HoloLens is Microsoft's response to Virtual Reality

One step closer to fulfilling the holodeck fantasy...

Published 2015-01-22

Microsoft had a big press conference last night, mainly dedicated to Windows 10. Amongst other things, it was confirmed that Xbox One gaming will be able to stream to Windows 10 units like computers and tablets. That way, you can have the console in your living room, and still play Xbox One in your bedroom on your tablet. A nifty feature, indeed.

It was, however, HoloLens that stole the entire show. It can be described as Microsoft's answer to Virtual Reality, but it's just not really fair. Instead, this is what they call "the most advanced holographic computer the world has ever seen" and makes it possible to see augmented reality in your surroundings at home, and thanks to built in surround sound, you can also hear everything happening.

Even if there are many uses for HoloLens, video games was amongst the first things Microsoft showed off at the press conference and they said Minecraft was already playable during last night for visitors. Unlike other Virtual Reality systems that drains a lot of power from the unit running it, HoloLens has a high-end CPU and GPU, and even a third processor for creating the holograms.

HoloLens will be released while Windows 10 is still relevant, which should mean within 2-3 years from now. Here is a bunch of pictures of the headset itself (which, as you can see, is entirely wireless) and a few examples of what it can look like when you work, view objects - and most important - play games.

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