Microsoft’s Hololens and augmented reality will change everything about the way we live (eventually).
This week Microsoft revealed a prototype for its virtual reality platform titled Hololens. "Mixed Reality" is coming, and it's going to be totally awesome.
This week Microsoft revealed a prototype for its virtual reality platform titled Hololens. "Mixed Reality" is coming, and it's going to be totally awesome.
The video promo shows people wearing the goggles to work, communicate, and play, as the lens projects virtual images onto the viewer’s world. The device, if successful, will feel less bulky than the Oculus rift and be more functional. This isn't virtual reality but more like an augmented reality. (Think Iron Man's futuristic garage).
A designer is able to visualize changes to a motorcycle in real time, on the actual bike. A man skyping with a woman is able to “draw” on her surroundings to help her fix her plumbing. A scientist projects the surface of Mars in his lab so he can examine a rock formation. Hololens will allow a person to be able to interact, virtually, with an environment thousands of miles away.
A designer is able to visualize changes to a motorcycle in real time, on the actual bike. A man skyping with a woman is able to “draw” on her surroundings to help her fix her plumbing. A scientist projects the surface of Mars in his lab so he can examine a rock formation. Hololens will allow a person to be able to interact, virtually, with an environment thousands of miles away.
Now, this vision of the Hololens is far off. The prototype that journalists were allowed to test drive is an ugly bundle of wires and circuit boards. The device's potential, however, is compelling. This type of augmented reality could change the way we do almost everything.
Doctors could get real time vitals while in surgery without having to look away. Artists will have a field day experimenting with 3D digital drawing. Family members will be able to project a loved one onto their sofa during Skype sessions. Gamers, as seen in the promo, will be able to experience total immersion. The possibilities are just about limitless.
Doctors could get real time vitals while in surgery without having to look away. Artists will have a field day experimenting with 3D digital drawing. Family members will be able to project a loved one onto their sofa during Skype sessions. Gamers, as seen in the promo, will be able to experience total immersion. The possibilities are just about limitless.
So when can we expect this technology to hit the market? Not anytime soon, according to Microsoft. The device is still in its early stages, going by the moniker “Project Baraboo.” While initial impressions are good, the impressive sounding device still has a lot of kinks, and won’t be ready for at least a few years. This type of technology is currently the distant future of interface. While far off, it will change how we interact with the digital world forever.
-Nicholas Farrell, Editor in Chief
-Nicholas Farrell, Editor in Chief