The Microsoft HoloLens might arrive at retail stores in 2020 as per rumors. Microsoft's augmented reality (AR) tech has more functions aside from gaming that makes it suitable in the workplace setting.
Microsoft could launch a consumer version of its HoloLens device five years from now as per Alphr's report. Satya Nadella, CEO at Microsoft, said that the Microsoft HoloLens is on a "five-year journey", suggesting the arrival date of the device on retail stores would be in 2020.
Before the consumer version launches, Microsoft is rolling out a developer version of the Microsoft HoloLens in the first quarter of 2016. It will reportedly make a "hands-on tour" in Canada and the U.S. during October to November to show people what augmented reality has to offer. The developer version costs $3000 according to the report.
It is said that the Microsoft HoloLens is different from other AR competitors in that it has many applications in the workplace and not just focused on games. Venture Capital Post stated in an earlier report that the HoloLens device can be used to perform tasks faster to increase productivity. The Microsoft HoloLens recently made it to news reports when NASA attempted to launch the device in space to provide inventory management assistance for astronauts.
The Microsoft HoloLens is a standalone headgear which makes it versatile enough to be used in a wide variety of tasks and applications. The virtual reality device offers much promise and ASUS is eyeing to make its own version of the HoloLens according to a report by Business Insider UK. The company's chairman Jonney Shih said that he is considering creating an ASUS augmented reality device.
Microsoft will reportedly make the Windows Holographic platform open to its hardware partners. It also means that Windows 10 apps can be transformed into holograms.
The developer version of the Microsoft HoloLens is priced at $3,000. The estimated price of the consumer version that will probably arrive in 2020 is around $1,000.
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