HoloLens, the augmented reality goggles from Microsoft, was released in 2015 to select developers. The ambitious project is still not available to the mass market. However, despite the limited market, Microsoft revealed that the state-of-the-art goggles have reportedly sold units in thousands already to developing partners. Microsoft creator also teased about their future plans for this new pair of powerful goggles.
Microsoft's HoloLens commercial lead Roger Walkden said in an interview with The Inquirer that they are happy with the turnout of sales of the HoloLens. Walkden emphasized that the product is pricey and they are not really expecting the sales figures to blow up immediately. As of press time, they are content with the thousands of units that were already sold after it was released in November last year.
Walkden further teased that the current HoloLens available on the market is just the first version. The commercial lead revealed that they will be launching new versions in the future as well. However, he could not give details on the possible release date but just confirmed the plan do exist.
Developers can avail of this first version of HoloLens in a Development Kit which has a price tag of $3,000. Corporations have the option to avail of the goggles too in a package called HoloLens Commercial Suite which costs $5,000.
Meanwhile, Alex Kipman, creator of the HoloLens, discussed with CNet more about the current and future plans of Microsoft for this new pair of goggles. Kipman detailed that the product was already launched in 9 various countries including Japan, China and Europe.
In the interview, Kipman explained the three factors they are considering in upgrading the HoloLens. Microsoft values the convenience factor and makes sure that the user will feel comfortable while wearing the goggles.
Second factor being considered is the immersion effect. The goggles should be able to relay that feeling where the user already feels like he belongs in the scene. There should be no distinction between the real world and the digital world and the user should be able to feel immersed in the scene as he can see from the goggles.
Lastly, the HoloLens should have precise transformation factor. The device should have the ability to transform the user to do tasks inside and through the system. This factor provides the greater satisfaction in the mixed reality experience.
Moving forward, Kipman mentioned that they are working on developing the system with other partners. They are aiming to make the product more affordable so they are continuously looking for ways to reduce the cost.
Furthermore, Kipman talked about the potential of developing the HoloLens into a toy in the future. Being a lover of innovation, he expressed how he admired the magic created in the Pokémon Go, where the actual location database was provided and curated so users can enjoy the experience in the real location settings.
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