Microsoft HoloLens: what it’s really like

Summary

The video introduces Microsoft's HoloLens, an augmented reality headset now available for developers and commercial use at $3,000. Reporters from The Verge test it, showcasing features like air tapping and spatial sound in games like Robo Raid, along with holographic app creation in Holo Studio. Unlike virtual reality, HoloLens allows users to see their surroundings, offering a safer, mixed-reality experience. However, its limited field of view hampers immersion. While mainly targeting enterprise, education, and gaming, its consumer potential remains uncertain, with Microsoft hoping app developers will shape its future.

Takeaways

• 🤖 Microsoft has started shipping HoloLens to developers and commercial customers for $3,000.
• 👓 HoloLens is an augmented reality (AR) headset that overlays virtual elements onto the real world.
• 💡 The headset is lightweight and adjustable, fitting around the user's head with a twistable dial for a snug fit.
• 🖱️ Air tapping is the primary gesture for interacting with virtual elements, and there's a 'bloom' gesture to return to the start menu.
• 💻 The device runs on Windows 10, allowing users to perform both AR-specific tasks and normal computer functions like browsing the web.
• 🎮 HoloLens enhances gameplay, like in RoboRaid, using spatial sound to alert the user of attacks and interact with the environment.
• 👩‍💻 Users can create holographic apps through HoloStudio or make Skype calls directly from the headset.
• 🌐 The HoloLens provides a mixed reality experience, blending virtual elements with real-world surroundings, offering depth and spatial recognition.
• 👁️ However, the field of view is limited, making the experience less immersive than a full VR headset.
• 🏢 Microsoft envisions HoloLens being used primarily for enterprise, education, and gaming, but its future in the consumer market is still uncertain.

Q & A

What is Microsoft HoloLens?

Microsoft HoloLens is an augmented reality headset that overlays digital content onto the real world. It allows users to interact with virtual objects while still being aware of their physical surroundings.

Who is the target audience for the HoloLens initially?

Initially, Microsoft is targeting developers, commercial customers, and enterprise users. The headset is seen as being particularly useful in fields like education, enterprise, and gaming.

How do users interact with the HoloLens interface?

Users interact with the HoloLens interface primarily through air tapping, a gesture where they select items by tapping in the air. Another gesture called 'bloom' brings users back to the start menu.

What operating system does HoloLens run on?

HoloLens runs on Windows 10, allowing users to run both HoloLens-specific apps and traditional Windows applications like browsing the web.

How does the HoloLens differ from a virtual reality (VR) headset like the Oculus Rift?

Unlike VR headsets, which block out the physical world completely, HoloLens allows users to still see their surroundings. This makes it a mixed reality experience, where users interact with both virtual and real objects.

What is the purpose of spatial sound in the HoloLens?

Spatial sound in the HoloLens enhances the immersive experience by allowing users to hear where virtual objects are in relation to their physical position, such as hearing enemies attack from behind in games.

What limitations are mentioned about the HoloLens experience?

One limitation mentioned is the limited field of view, which can detract from the immersive experience. It's more like looking at a projection on a wall rather than a fully immersive VR experience.

How does the HoloLens benefit from spatial recognition and depth sensing?

The HoloLens uses spatial recognition and depth sensing to map the real-world environment, ensuring virtual objects interact naturally with physical surroundings. This reduces the risk of users bumping into objects or misjudging distances.

What kind of applications did the video demonstrate on the HoloLens?

The video demonstrated gaming applications like Robo Raid, where users shoot virtual robots, as well as professional applications like Holo Studio, which allows users to create holographic apps.

What is Microsoft's vision for the future of the HoloLens in the consumer market?

Microsoft is still uncertain about the HoloLens' role in the consumer market, but it hopes that app developers will help shape its future by creating innovative applications for consumers.