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BARCELONA—My introduction to the HoloLens 2 augmented-reality headset started with an iridescent hummingbird floating in my hand and ended with my performing some light mechanical repair.
That’s the kind of transition Microsoft (MSFT) is attempting with what it calls “mixed reality,” technology that overlays computer-generated objects onto the real world.
With HoloLens 2, introduced at the MWC Barcelona trade show here Sunday evening, the company wants to make mixed reality a workflow item in industries as varied as health care, transportation and construction. For you, the consumer, that means the things you already buy, use or occupy will become a little more reliable and efficient.
Hands-on, on-head report
The $3,500 HoloLens 2 (available for pre-order and shipping later this year) combines two transparent displays with twice the field of view of the original’s screens, an array of sensors that now track where your eyes move and a Qualcomm (QCOM) Snapdragon 850 chipset.
The virtual bird that fluttered above my outstretched hand after a quick setup session served as a sort of dessert before the main course: using the HoloLens 2 to summon remote coaching to get a malfunctioning drive belt in an equipment cabinet working again.
The support rep who appeared in a video window floating in front of me could see what I saw, thanks to the cameras on the front of the HoloLens 2, and could overlay his own advice—for instance, pointing out a button with a green arrow.
HoloLens objects aren’t just there to look at; the system can sense the position of your fingers, allowing you to push virtual buttons that respond with a satisfying click. A couple of times, however, I struggled with the depth for the window or chart floating in front of me.
In a few minutes, I’d identified and replaced the failing part (a fraying belt) without injury to myself, which is not something I can say for all my DIY home-maintenance adventures.
With its weight balanced atop my head, the HoloLens 2 felt comfortable to wear. Developers complained of the discomfort when wearing the earlier model.
“Improving the center of gravity is huge,” said Jordan Higgins, head of immersive experience, at Arlington, Va.-based ByteCubed Labs. “Being so front-heavy made it very difficult for people to wear for long periods of time.”
Use cases
During Sunday’s HoloLens 2 unveiling, Microsoft executives touted such customers as Alaska Airlines (ALK), the defense contractor General Dynamics (GD), toy vendor Mattel (MAT) and the construction-services firm Trimble (TRMB), which will sell a version of HoloLens 2 built into a hard hat.