In short
- Enhanced Features: HoloLens 2 offers a larger field of view, intuitive hand gestures, and voice control, making it more user-friendly and powerful.
- Use Cases: It’s ideal for training, design, remote collaboration, and maintenance, providing hands-free access to vital information and holographic guides.
- Technical Specs: Includes advanced sensors, high-resolution displays, and built-in WiFi, offering robust mixed reality experiences for various professional applications.
Step into the future with Microsoft’s HoloLens 2, the next evolution in mixed reality technology(MR), Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality(VR). This second-generation device isn’t just an upgrade from the first generation HoloLens it’s a profound transformation designed to supercharge collaboration, innovation, and productivity in fields ranging from engineering and design to education.
Like we mentioned, the HoloLens 2 is the second version of Microsoft’s groundbreaking mixed reality headset. It’s a device you wear on your head, with a visor in front of your eyes, which allows you to interact with digital information in a completely new way.
It’s a self-contained unit with its own computer and built-in WiFi, which can access data stored on the device itself, the Azure cloud, or the general web. Compared to the previous model, it’s almost an entirely new product with more computing power, better sensors, longer battery life, and a few additional features worth mentioning.
It has a larger field of view (FOV), which means the user can see more information at once, making the device more useful for applications that display a lot of data.
There are brand new, more intuitive hand gestures that allow for easier manipulation of content. Any command can be a combination of hand movements and voice control. One obvious improvement over the old model is that the device is smaller and lighter, making it much more comfortable to wear and work with for extended periods of time. We can expect this to enable longer daily usage sessions.
In this guide, we’ll explore how the enhanced features and applications of the HoloLens 2 make it more than just a tool, it’s your new portal to interacting with and shaping augmented realities. Get ready to unlock the full potential of this revolutionary technology and see what makes the HoloLens 2 indispensable for professionals and tech enthusiasts alike.
For those of you who prefer a really short video to introduce you to this device, watch the video:
[ Get the HoloLens 2 from Microsoft ]
Why HoloLens 2?
There are several good reasons why an individual or company may want to use the HoloLens 2. For workers who need to refer to instructions, manuals, or other materials while keeping their hands free, the ability to see this information right in front of their eyes is extremely useful.
You can imagine how useful this would be for car manufacturing plants or factories that make medicines etc, this is just off the top of my head but I hope you get my point.
Companies can use the HoloLens 2’s mixed reality capabilities for training purposes, allowing employees to practice tasks in a simulated, risk-free virtual environment. The easy-to-use hand motions and voice commands make it simple to interact with and control 3D models and visualizations, which has applications across fields like engineering, architecture, and manufacturing.
For businesses, providing employees with HoloLens 2 devices could increase productivity and reduce mistakes by giving them hands-free access to important data and information while they work.
The improved visuals and greater processing power also enable exciting new possibilities for immersive gaming and entertainment experiences that no other headset can match.
HoloLens 2 Features
- Natural Interactions
- Intuitive hand tracking with 25 points for manipulating holograms
- Built-in voice commands for hands-free operation
- Eye tracking for adapting holograms to user’s gaze
- Enhanced Mixed Reality
- 2x larger field of view than original HoloLens
- Spatial mapping for anchoring holograms to real environments
- High-Resolution Holographic Displays
- Lightweight, Wireless, Mobile Design
- Microsoft Teams Integration for Holographic Collaboration
- Secure Windows Hello Iris Recognition
- Access to Business Mixed Reality Apps(we will be highlighting a new app each week) & Microsoft Dynamics 365
How do I get HoloLens 2?
Before we get to the juicy examples, if you want to get this device right now, you have two options that we highly recommend which is getting the HoloLens 2 either from these 2 sources.
Normally, HoloLens 2 starts at $3,500 for the normal package, $4,950 for the industrial edition and it goes up to $5,199 for the hard hat integrated model.
Both choices are fine, it depends on what you want but it is better to get it directly from Microsoft’s official website just to make things easier for you.
5 ways to use HoloLens 2
1. Revolutionize Training
The HoloLens 2 can display holographic instructions and 3D models right in a trainee’s work area. They can even use their hands and sensitivity to grab things remotely. This could greatly improve complex training procedures like machinery repairs, medical simulations, or even provide step-by-step guides for assembling furniture that are much clearer than just paper manuals.
2. Boost Design and Collaboration
Architects and engineers can use the HoloLens 2 to visualize 3D models of buildings while using voice commands and structures at true-to-life scale in the real world around them. This allows teams to collaboratively design together, interact with the holographic models, and make changes right on the spot.
3. Enhance Remote Collaboration
The HoloLens 2 facilitates remote collaboration by allowing users in different locations and a larger field of view that allows you to share the same holographic viewing experience. For example, a surgeon could use it to virtually consult with a specialist who can also visualize and examine 3D medical scans together in real-time for faster diagnosis.
4. Transform Maintenance and Repair
Repair technicians can use the HoloLens 2 to access holographic manuals and schematics of complex machinery while they work hands-on. It can highlight specific components needing repair, overlay step-by-step troubleshooting instructions, and provide clear visual guidance for intricate procedures.
5. Visualize Data in New Ways
With the HoloLens 2, users can interact with and explore 3D data visualizations in an immersive environment. Imagine a financial analyst examining holographic stock charts from all angles or a scientist walking around and manipulating a 3D model of an extremely complex molecular structure.
If you prefer to watch a short video on some of the capabilities of Microsoft’s HoloLens 2, watch the video below:
How does HoloLens 2 Look Like?
Here are some HoloLens images that we collected that will give you a clear picture how it looks like and how it will look like if you decide to get one for yourself or organization.
HoloLens 2 Specs
Processing
- Custom 2nd-gen Holographic Processing Unit (HPU)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 Platform
Displays
- Two 2K (2560 x 1440) light engines
- 52° diagonal field of view
Sensors
- 4 visible light cameras for head tracking
- 2 IR cameras for eye tracking
- 1MP time-of-flight depth sensor
- IMU (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer)
Cameras
- 8MP photo camera
- 1080p video camera at 30fps
Audio
- 5 microphone array
- Spatial sound speakers
Memory & Storage
- 4GB LPDDR4x RAM (Confirmation pending on any upgrade, some websites claim it be upgraded to 8GB ram)
- 64GB UFS 2.1 storage
Connectivity
- WiFi 5 (802.11ac 2×2)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- USB Type-C
Battery
- 2-3 hours of typical usage
Security
- Windows Hello iris recognition
Community Poll
Conclusion
HoloLens 2 is more than just a cool gadget, it’s a transformative tool that seamlessly blends the digital and physical worlds through cutting edge mixed reality technology.
Whether you’re a designer envisioning new products, an engineer building complex structures, an educator providing immersive training, or simply someone excited about innovative tech, the HoloLens 2 can significantly expand your ability to interact with and manipulate your surroundings in powerful new ways.
It allows you to bring your visionary ideas to vivid, holographic life right before your eyes. I personally cannot wait to see what the future holds, this tech is simply ahead of its time, just imagine once Copilot is fully integrated into this device, wow. On top of this, I recommend you check out some of the best business apps for your HoloLens 2 and it’s accessories.
If you want to stay ahead of your competitors and have an advantage, don’t sleep on this.
