What is Microsoft Hololens?

Throwing something of a major curveball during its Windows 10 event, Microsoft officially announced HoloLens – an innovative headset that could arrive around the same time as the Windows 10 launch, later this year.

But what exactly is HoloLens? Is it an Oculus Rift rival or does it have more in common with the discontinued Google Glass?

Here’s what we know so far about the most intriguing and exciting tech announcement of the year so far, including what the potential HoloLens release date could be.

What is HoloLens exactly?

HoloLens is essentially a holographic computer built into a headset that lets you see, hear and interact with holograms within an environment such as a living room or an office space. Microsoft has built the headset without the need to be wirelessly connected to a PC, and has used high-definition lenses and spatial sound technology to create that immersive, interactive holographic experience.

HoloLens Release Date – When will it come out?

Microsoft was coy on a potential HoloLens release date, merely saying that it would come out within the ‘timeframe’ of Windows 10. That could mean this year, but it could just as easily mean next year. Watch this space.

What’s powering the HoloLens?

Under the hood, Microsoft has packed the HoloLens with a series of sensors, along with a high-end CPU and GPU, although it has yet to talk specifics about the chipset architecture.

To create an intuitive interaction with holograms, the HoloLens also includes a Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) to smoothly process real-time data captured by the on-board sensors. Microsoft revealed that it worked closely with NASA to help bring the headset to life.

What will you be able to do with HoloLens?

From the sounds of it, quite a lot. Microsoft presented some of the most interesting potential uses in a video, which you can see above. Among the most interesting, HoloLens will be able to let you view and interact with work projects such as assembling 3D models, play games like Minecraft, video chat with hologram versions of Skype contacts, and even watch live content.

An on-stage demonstration further emphasised the ability to create 3D objects, from assembling to choosing the colours, all using simple gestures that looks very Intel RealSense.

One of the most fascinating uses, at least for the folks at NASA, is the potential to control the Mars rover Curiosity via the HoloLens.

Can you use HoloLens outside?

It’s looking unlikely that you’ll be able to walk down to the shops Google Glass-style with HoloLens. That’s based on the lack of outdoor use in the demonstration video and comments in a Q&A after the main Windows 10 event, where Microsoft claimed that scenarios at work and home will get most value for the innovative technology.

What about apps?

The good news is that Windows 10 universal apps, like the suite of Office apps, Outlook and the new Photos app, will work with the HoloLens. Additionally, Windows 10 will include the APIs to enable developers to create holograms. So there’s the potential there for those who have created apps for other augmented-reality devices like Google Glass, or virtual-reality headsets like the Oculus Rift, to make holographic experiences for Microsoft’s headset.

HoloLens Price – How much will it cost?

There’s no talk of pricing just yet, but Microsoft did confirm in a post-announcement Q&A that it will be priced for both enterprise and consumers to get it into their home or offices. Like any first-generation technology, especially something as innovative as this, we imagine it’s not going to be cheap.

Are you excited by the prospect of Microsoft HoloLens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.