Microsoft Ends HoloLens 2 Production, Discontinues MR Headset; Know Why
Microsoft to reportedly discontinue the HoloLens 2 headset to shift focus from mixed reality hardware amid rising competition from Apple and Meta's devices
New Delhi, October 2: Microsoft has reportedly announced that it is discontinuing its HoloLens 2 headset. Microsoft HoloLens 2 was initially launched as a tool for augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) solutions for businesses and industrial applications. The announcement was expected since Microsoft had already hinted at moving away from mixed reality hardware several times. However, Microsoft’s decision indicates a shift in focus away from this product line.
As per a report of Moneycontrol, Microsoft has officially announced that it is discontinuing the HoloLens 2 headset. The company seems to be realigning its vision and resources to focus on other technological advancements. The HoloLens 2 was introduced in 2019 with improvements from its predecessor. It features a wider field of view for allowing its users to see more of their surroundings at once, and offers a higher resolution for clearer and more detailed visuals. Additionally, the HoloLens 2 includes advanced eye-tracking technology and hand-tracking capabilities. Microsoft Copilot Update: Tech Giant Adds Voice, Vision, Think Deeper and Other Capabilities Along With New Design to Its AI Assistant.
Microsoft's decision to discontinue the HoloLens 2 comes during a time when competitors like Apple and Meta are making progress with their own devices, such as the Vision Pro and the Quest series. According to a report of UploadVR, the HoloLens headset, which was released in 2016 and discontinued in 2018, will stop receiving software support after December 10, 2024. The HoloLens 2 will still get updates to fix important security problems and software issues until December 31, 2027. However, in 2028, the support for HoloLens 2 will also come to an end. Microsoft New Update: Tech Giant Introduces New ‘Correction’ Feature; Check Details and Know How It Works.
The announcement was entirely not unexpected, as Microsoft had previously hinted that it might step back from the mixed reality hardware. In January 2023, the company laid off teams that were focused on virtual reality, mixed reality, and the HoloLens project. It suggests that Microsoft is shifting its priorities and may be looking to focus on other areas of technology rather than continuing to develop mixed-reality hardware.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2024 02:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).