After other initiatives, the industry is currently experiencing a new wave of excitement around mixed reality. Abbreviated as MR (mixed reality) or XR (eXtished reality), this technology varies depending on the manufacturers. combines virtual elements from the real world with moments of total immersion and price-wise it’s still not very accessible, but it still shows potential.

Besides headphones like Apple Vision Pro, which do not create excitement in the market, Models such as Meta Quest and PlayStation VR2 bring new flavors to this immersive experience navigation, communication or games. There’s also a future attempt from Google and simpler smart glasses like Meta’s Ray-Ban.

But before them, Microsoft was part of this market with a promising product in many sectors, from industrial to entertainment. THE HoloLens It was one of the most daring projects of the Windows owner, but every year it became more and more secret and to this day it is barely remembered even by the biggest fans of the brand.

A new reality for Microsoft

2016 was seen by the industry as a possible turning point for Virtual Reality (VR) and (Augmented) Reality, with the launch of new headsets and the availability of content supporting these formats. THE Oculus RiftStarting this new wave HTC Vive and first PlayStation VR is leading this excitement.

But there was another, even bolder and more promising product in development: Microsoft’s HoloLens, internally called Project Baraboo. Planned since at least 2012served as project leader Alex KipmanBrazilian Microsoft veteran who also oversaw the creation of Xbox motion control platform Kinect.

The first generation of the headset appeared in 2015. (Image: Microsoft/Reproduction)

The introduction of HoloLens took place a year ago, in April 2015, during the Microsoft Build conference. On stage, he stole the show by showing off the product as a surprise and without any prior leaks, showcasing an immersive headset full of possible applications and apparently very intuitive to use.

The idea for a mixed reality device was this: project interactive virtual elements onto screens at user eye level – Like family-sized versions of Minecraft blocks, life-size human skeletons or small car parts.

Months later, Microsoft conducted controlled demonstrations of HoloLens while it was still in the prototype stage, and the reports were as positive as they could be. The device was tested by architects, students, programmers and was highly appreciated by everyone, which led to increased expectations for the product.

HoloLens comes to market

When the excitement is over, HoloLens officially launched in March 2016albeit limited. Developer version previously released to make it possible to create applications and experiences for the product It went on pre-sale for 3 thousand dollars (about R$ 11 thousand in conversion at that time).

Microsoft itself initially confirmed that: HoloLens’ audience would be business — Unlike other headphones of the time, it was aimed at standard consumers. Still, he appeared heavily invested in the success of the venture.

HoloLens sold out more than a year after its launch. (Image: GettyImages)
HoloLens sold out more than a year after its launch. (Image: GettyImages)

First generation of HoloLens Intel Atom x5-Z8100 chip and Microsoft’s own processing unit with a 2.3 MP resolution display. It consisted of: four sensors and one depth camera capturing images of the environment and allowing virtual elements to be incorporated into the screen.

The headset is placed on the back of the neck with a strap that is adjustable in size to keep it stable on the head. On the sides, speakers with spatial sound feature help to feel the sound better. The battery lasted a maximum of three hours of use, but it was possible to use the device with cables. The operating system was Windows 10 but with a modified version. Windows Mixed Reality.

Microsoft is expanding presales to more countries in 2016. the following year Commercial version coming out costing $5,000. During this period, the device was criticized for technical hardware limitations that were not evident in the promotions.

HoloLens has been adapted for combat use. (Image: Microsoft/Description)
HoloLens has been adapted for combat use. (Image: Microsoft/Description)

Another criticism emerged in 2018, when Microsoft signed a contract with the US military to supply headsets to soldiers who would use the screen for combat and training missions. Even officials stated in a letter that the agreement was for military purposes, but the agreement was not made official.

Second and last generation

To at least address the hardware-related issues, Microsoft released HoloLens 2 in February 2019. The second generation was much more powerful, more comfortable for long usage sessions, and promised even more immersion.

The headset brought a wider field of view, intuitive controls on the headset’s physical buttons, 2K resolution lenses, and better cameras.

The device was officially sold as of November for US$3,500 (R$14,300 in direct conversion at the time), but in Brazil it could cost up to R$50,000. However, by this time, the 2016 wave that included this technology was already behind us and was made available in limited numbers.

As the years go by, Microsoft seems to devote less and less space to the project. Alex Kipman left the company in 2022 following accusations of inappropriate behavior, with some of the team laid off the following year. layoffs and other products such as the Xbox division and Copilot AI were prioritized.

The end of the HoloLens line was announced in October 2024, when Microsoft contacted it. end of production of the second generation And We have no plans to launch a new one.. Official support will continue until 2027 and sales will continue until stocks run out.

HoloLens gone wrong?

HoloLens this was not a commercial phenomenon, and far from delivering the full revolution that Microsoft promised,. In one particular field, it has been used successfully in surgeries around the world, including in Brazil, as well as for educational purposes in fields such as engineering and healthcare.

Additionally, industries and design professionals have found ways to leverage Augmented Reality in the workplace. Earphones It is also used as military equipmentno matter how controversial its use in this environment.

HoloLens has been adopted in some industries around the world. (Image: Microsoft/Description)
HoloLens has been adopted in some industries around the world. (Image: Microsoft/Description)

Although it is considered a closed project today, HoloLens helped position mixed reality headsets as an educational and enterprise technology. In the next wave of this industry, which seems imminent, this legacy needs to be taken into account by competitors still fighting for the industry.

Source: Tec Mundo

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