VR is great and all, but let’s not forget Microsoft’s incredible looking HoloLens either. The augmented reality (AR) headset from Microsoft is basically a new wearable computer that projects holograms into the real world, essentially creating an all new paradigm for computing- if this is done right.
With Microsoft getting serious about HoloLens, some more information about the headset has started to leak out- according to Microsoft’s Bruce Harris, who was speaking at a conference, HoloLens will have a battery life of up to 5 hours at a time, though it could theoretically go as low as 2.5 hours, based on usage. That is a bit of a bummer, but it is also no different than the battery life on handhelds like the Nintendo 3DS or the PlayStation Vita.
The question of the field of view on the HoloLens has also been a long asked one, and one that Microsoft have admittedly been cagey about answering so far. However, it now appears as though the field of view in which holograms will be projected will be 15 inches, as viewed from a couple of feet away. It’s… honestly a little disappointing, I’ll be honest, but as long as the HoloLens actually works as advertised within that FoV, I can see it still having a market.
HoloLens development kits are now being sent out, for a charge of $3,000. No word yet on its consumer release.
