Microsoft sees a future in Holograms with HoloLens

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

"Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope."

Microsoft's big next-gen technology play will be holograms, or at least the company's 'version' of this immersive virtual reality experience.

Just as rival Google has placed its Google Glass project in the hands of a new team, Microsoft revealed it has been working on its own augmented reality headset and glasses called HoloLens.

"Microsoft HoloLens puts you at the center of a world that blends holograms with reality. With the ability to design and shape holograms, you’ll have a new medium to express your creativity, a more efficient way to teach and learn, and a more effective way to visualize your work and share ideas. Your digital content and creations will be more relevant when they come to life in the world around you."

The name may be misleading as the HoloLens seems to be a virtual reality or augmented reality headset. Holograms, by their scientific definitions (or at least what we've learned from science fiction) are projected images that recreate 3D image in space. A perfect example of this is this and, even better,  this.

What makes HoloLens different from other wearable/ VR goggle devices is that Microsoft has already started work on various applications and 'experiences' beyond simple gaming.

The company will has been working on the hardware for five years and developers have already started making applications for this.

The video above shows the scope of applications for this from remote coaching, to immersive experiences like virtually visiting a place as well as designing and altering objects in 3D just like Tony Stark does in Iron Man.

Pricing, availability and other details pertaining to HoloLens haven't not been made available but we should get a clearer picture once Windows 10 is released.