The second generation of Microsoft’s mixed reality headset, the Hololens 2 is here! If you have been following the news, you might have heard that the Hololens will be discontinued after January 2020. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s going to die out; in fact, there will be many more things coming our way. Microsoft has officially announced that they are working on a successor model to their first-generation Hololens headset. The original Hololens was released back in 2016 and offered users a high level of immersion within various applications. The developers at Microsoft made sure to improve upon everything from the ergonomics, image resolution, and refresh rate all while minimizing latency and reducing motion sickness as much as possible. After a few minor software updates, the second generation HoloLens essentially replaced the original model.
Microsoft HoloLens 2 – A New Beginning
The year 2018 was an important one for the world of wearables. The first generation of Microsoft’s HoloLens was finally replaced by the second generation HoloLens headset https://nsflow.com/blog/microsoft-hololens-2-main-features-use-cases-benefits. The second generation HoloLens greatly improved upon the original wearable. One of the more notable changes was the fact that now the HoloLens 2 was compatible with Windows 10. This meant that users could run everyday activities with far more ease. The improved vision and input was also helpful for those who might want to use the headset for certain types of work. The biggest change, however, was the fact that the HoloLens 2 was now powered by a custom version of Windows 10. This meant that HoloLens 2 would support a much wider range of apps and features.
Microsoft HoloLens 2 – New Features
For the second generation of HoloLens, Microsoft kept things relatively simple while adding more functionality. Some of the most notable features included: – – Improved visuals: The HoloLens 2 improves upon the visuals and performance of the original HoloLens by providing a clearer image, lower latency, and faster refresh rate. – Customized apps: The HoloLens 2 has a new UI that allows for customized apps to be used. This means that the layout can be tailored to the needs of the user. It also allows for virtual keyboard support to be used with apps that require typing. – Integrated 2-in-1 device: The HoloLens 2 can be used as a 2-in-1 device thanks to a new mode that allows for both HoloLens 2 and a Windows PC to be used together. – Color calibration: The HoloLens 2 has a new feature that allows for beginners and experts to calibrate the headset and make sure everything is in order. This includes adjusting the color balance and brightness of the headset. – Remote app improvements: The new remote app has been improved to allow users to enjoy a smoother experience. This includes tracking mouse movement and allowing users to open apps. – New Field Services API: The field services API allows for a more seamless experience between HoloLens 2 and various services. Wearables rely on the API to allow for all sorts of functions to be performed, including telemetry, remote control, and more.
Microsoft HoloLens 2 – What’s next?
As Windows 10 is now the core platform for the HoloLens 2, it’s only natural to expect exciting things to come. The main feature that the HoloLens 2 has that could see use is the integrated 2-in-1 device. With a Snapdragon 845 processor, 6 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage, HoloLens 2 could gain some great gaming features. The HoloLens 2 could also see use for augmented reality in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Given that the HoloLens 2 was designed with a focus on working with people, it seems likely that HoloLens 2 could be used for helping to make this type of industry more efficient.
Google Lens 2.0
Google’s machine learning is still strong, and they’ve been improving the Google Lens app with every new version. In March, Google updated the app so that it would let you swipe left or right to change the lens. This means that users can decide which lens they want to try on the go. Google also opened up the Lens API so that developers can create more Lens-enabled apps. This means that the Google Lens experience will only get better as time goes on.
Magic Leap One: MLT-2 Edition
The Magic Leap One is one of the most engaging mixed reality headsets on the market. Compared to the HoloLens 2, the ML1 is a bit less powerful, but it’s also significantly cheaper. For a fraction of the cost, you can enjoy a headset that creates an immersive experience that’s unlike anything else on the market. Magic Leap One is designed to immerse users within virtual and augmented reality. If you think about it, you can use it for a variety of things. It could be used for gaming or for creating professional-grade content.
Sony PlayStation VR
In the VR world, things have been pretty quiet. That is until this month when it was announced that Sony would be releasing a new model of the PlayStation VR headset. This new PlayStation VR model will have a more comfortable fit and feature a new design that’s more reminiscent of the PS4. The new PlayStation VR will also have a lower price than previous models making it a great introductory VR headset for those who are interested in trying out the technology. These improvements will make the PlayStation VR even more immersive than before. For more immersive experiences, the PlayStation VR is hard to beat.
Conclusion
With the HoloLens 2, the Microsoft Mixed Reality platform is moving from a niche device to a mainstream platform, at least in terms of adoption. With new features like color calibration and the 2-in-1 mode, the HoloLens could be better equipped for modern users. The HoloLens 2 seems like a natural successor to the original HoloLens. The only question is, will Microsoft be able to keep up with the development pace?