14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft presented a new device during its Windows 10 conference at its Redmond headquarters, again powered by Windows 10, but this time providing a completely unexpected set of tools for those who think that VR is the future.
Called Microsoft HoloLens, the new device is referred to as “the world's first untethered holographic computer” and it does not require any wires or connection to a computer.
HoloLens works with what Microsoft calls Windows Holographic, a set of APIs embedded in Windows 10 that makes it possible for the VR helmet to generate holograms and make them interactive for the user.
Obviously, the headset comes with very advanced technology that includes sensors, its very own CPU and GPU chips, a holograhic processing unit, spatial surround sound, and next-gen lenses.
“Microsoft HoloLens allows you to view holograms in high definition and hear them in surround sound, even if they are behind you. And with advanced sensors, Microsoft HoloLens can see what you are looking at and understand what you are communicating with your hands and voice,” Microsoft's Terry Myerson explained.
“By putting you at the center of the Windows 10 computing experience, Microsoft HoloLens allows you to create, access information, enjoy entertainment, and communicate in new and exciting ways.”
Create your own holograms
In addition to these two products, Microsoft has also showcased a new piece of software called HoloStudio, that allows users to create their very own holograms which could then be brought to life with 3D printers.
In essence, Microsoft not only tries to compete with Google's very own Glass but it creates a pair of augmented-reality goggles that can help you perform way more tasks than what Google Glass supports right now.
Microsoft says that with HoloLens you'll be able to make the environment fully interactive and become productive in a way you've never seen before.
In a demo during the Windows 10 event on Wednesday, Microsoft showed Metro apps becoming fully interactive through this system, making it possible for human beings to work with them by simply touching them in the air. HoloLens basically creates a virtual reality that's entirely based on real-life elements.
At this point, there is no release date for all these products, but given the fact that Microsoft is working at full speed on its Windows 10 efforts, expect them to see daylight sometime this year.
