Seeking to provide users with the world’s first holographic computer platform, Microsoft have announced that their upcoming Windows 10 operating system will include a set of API’s that will help developers produce holographic experiences for their users. Similar to the basic technology you would expect to see in a futuristic work of fiction, this plans to ultimately allow people to interact with computer features and three-dimensional holograms in the real world.
To complement the API announcement, Microsoft have announced their new “Microsoft HoloLens” device – an untethered holographic computer. Unfortunately this means that like the Oculus Rift and Project Morpheus, you won’t just be able to enjoy the holograms without a device over your head. Microsoft claim that their headsets advanced sensors, next-generation system on a chip and the addition of a completely Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) that understands what you are doing and the world around you will allow their HoloLens kit to go anywhere without any wires while processing terabytes of data from the sensors in real time.
An example of what Microsoft hope to achieve can be seen in their promotional video below:
If Microsoft manage to achieve all their goals and live up to the high expectations they have set themselves up for – this could be a revolutionary way to improve the livelihoods of people and enhance gaming, productivity and general computer use in the 21st century. We just have to hope that the cost won’t be out of the reach of most (Considering they do highlight general home use), and that the HoloLens headset won’t be too stiff so it won’t cause excessive neck strain. After all, if the HoloLens has genuine applications around the home and at work, at the very least you want it to be comfortable.
Of course, there is also the possibility that this becomes a “fad” item like 3D Television’s that sound great at first however don’t receive widespread production for it and becomes more of a niche than a technological staple.
While you will have to purchase the Microsoft HoloLens system, Microsoft have confirmed that anyone who is currently running a legitimate copy of Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows Phone 8.1 will be able to update to the new Windows 10 operating system at no additional cost for the first year post-launch.
