Microsoft releases HoloLens 2, the latest version of its mixed reality tech

Microsoft releases HoloLens 2, the latest version of its mixed reality tech
Second edition is more immersive and comfortable and offers accelerated time-to-value

Elly Yates-Roberts |


Microsoft announced the launch of HoloLens 2, the latest version of its mixed reality technology at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on 24 February. The second edition of HoloLens is more immersive, comfortable and offers accelerated time-to-value compared to its predecessor. 

According to a blog post by Julia White, corporate vice president of Microsoft Azure, mixed reality has been transforming the world of work, from construction and manufacturing to teaching. The technology enables users to create a 3D digital environment. 

HoloLens 2 is more immersive as Microsoft has doubled the field of view and made holograms more realistic. It contains eye-tracking sensors to improve the interaction with holograms and users can log in with Windows Hello iris recognition to quickly and securely share the device.

“We have also completely refreshed the way you interact with holograms in HoloLens 2,” said White in the blog post. “Taking advantage of our new time-of-flight depth sensor, combined with built-in AI and semantic understanding, HoloLens 2 enables direct manipulation of holograms with the same instinctual interactions you’d use with physical objects in the real world.”

The comfort and ergonomics of the HoloLens have also been improved using carbon-fibre for better balance, lighter weight and can easily be adjusted to fit almost anyone. 

“The new dial-in fit system makes it comfortable to wear for hours on end, and you can keep your glasses on because HoloLens 2 adapts to you by sliding right over them,” said White. 

The technology’s time-to-value has been accelerated by Microsoft applications such as Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, Layout and the new Guides applications. The network of Microsoft partners also provides a range of mixed reality offerings across industries. 

HoloLens 2 will be available this year for US$3,500. 

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