The Microsoft HoloLens 2 augmented reality headset, which was introduced during the mobile world congress, is now available in the market. The new AR glasses are refreshingly easy to use, making it stand out among competitors. It is comfortable, with no controllers, and self-contained— an excellent combination. The next-generation AR headset is built using a Qualcomm system-on-a-chip and is targeted towards enterprises and not personal use, mainly because of its prohibitive pricing.
HoloLens 2 has no controller, hand gestures, and eye-tracking is used for functionality, and it costs around $3,500. HoloLens 2 with Dynamics 365 Remote Assist will cost enterprises a $125 extra per user, per month with enterprise-grade security and no custom development requirement.
Microsoft is also offering a developers program that comes at a cost of $3,500 for the device or an installment pricing of $99 per month. It will come in with Unity Pro and amp; PiXYZ Plugin trial and provides $500 Azure credit.
Businesses like Facebook, Google, Samsung, Microsoft, and Magic Leap are trying to make AR technology more adaptable via mobile phones or dedicated hardware for a while now. Microsoft is building on the idea of cloud processing to apply graphics that will be targeted with the HoloLens 2, placing 3D objects in the real world.
Microsoft has added complete gesture tracking, while the earlier version of HoloLens only had air tap. A user can pinch and drag objects or pull-up menus by tapping on the holographic button that is available on the wrist. It will offer the enterprises with additional options for application switching, which was lacking in the earlier versions. HoloLens 2 is aimed towards the manufacturing sector, where the workers can use hands-free and heads-up displays during maintenance and training.
Microsoft Communications Director Greg Sullivan said that original HoloLens can still be supported, but the developers will need to start building applications that need HoloLens 2 gesture controls. The customer segment for the device will be a combination of initial buyers and new customers. Hololens 2 is still at the beta version of enterprise application, but the hardware up-gradation is a big step forward in the right direction.
