Microsoft HoloLens Could Take Out Google Glass - http://clapway.com/2016/01/18/microsoft-hololens-could-take-out-google-glass-123/

Apple, Facebook and Sony are all about VR. Microsoft is taking a different approach with their HoloLens by taking a stab on Google Glass. Microsoft is choosing to focus more on augmented reality.

Microsoft Dishes Some HoloLens Details

Not much is known about the details of the HoloLens headset itself. Recently, Technical Evangelist Bruce Harris revealed that the HoloLens may not be wired at all. In addition, he shared that Microsoft is already working on a second-generation version of the headset.

Going wireless is for the best. When it comes to AR or VR, having the freedom to move is the essence of the experience. The headset will be connecting to other devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

HoloLens Combines the Best of AR and VR

The features of the HoloLens put it in a seriously competitive position. The headset will be able to run any Windows 10 app and can pair up with other headsets to communicate. Users can even share what they’re seeing with other headsets. The device’s battery life is expected to run for 5.5 hours on basic usage. With more intense usage, users will get a minimum 2.5-hour life. Microsoft had to sacrifice quite a bit for this kind of battery life.

The actual vision is akin to having a 15″ screen right in front of your eyes. This may be small in comparison to other AR headsets. The second generation HoloLens might have the technology and materials to bring in something bigger. Nothing has been shared in regards to price though the developer kit is tagged for $3,000. The retail price will hopefully be more accessible.

What of Google Glass?

Google Glass was in the spotlight for a good fifteen minutes. These fifteen minutes revealed that the world just wasn’t ready for smart glasses. The HoloLens comes in as a combination of the Google Glass and the premise of VR headsets, and it could sell exceptionally better.

Google is reportedly working on a second-generation of Google Glass as well. There is buzz that they may even release two versions, one geared specifically for sports and fitness. Pricing and specs are still AWOL for this, but it could give Google some support in this market.

Microsoft HoloLens Could Take Out Google Glass

Microsoft and Volvo Use HoloLens for Virtual Driving - http://clapway.com/2015/11/21/microsoft-and-volvo-use-hololens-for-virtual-driving123/

Microsoft and Volvo have joined forces, though not to produce a tasteless car-themed phone. They’re collaborating to combine Volvo’s showrooms with HoloLens headsets. Starting next year, Volvo will be able to show clients and investors all of their new cars’ specs and features through Microsoft’s HoloLens.

Microsoft’s HoloLens

Microsoft Volvo HoloLens Tested in Redmond

The two companies have actually recently showcased a model version of the system at Microsoft’s HQ in Redmond, making use of the upcoming S90 luxury car as their subject. Using the HoloLens and the Volvo S90, They were able to display not only holographic versions of the unreleased automobile, but also showcase samples of the car’s parts.

Holograms Are Not Just for Show

Participants were also able to customize the car’s shade as well as bumper. They could even walk around the holograms for a full 360 degree scope. The hologram not only displays specs, but it could take drivers for a virtual test drive to get a better sense of what it would look like to drive these cars.

Another Ploy to Get the HoloLens to Sell More

This is another tactic Microsoft is using to promote their HoloLens. The tech behemoth has actually just finished an 11-city tour of the United States and Canada in an effort to lure programmers to endorse the HoloLens next year for $3,000. Still, this partnership isn’t really just a one-off, as Redmond as well as Volvo plan to collaborate on other car technologies in the future.

Microsoft and Volvo Use HoloLens for Virtual Driving

Hololens to Take Astronauts Farther Than They"ve Gone Before - http://clapway.com/2015/06/27/hololens-to-take-astronauts-farther-than-theyve-gone-before213/

AN ANALOGUE INTERFACE IS CLUMSY, UNLIKE HOLOLENS

Imagine you’re in space, flying blind as you enter another planet’s, let’s say Mars’, atmosphere. Your instruments are working, but you’re guiding the landing craft off of digital displays of velocity, angle, and a slightly lagged estimation of altitude. “You can do it,” you think, because you have before, but you also know how easy it can be to feel nervous at such an analogue and indirect method of landing. Guidance from mission control is nil, seeing as their messages lag twenty minutes behind your reality.

This sort of misfortunate obstacle to planning human ventures deeper into space may no longer be as daunting, thanks to a nifty piece of technology designed by NASA and Microsoft. Known as the “Sidekick,” this holographic lens, or Hololens, it was designed to enhance an astronaut’s interface of the mission parameters with the vast non-directive emptiness of space.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Hololens offers the astronauts two indispensable services. Firstly, land-locked guidance can be offered to astronauts from mission control à la Microsoft’s Skype service. Secondly, the way in which an astronaut actually perceives space, whether in orbit or traveling between planets, will be helped by Hololens’ ability to layer redundant information onto its lens. Space can seem pretty apathetic and nihilistic. A redundant visual interface intended to remind astronauts that they still have a purpose out there will not just help productivity, but surely offer psychological reassurance to any strong relapses of agoraphobia anxiety.

WHAT ARE ITS STATED PURPOSES?

Astronauts will be able to communicate with experts below and comrades in cahoots above with real-time connection. Moreover, anyone linked with an astronaut using Hololens will be able to see what is happening, without having to await an astronaut’s sometimes groggy and circumspect response.

A really cool feature is the possibility for assisting experts to draw or “write” notes over the redundant interface overlaying the astronauts’ perception of outer space, making multitasking jobs more of a walk through the park.

HOW DID ASTRONAUTS MANAGE UP UNTIL NOW?

In the old days, astronauts had to rely on heavy voice instruction and hand-written notes and itineraries during their time up there. Now Hololens, in addition to remediating this hassle, is also going to reduce the amount of time and effort needed to train crews before going into space.

HOW CAN HOLOGRAMS TRAIN AN ASTRONAUT?

Hololens can offer step-wise instructions and illustrations by using higher-orders of redundant holograms to create animated interfaces. After such training, a potential crew would already be well versed in the methods to be used once they achieve orbit.

HOW THIS HELPS US GO FARTHER THAN WE HAVE BEFORE

Many at NASA are excited about Hololens because it will be a powerful counter for arguments raised to put down missions into deep space, namely because of the difficulties arising for a crew when they are distanced, and, consequently, increasingly cut off from any Earth-bound support. Hololens does not need updates from Earth to interface its wearer with the surrounding environment. The Martian landing narrated above may go much more smoothly if the pilot’s autonomy was complemented by Hololens technology.

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Hololens to Take Astronauts Farther Than They"ve Gone Before