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Microsoft markets the HoloLens as holographic, but it is not. Microsoft misunderstands what holograms are.

Microsoft markets the HoloLens as holographic, but it is not. Microsoft misunderstands what holograms are.

Unlike the [[Oculus Rift]] and other [[Virtual Reality#Devices|VR Devices]], the eye-piece component of HoloLens is transparent and the headset requires neither PC nor smartphone. It is able to project high-definition (HD) virtual content over real world objects using its see-through display. <ref name=”one”>Microsoft. Microsoft HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens</ref><ref name=”two”>Microsoft. Why HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/why-hololens</ref>

Unlike the [[Oculus Rift]] and other [[Virtual Reality#Devices|VR Devices]], the eye-piece component of HoloLens is transparent and the headset requires neither PC nor smartphone. It is able to project high-definition (HD) virtual content over real world objects using its see-through display.<ref name=”one”>Microsoft. Microsoft HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens</ref><ref name=”two”>Microsoft. Why HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/why-hololens</ref>

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Microsoft HoloLens runs a self-contained Windows 10 computer.  It features an HD 3D optical head-mounted display, spatial sound projection and advanced sensors to allow its users to interact with AR applications through head movements, [[#Gesture|gestures]] and [[#Voice|voices]]. Microsoft has said that “The key to a great holographic experience is holograms that are light point rich, i.e. have a high holographic density, and are pinned or anchored to the world around you. To achieve this, HoloLens has been designed for optimal holographic density of 2.5K radiants. The more radiants and light points there are, the brighter and richer the holograms become.” <ref name=”four”>Roberts, J. (2016). What is HoloLens? Microsoft’s holographic headset explained. Retrieved from http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinion/hololens-release-date-news-and-price-2922378</ref>

Microsoft HoloLens runs a self-contained Windows 10 computer.  It features an HD 3D optical head-mounted display, spatial sound projection and advanced sensors to allow its users to interact with AR applications through head movements, [[#Gesture|gestures]] and [[#Voice|voices]]. Microsoft has said that “The key to a great holographic experience is holograms that are light point rich, i.e. have a high holographic density, and are pinned or anchored to the world around you. To achieve this, HoloLens has been designed for optimal holographic density of 2.5K radiants. The more radiants and light points there are, the brighter and richer the holograms become.” <ref name=”four”>Roberts, J. (2016). What is HoloLens? Microsoft’s holographic headset explained. Retrieved from http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinion/hololens-release-date-news-and-price-2922378</ref>

HoloLens has various sensors and a high-end CPU and GPU, which Microsoft says gives the headset more processing power than an average laptop. <ref name=”four”></ref>

HoloLens has various sensors and a high-end CPU and GPU, which Microsoft says gives the headset more processing power than an average laptop.<ref name=”four”></ref>

The potential uses of the HoloLens are vast. From social apps to games, to navigation, there’s an incredible potential that this [[mixed reality]] device can tap into. Indeed, Microsoft collaborated with NASA in the making of HoloLens, and there is the potential to control the Mars rover Curiosity via the headset, allowing Nasa staff to work as if they were on the planet themselves. Microsoft also partnered with Volvo to showcase another possible use - using it in car showrooms for customers to view different color configurations for their chosen car and see features in action. <ref name=”four”></ref>

The potential uses of the HoloLens are vast. From social apps to games, to navigation, there’s an incredible potential that this [[mixed reality]] device can tap into. Indeed, Microsoft collaborated with NASA in the making of HoloLens, and there is the potential to control the Mars rover Curiosity via the headset, allowing Nasa staff to work as if they were on the planet themselves. Microsoft also partnered with Volvo to showcase another possible use - using it in car showrooms for customers to view different color configurations for their chosen car and see features in action.<ref name=”four”></ref>

At the end of March 2016, holoportation was showcased. The video demonstration showed how it could be possible - through the use of multiple cameras - to use the HoloLens to view a 3D version of a person. <ref name=”four”></ref>

At the end of March 2016, holoportation was showcased. The video demonstration showed how it could be possible - through the use of multiple cameras - to use the HoloLens to view a 3D version of a person.<ref name=”four”></ref>

While the HoloLens price is high, it is an impressive piece of hardware and indicates that Microsoft is taking the augmented reality and virtual reality markets seriously. <ref name=”three”></ref>

While the HoloLens price is high, it is an impressive piece of hardware and indicates that Microsoft is taking the augmented reality and virtual reality markets seriously.<ref name=”three”></ref>

==Announcement and Release==

==Announcement and Release==

Microsoft HoloLens was announced during a Windows 10 Event on January 21st, 2015. The Development Edition was released on March 30, 2016, for $3,000 or £2,000. It allowed developers to start making apps and games for the headset. Months later, it became available to anyone with a Microsoft account. During the last quarter of 2016, the program expanded beyond the United States into countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Currently, there’s still no information regarding a consumer edition release date. <ref name=”three”>Sophie, C. (2017). Microsoft HoloLens: Everything you need to know about the $3,000 AR headset. Retrieved from https://www.wareable.com/microsoft/microsoft-hololens-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-futuristic-ar-headset-735</ref><ref name=”four”></ref><ref name=”five”>Spence, E. (2017). Microsoft HoloLens Review: Winning the reality wars. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2017/01/14/microsoft-hololens-review-experience-review/2/#4053cf3d43f9</ref>

Microsoft HoloLens was announced during a Windows 10 Event on January 21st, 2015. The Development Edition was released on March 30, 2016, for $3,000 or £2,000. It allowed developers to start making apps and games for the headset. Months later, it became available to anyone with a Microsoft account. During the last quarter of 2016, the program expanded beyond the United States into countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Currently, there’s still no information regarding a consumer edition release date.<ref name=”three”>Sophie, C. (2017). Microsoft HoloLens: Everything you need to know about the $3,000 AR headset. Retrieved from https://www.wareable.com/microsoft/microsoft-hololens-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-futuristic-ar-headset-735</ref><ref name=”four”></ref><ref name=”five”>Spence, E. (2017). Microsoft HoloLens Review: Winning the reality wars. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2017/01/14/microsoft-hololens-review-experience-review/2/#4053cf3d43f9</ref>

==Features==

==Features==

A pair of buttons responsible for brightness is above the left ear while another pair of buttons responsible for volume is above the right ear. In each pair, one of the buttons is concave while the other one is convex. There is also a Power button. These are the only physical inputs - HoloLens is largely controlled by [[#Voice|voice]], [[#Gesture|gesture]] and [[#Gaze|gaze]] along with [[HoloLens Clicker|a bluetooth clicker]]

A pair of buttons responsible for brightness is above the left ear while another pair of buttons responsible for volume is above the right ear. In each pair, one of the buttons is concave while the other one is convex. There is also a Power button. These are the only physical inputs - HoloLens is largely controlled by [[#Voice|voice]], [[#Gesture|gesture]] and [[#Gaze|gaze]] along with [[HoloLens Clicker|a bluetooth clicker]]

5 LEDs are present on the left side of the OHMD. These LEDs display various system statuses such as power and battery conditions. A microUSB port is present for charging and connection. It is possible to use Microsoft HoloLens while it’s charging over microUSB. <ref name=”four”></ref>

5 LEDs are present on the left side of the OHMD. These LEDs display various system statuses such as power and battery conditions. A microUSB port is present for charging and connection. It is possible to use Microsoft HoloLens while it’s charging over microUSB.<ref name=”four”></ref>

'''Power and Connectivity'''

'''Power and Connectivity'''

[[HoloHear]] - Instantly translates speech into sign language for deaf people.

[[HoloHear]] - Instantly translates speech into sign language for deaf people.

[[Teomirn]] - Overlays prompts and instructions on a real piano to help people learn how to play. <ref name=”three”></ref>

[[Teomirn]] - Overlays prompts and instructions on a real piano to help people learn how to play.<ref name=”three”></ref>

==Developer==

==Developer==

[[Windows Device Portal]]

[[Windows Device Portal]]

====HoloLens Emulator====

====HoloLens Emulator====

[[HoloLens Emulator]] allows the user to test Holographic apps on their PCs without the need of a physical HoloLens. The human and environmental inputs that would usually be read by the sensors on the HoloLens are instead simulated using your keyboard, mouse, or Xbox controller. Apps don't need to be modified to run on the emulator and don't know that they aren't running on a real HoloLens. <ref>Microsoft. Using the HoloLens emulator. Retrieved from https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/holographic/using_the_hololens_emulator</ref>

[[HoloLens Emulator]] allows the user to test Holographic apps on their PCs without the need of a physical HoloLens. The human and environmental inputs that would usually be read by the sensors on the HoloLens are instead simulated using your keyboard, mouse, or Xbox controller. Apps don't need to be modified to run on the emulator and don't know that they aren't running on a real HoloLens.<ref>Microsoft. Using the HoloLens emulator. Retrieved from https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/holographic/using_the_hololens_emulator</ref>

==History==

==History==