Wednesday, Microsoft unveiled its vision of the future of computing.
It uses holograms, and looks dope.
Dubbed HoloLens, the future is in the form headset that takes inspiration from the company’s Kinect product, the motion-sensing device for Xbox and Windows computers.
[VIDEO: Check the HoloLens In Action Below]
Built into the visor is a slew of cameras and sensors that records an incredible amount of data, processes it, and presents it to you through the specially designed lens that allows you to interact with 3D objects in the real world.
The end result is holograms, and interacting with them by using your head and fingers to drag, point, click, and play with them. It’s futuristic to say the least, but shows how Microsoft isn’t resting on its laurels.
The end result calls the notion of having a desk into question. Why, when you can work from anywhere? on a coffee table, in your living room, or in the conference room.
THE WEARABLE FUTURE
So Microsoft’s HoloLens prototype looks like just that: a prototype. But so does Google Glass, the wearable that put a small screen in front of your face. What makes one different from the other? Potential.
While Google Glass puts what is essentially a smartphone screen next to your eye, HoloLens allows you to interact with 3D objects in the real world. It’s a new type of wearable, one that Google can’t touch with Glass.
Transform Your World With Holograms – Microsoft… by ftubehd
More on the HoloLens capabilities on the next page …
NEW BUSINESS MODELS
HoloLens isn’t going to be something you buy to mess around with, at least not yet. In the demo, Microsoft showed it off in business environments, with scientists using it to study rocks on Mars and 3D modelers using it to design gas tanks for motorcycles.
But early adoption of technology like this looks great for businesses who want a leg up
against the competition. Imagine using HoloLens to “try†furniture in your home before you buy? The interactive experience could lead to more user engagement, more sales, and even more word-of-mouth about how your business lets you try before you buy with holograms.It could revolutionize gaming as well. The company showed off a demo of Minecraft, the game Microsoft purchased (along with its developer, Mojang) for $2 billion. The new level of interactivity makes it a much-needed infusion of creativity and excitement into its entertainment division, which has been lagging behind Sony and its PlayStation 4 console.
WINDOWS 10
Microsoft’s announcement of its new HoloLens was accompanied by Windows 10, its upgrade to the current Windows 8 operating system.
Windows 10 is different, as its destined to become Microsoft’s unified platform for all of its devices. That includes tablets, desktops, smartphones, and even its Xbox console. With one operating system running on all platforms, it could streamline Microsoft and how it sells products to consumers and businesses, and help spur adoption of technology like HoloLens.
Could HoloLens be the same sea change in computing that the iPhone was to mobile phones? Possibly. But right now, it’s still a concept. A very cool concept. Check out a video of HoloLens below.