Microsoft HoloLens headset unveiled at Windows 10 event

Microsoft takes on Google, Oculus, Sony and the gang with its take on AR and VR
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Earlier today, we sent out a tweet that read: "You can't wear Windows 10 can you?" The tweet was in jest, of course, but it seems that yes, you can wear Microsoft's next OS.

Hands-on: Microsoft HoloLens review

For you see, rather than simply detailing whether or not the Start button would be making a proper comeback, Microsoft also pulled a couple of exciting rabbits out of the hat - its Holographic platform and the futuristic (if somewhat bulky) looking hardware that it runs with - the Microsoft HoloLens headset.

Part Google Glass, part Oculus Rift, part Nintendo Wii U, part helmet from RoboCop, Microsoft HoloLens is "the future of computing", according the company that knows a thing or two about computing.

Related reading: Sony Project Morpheus essential guide

Using the universal apps ecosystem that will power Windows 10, developers are being encouraged to knock up experiences containing holograms for the real world. The HoloLens device is actually a computer itself, with its own CPU and GPU on board - no extra wires or processing power is needed.

The HoloLens headset packs transparent lenses, spatial sound and advanced sensors, so you can still see and hear the real-world around you.

"Microsoft HoloLens allows you to view holograms in high definition and hear them in surround sound, even if they are behind you," explained the tech giant.

"And with advanced sensors, Microsoft HoloLens can see what you are looking at and understand what you are communicating with your hands and voice."

Microsoft has already provided a vision of this Holographic future with videos depicting Minority Report-style (lazy comparison we know, we know), gesture-based, program navigation and, intriguingly, a man having a little go of 3D Minecraft in his living room - perhaps this is the first clue regarding the much murmured Xbox One VR headset?

Essential reading: The best AR and VR headsets

Check out the gallery below for more examples of what HoloLens might be capable of:

It looks absolutely bonkers and brilliant at the same time. Let's just hope it's the real deal, we haven't forgotten the underwhelming feeling we had the first time we slapped a pair of Google Glass on after watching the impressive demo videos. The signs are promising though - Microsoft claims it's already working with NASA on the project.

There's no word on pricing or availability just yet - simply that it will launch in the Windows 10 timeframe. Developers can register their interest now.

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Paul Lamkin

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Wareable Media Group co-CEO Paul launched Wareable with James Stables in 2014, after working for a variety of the UK's biggest and best consumer tech publications including Pocket-lint, Forbes, Electric Pig, Tech Digest, What Laptop, T3 and has been a judge for the TechRadar Awards. 

Prior to founding Wareable, and subsequently The Ambient, he was the senior editor of MSN Tech and has written for a range of publications.


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