HoloLens 2

Microsoft HoloLens logo 2015

HoloLens 2 is a pair of mixed reality smartglasses developed and manufactured by Microsoft. It is the successor to the original HoloLens, which was introduced in 2016. The HoloLens 2 was officially announced on February 24, 2019, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, and began shipping in November 2019. It is designed to blend digital content into the physical world, enhancing tasks from complex surgery and industrial design to simple daily activities with immersive, interactive holographic experiences.

Development and Features

The development of HoloLens 2 focused on three key areas: immersion, comfort, and time-to-value. Microsoft aimed to significantly improve these aspects based on feedback from the first-generation HoloLens users.

Immersion

HoloLens 2 offers a more immersive experience than its predecessor, thanks to advancements in holographic technology. It features a see-through holographic lens (waveguide) that uses a 2k 3:2 light engine for each eye. This improvement doubles the field of view (FOV) compared to the original HoloLens, while maintaining the holographic density of 47 pixels per degree of sight. The device also includes eye-tracking sensors to make interacting with holograms even more natural and intuitive.

Comfort

Microsoft redesigned HoloLens 2 for better ergonomics and longer wearability. It has a lighter carbon fiber build and features a dial-in fit system for a more comfortable, custom fit. The balance of the device has been improved, reducing front heaviness and making it more comfortable for extended use. The thermal management system has also been enhanced to distribute heat more evenly.

Time-to-Value

With HoloLens 2, Microsoft introduced improvements aimed at helping businesses and developers get more value from the device in less time. It runs on a custom-built Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) and an ARM processor, which allows for more significant computational capabilities on the device itself. The HoloLens 2 supports hand tracking and voice commands, enabling users to interact with holograms in a more natural and efficient way. It also offers improved battery life and Wi-Fi connectivity, making it more practical for a range of professional applications.

Applications

HoloLens 2 has a wide range of applications across various industries. In healthcare, it is used for surgical visualization and patient education. In manufacturing, it assists with complex assembly, training, and maintenance. The device is also used in education for immersive learning, in construction for site planning and review, and in retail for customer experience enhancement.

Software

The HoloLens 2 operates on Windows Holographic, a version of Windows specifically designed for mixed reality. It supports a range of applications available through the Microsoft Store, and developers can create custom applications using Microsoft's Mixed Reality Toolkit. The device is also compatible with various third-party platforms and tools, enabling a broad ecosystem of mixed reality content.

Reception

The HoloLens 2 has been generally well-received, with praise for its improved field of view, comfort, and application potential. However, its high price point and the niche nature of mixed reality technology have limited its adoption primarily to enterprise and professional users.

Conclusion

HoloLens 2 represents a significant step forward in mixed reality technology, offering enhanced immersion, comfort, and utility. While it is primarily targeted at professional and industrial applications, its development continues to pave the way for broader adoption of mixed reality in everyday life.