Microsoft Launches 'Hololens 2': The Future of Mixed Reality #MWC2019

At the MWC 2019 Barcelona, Microsoft officially unveiled the HoloLens 2. The first generation of the Mixed Reality device was introduced back in 2016. Today, Alex Kipman, head of the Microsoft AI and Mixed Reality proposed some significant changes to the revolutionary tech.

Microsoft has refined the display system, making the holographic objects look more real and sharp. By including a time-of-flight depth sensor, Microsoft has finally enabled direct manipulation of digital objects.

The company said that HoloLens 2 adapts to the movement of your hands and fingers, enabling the manipulation in the physical world. For example, when you’re moving or resizing objects, pushing buttons, and even playing notes on a digital Piano.

Apart from the gestures, HoloLens 2 listens and reacts to vocal commands as well. At the launch event, Microsoft engineer Julia Schwarz demoed how she could command a browser window to follow her.

HoloLens 2 also has an eye-tracking sensor where the user can control the holographs with a little movement of pupils. A simple example would be scrolling down content in a web browser just using your eyes. Basically, the same fancy gimmick we saw on Samsung phones, but this time in mixed reality.

On the comfort side, HoloLens uses light carbon-fiber material and a dial-in fit system to make the headgear bearable for extended hours of usage.

Microsoft also introduced new HoloLens apps such as Dynamic 365 Guides, Dynamic 365 Layout. These apps will help users to understand the functionality and the extent of the device better.

Other nitty-gritty aspects of HoloLens is the Battery Life that will last about three hours. Along with this, the device only offers Wi-Fi connectivity and no cellular connection.

HoloLens 2 is priced at $3,500 and is available for pre-order, starting from today. Meanwhile, Microsoft has not come with a specific timeline for the release.