Microsoft HoloLens Getting Ready To Ship To Developers


If you are a developer and were able to fork over $3,000 for Microsoft’s HoloLens augmented reality headset when receiving an invitation earlier this month, your augmented reality dreams are about to become true. Digital Trends has the news.

“Writer and blogger Rafael Rivera stated on Wednesday morning via Twitter that he has received a shipment confirmation from Microsoft regarding his HoloLens Development Edition unit. Rivera speculates that the device may arrive as early as Wednesday night, depending on the kit’s shipping. So far Microsoft has yet to announce that the developer kits have indeed begun shipping to early testers.”

Microsoft hasn’t confirmed that it is actually shipping any early HoloLens devices, but the first augmented reality devices will indeed start shipping on March 30. Earlier this month, Microsoft sent out emails, one of which was received by the author of this article. Here’s a sample of the letter:

“We are thrilled to let you know that your application for the Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition has been approved. We’ll be sending invitations to purchase in waves as devices become available. You are part of invitation wave 1”

Microsoft has divided people into three different waves. Each HoloLens wave will ship over a two- to three-month period. Microsoft sends purchase links when the device is available. Most wave 1 developers haven’t received a purchase link yet, but they are certainly hoping it will come soon. They are so excited for this device that the $3,000 price tag doesn’t seem to bother them one single bit.

CNET introduced us to the device one year ago.

“Microsoft’s HoloLens, which the company unveiled at its Redmond, Wash., headquarters on Wednesday, is a sleek, flashy headset with transparent lenses. You can see the world around you, but suddenly that world is transformed.”

CNET added that one could see 3D objects floating in midair, virtual screens on the wall of your living room, and one can even be chased by virtual characters running loose.

Microsoft HoloLens
Even the president of China is excited about the HoloLens. [Ted S. Warren/Getty Images]
How does the HoloLens compare to the Gear VR or Oculus Rift? Actually, the HoloLens is a completely different device. Where virtual reality devices such as the Gear VR transport you into another world, an augmented reality device such as the HoloLens brings another world to the one that already exists.

A good example would be sitting down on your couch with the HoloLens. You see your complete living room. Then, you launch a video app that plays a movie screen on your wall. You can still see your dog at the door begging to go out. That wouldn’t be possible using a virtual reality headset.

Meanwhile, Alex Kipman of the HoloLens team just did a recent presentation of the HoloLens and its capabilities. Engadget explains why you should be blown away.

“The company’s Alex Kipman recently presented a TED Talk on HoloLens that included multiple fresh demos illustrating Kipman’s vision of an augmented reality future. He showed off virtual caves and forests, and a space where you could watch TV at one moment and talk to family in the next,” writes author Jon Fingas.

The article adds that the highlight of the presentation occurred when Kipman talked to an avatar of NASA’s Jeffery Norris, who was standing on a recreation of Mars. It sounds like the HoloLens could be the biggest technological creation this decade.

[Photo by Stephen Lam/Getty Images]

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