Microsoft will allow developers to decide the future of this headset- rather, than predesigning the application like most VR developers. Nevertheless, this will be interesting to watch play-out.
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising that VR just hit commercial use, and we're already talking about AR coming out next year. AR has many more practical uses in day to day life, as you can keep important statistics and information as an overlay to your eye, while still being able to see the outside world. I know the second the Hololens comes out, I'll be first in line to purchase it.
ReplyDeleteVery cool presentation! I was unaware Microsoft was working on AR. I knew Google recently made one of the biggest investments in history with the new AR company Magic Leap. I'm very curious to see what advantages both companies will try and get
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting tech talk! I'm intrigued to see where this technology will go. I wonder if video games will begin to utilize this technology as well as perhaps the movie industry. The new Hololens could definitely bring an entirely new user experience to both industries.
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