Microsoft has unveiled the HoloLens 2, an updated mixed-reality device that starts at $3,500 and will support Unreal Engine 4.
Announced by Microsoft at MWC Barcelona, HoloLens 2 focuses on three key areas: immersion, comfort and an execrated time-to-value ratio.
To improve upon HoloLens’ immersion, Microsoft purportedly doubled HoloLens' field of view while maintaining a holographic density of 47 pixels per degree of sight. It features a new display system that achieves this at low power, and includes a new time-of-flight depth sensor for direct manipulation of holograms. On top of this, HoloLens 2 features eye-tracking sensors and iris recognition for security.
The device’s comfort has reportedly been improved by featuring a more balanced center of gravity, utilizing a light carbon-fiber material and a new mechanism that allows users to equip the device without having to readjust it. Vapor chamber technology helps to improve the device’s thermal management while the dial-in fit system makes it more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, even for users wearing glasses.
Lastly, Microsoft focused on “time-to-value” enhancements, aiming to make the device as economically viable to purchasers as quickly as possible. This is done by Microsoft featuring applications like Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, Layout and Guides. These applications, in conjunction with Microsoft’s Azure cloud services, intend to make the admittedly costly device more approachable in various professional fields.
On top of Microsoft’s own support, a more open development ecosystem will include Unreal Engine 4 support. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney came on stage during the device’s announcement to reveal this.
While Unreal Engine 4 is reportedly up and running on the device at Epic, Sweeney said it will be available to all developers using the engine in May. Sweeney didn’t announce any games that may be integrated into the device, instead the software will likely help create 3D spaces in AR apps, though eventual gaming applications could be possible.
HoloLens 2 will be released sometime in 2019 at $3,500 for the device itself. Bundles that include Dynamics 365 Remote Assist start at $125 per user per month.
