HoloLens 2

HoloLens 2. © Microsoft.

Microsoft has unveiled the second generation of its augmented reality headset. With a wider field of vision and improved ergonomics, the HoloLens 2 addresses the biggest issues with the first-generation device. Each eye has a display of 2,000 x 1,500 pixels, up from 1,268 x 720 pixels. The original HoloLens was front-heavy, crowding in the optics, sensors and compute unit, among other things. The new HoloLens moves the integrated computer to the back of the device, and the front part is built of lightweight carbon fiber, making the headset much better balanced and comfortable. Further, the device now has eye tracking, so it knows where you’re looking. However, battery life hasn’t improved, remaining at about 3 hours. Internally, Microsoft has switched from x86 to ARM, with a personalized version of the Snapdragon 850 processor. Still squarely aimed at the enterprise, the HoloLens 2 is priced at 3,500 USD, or 1,500 USD less than the original version. It will be released this year and is already available for preorder.

⇨ Official Microsoft Blog, “Microsoft at MWC Barcelona: introducing Microsoft HoloLens 2.”

⇨ Ars Technica, “Microsoft unveils HoloLens 2: twice the field of view, eye tracking.”