Showcasing the possibilities of holograms in Windows 10, Microsoft HoloLens is the world’s first untethered holographic computer – no wires, phones or connection to a PC needed.
Microsoft has branched out to Windows 10 hardware partners to get involved in creating virtual and augmented reality devices through giving them access to the HoloLens platform, Windows Holographic.
Microsoft made the announcement during its keynote at Computex in Taiwan and hopes that it will ramp up its ‘mixed reality’ vision where devices interact with each other to change the way people work, communicate, learn and play.
Microsoft estimates there will be about 80 million virtual reality devices hitting the market every year by 2020, and highlighted there were potential business opportunities that are yet to be realised.
Windows Holographic provides a holographic shell and user interface, perception APIs, and Xbox Live services, enabling a familiar experience across apps and content, and all universal Windows apps can run on the platform.
Microsoft said the devices and experiences that are currently in the market do not work together because of different user interfaces, interaction models, input methods, peripherals and applications.
To help combat this, Microsoft is also working with Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, HTC, Acer, Asus, Dell, Falcon Northwest, HP, Lenovo, MSI and other vendors to help build a hardware ecosystem that will support virtual reality experience on Windows 10.
