Everything you need to know about the HoloLens headset

Earlier this year Microsoft revealed their HoloLens concept, but they didn't really fill us in on all the details about the amazing gadget. Microsoft had their Build developer conference yesterday, and provided us with some information about what the headset is all about – it’s not just gamers who should be excited! Here’s all you need to know about the HoloLens headset:

What’s it all about? HoloLens is an AR headset (Augmented Reality) headset. It is designed to combined real and virtual reality worlds with some out of this world results. Augmented Reality has been used for many things already, like heads-up displays, projecting speed or even navigation details into your line of sight. BUT HoloLens will provide graphics that are far more impressive, with virtual images that will look completely real.

What’s the difference between AR and VR? The Oculus Rift is a VR (Virtual Reality) gadget. There are some important differences between the two technologies, AR combines virtual images with the real world, VR creates a completely digital environment that you can immerse yourself in. the Oculus Rift and HoloLens look very similar, but you can get a lot more creative with the HoloLens.

Is HoloLens only for gamers? When Microsoft first gave a peak of the HoloLens, it showed it being used to play Minecraft, with the building blocks overlaid in the living room. It looked absolutely amazing, but not all games will be enhanced by using AR technology, and combining Grand Theft Auto V with the real world doesn't seem like the best idea! Fortunately for all the non-gamers, Microsoft has been working on so much more than just games and HoloLens will pop up in lots of different industries.

So, what else can it be used for? At the Microsoft Build event, Microsoft displayed the HoloLens working alongside a robot. Yes, a real robot, but it was combined with a holographic avatar hovering just above it. The end result was quite impressive, as the robot was turned into something much cuter, complete with far more movements, expressions and personality. Okay, so you will probably never need a robot that’s half real and half virtual, but it’s cool to see technology in action.

It’s not just about looks though, Microsoft used HoloLens to give the Robot some impressive skills, like using real-time 3D mapping to help it navigate. Plus, throw in the ability to control the actual robot by interacting with virtual control in HoloLens, and it’s clear to see that there’s a lot more to come for the headset.

What about the HoloLens apps? The HoloLens will only be as good as the software and apps available for it and Microsoft has been working closely with developers to get more uses out of its headset. Here’s a line up of some of their impressive partners, NASA, The Walt Disney Company, Sketchfab and AUTODESK. The HoloLens is likely to be just as popular in industries as it is for regular gamers and gadget lovers.

Will it use Windows 10? Microsoft is always keen to show off the operating system’s cross-platform abilities, and guess what, that stretches to HoloLens too. this means that apps that run on your PC, tablet or smartphone will also be capable of running off the HoloLens. Things are looking particularly bright for those of us who really hate small screens, just think; with HoloLens you will have the ability to plaster apps like Skype or YouTube across your living room wall.

Where can we get one? Don’t take your credit card out just yet; it’s still going to be a while before HoloLens makes it to the shops. The headset is set to launch while Windows 10 is still current though, so you may not have to wait that long!

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Written By; Christine Romans
CopyWriter at The Computer Guyz Cape Town