Microsoft Reveals HoloLens Specifications

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Microsoft has lifted the lid on HoloLens, its spiffy advanced augmented reality headset, a development version of which is due to start shipping at the end of March. As well as a detailed look at the headset's specifications, there's also info on a selection of the device's features, including its functionality as "fully untethered and self-contained," meaning you don't need a console or PC to use it, with Windows 10 built into it.​

That means you can access the Windows 10 apps store directly using HoloLens, and the device itself is powered by a custom-built Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) alongside an Intel 32-bit architecture. The HPU is made using custom silicon that "allows HoloLens to understand gestures and gaze while mapping the world all around you, all in real time," according to Microsoft's announcement.​

See-through holographic lenses utilise an advanced projection system to "generate multi-dimensional full-colour holograms with very low latency so you can see holographic objects in your world" that are all "light point rich," creating the illusion that they're all anchored within the real-world.​

"To achieve this, HoloLens has been designed for optimal holographic density of 2.5K radiants. The more radiants and light points there are, the brighter and richer the holograms become," Microsoft explains. Integrated cameras also enable users to record and share 'mixed reality captures' (MRC) that are "HD pictures and images of the holograms in the world around you". A Bluetooth 4.1 clicker can be used alongside it.​

HoloLens also allows for gestures and voice commands through which you can communicate with apps "to create and shape holograms", using your gaze to navigate. "HoloLens understands your gestures, gaze, and voice, enabling you to interact in the most natural way possible. With spatial sound, HoloLens allows you to hear holograms from anywhere in the room, even if they are behind you."​

Pre-orders for Microsoft's HoloLens dev kit have gone live, but the price is a bit tasty at $3000. A game featuring a younger version of Rare's Conker, fittingly titled Young Conker, first-person holographic shooter RoboRaid and crime-solving story game Fragments will launch alongside HoloLens on 30th March. Find out more about those here, and check out the full specs below.​

Processors

• Intel 32 bit architecture
• 
  Custom-built Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit (HPU 1.0)
  

Power

• Battery life: 2-3 hours of active use
  Up to 2 weeks of standby time
• Fully functional when charging

[*]Passively cooled (no fans)

Memory

• 64GB Flash
• 2GB RAM (2GB CPU and 1GB HPU)

OS and Apps

• Windows 10
• Windows Store

Weight

• 579g

Optics

• See-through holographic lenses (waveguides)
• 2 HD 16:9 light engines
• Automatic pupillary distance calibration
• Holographic Resolution: 2.3M total light points
• Holographic Density: >2.5k radiants (light points per radian)

Sensors

• 1 IMU
• 4 environment understanding cameras
• 1 depth camera
• 1 2MP photo / HD video camera
• Mixed reality capture
• 4 microphones
• 1 ambient light sensor

Human Understanding

• Spatial sound
• Gaze tracking
• Gesture input
• Voice support

Input / Output / Connectivity

• Built-in Speakers
• Audio 3.5mm jack
• Volume up/down
• Brightness up/down
• Power button
• Battery status LEDs
• Wi-Fi 802.11ac
• Micro-USB 2.0

https://youtu.be/uQeOYi3Be5Y

 

Very nice and neat hardware, I wonder how much it will cost.