We’ve been waiting for a Microsoft virtual reality something or other for a while now and finally, during the Windows 10 event, we were introduced to the HoloLens, which is neither VR or even augmented reality but “high definition holograms” according to Chief Inventor Alex Kipman.
But what does that even mean? The demo presented didn’t have holographic projections. Rather they were projections from a seemingly well constructed augmented reality device. AR devices like Epson’s Moverio attempt the same thing: interacting with digital content while wearing AR glasses. Microsoft has simply taken it a step further and supposedly improved the design, no doubt thanks to its massive amount of resources.
So why is Microsoft calling the HoloLens a holographic experience? Likely because the market is entrenched with burgeoning VR and AR devices. This industry isn’t new but it’s beginning to gain traction and popularity because people are starting to do it right.
Where Sony has its foot firmly in virtual reality with Project Morpheus, Microsoft now has the HoloLens and apparently holograms. It almost sounds like a marketing gimmick to keep up with the generations of Oculus Rift head mounted displays, and to stay ahead of …read more