The company had teased this possibility in the coming weeks and it has officially unveiled the HoloLens 2 mixed reality headset today. The company says that this product is meant to change “the way work gets done.” It mentions that the new headset is going to be more comfortable and immersive than its predecessor. The HoloLens 2 has double the field of view which keeping the same 47 pixels per degree of sight. Microsoft says that this is the same as moving up from a 720p TV to a 2K set for each individual eye.
The HoloLens 2 is capable of tracking the user’s retinas to know exactly where they’re looking. It’s also going to have support for Windows Hello authentication right out of the box. According to Microsoft, the headset has a new time of flight depth sensor that can track the user’s hands without requiring a controller.
Microsoft has improved the comfort by using light carbon fiber material and has also made tweaks to thermal management so that the headset runs cooler overall. A dial is present for tightening the main headband while the visor can easily flip up as well.
Despite all of these improvements, the new HoloLens headset is still meant for enterprise customers. Businesses will be allowed to customize the HoloLens headset before they purchase a fleet. Microsoft is going to start shipping it later this year for $3,500 in the United States, China, Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Say hello to #HoloLens2. pic.twitter.com/eVBQ9OUeM1
— Microsoft HoloLens (@HoloLens) February 24, 2019