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|Website=[http://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens/en-us Microsoft HoloLens]
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==Introduction==
[[Microsoft HoloLens]] is an [[Augmented Reality]] [[device]] developed by [[Microsoft]]. It is part of the [[Windows Mixed Reality]] [[AR Platform]] incorporated with [[Windows 10]] OS. Similar to other [[OHMD]]s (optical head-mounted displays), HoloLens is a see-through display worn over your eyes. Unlike the [[Oculus Rift]] and other [[Virtual Reality#Devices|VR Devices]], the eye-piece component of HoloLens is transparent and the headset requires neither PC nor smartphone. It is able to project high-definition (HD) virtual content or [[hologram]]s over real world objects. <ref name=”one”>Microsoft. Microsoft HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens</ref> <ref name=”two”>Microsoft. Why HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/why-hololens</ref>
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==General Information==
Microsoft HoloLens runs a self-contained Windows 10 computer. It features an HD 3D optical head-mounted display, spatial sound projection and advanced sensors to allow its users to interact with AR applications through head movements, [[#Gesture|gestures]] and [[#Voice|voices]]. Microsoft has said that “The key to a great holographic experience is holograms that are light point rich, i.e. have a high holographic density, and are pinned or anchored to the world around you. To achieve this, HoloLens has been designed for optimal holographic density of 2.5K radiants. The more radiants and light points there are, the brighter and richer the holograms become.” <ref name=”four”>Roberts, J. (2016). What is HoloLens? Microsoft’s holographic headset explained. Retrieved from http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinion/hololens-release-date-news-and-price-2922378</ref>
HoloLens has various sensors and a high-end CPU and GPU, which Microsoft says gives the headset more processing power than an average laptop. <ref name=”four”></ref>
While the HoloLens price is high, it is an impressive piece of hardware and indicates that Microsoft is taking the augmented reality and virtual reality markets seriously. <ref name=”three”></ref>
==Announcement and Release==
Microsoft HoloLens was announced during a Windows 10 Event on January 21st, 2015. The Development Edition was released on March 30, 2016, for $3,000 or £2,000. It allowed developers to start making apps and games for the headset. Months later, it became available to anyone with a Microsoft account. During the last quarter of 2016, the program expanded beyond the United States into countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Currently, there’s still no information regarding a consumer edition release date. <ref name=”three”>Sophie, C. (2017). Microsoft HoloLens: Everything you need to know about the $3,000 AR headset. Retrieved from https://www.wareable.com/microsoft/microsoft-hololens-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-futuristic-ar-headset-735</ref> <ref name=”four”></ref> <ref name=”five”>Spence, E. (2017). Microsoft HoloLens Review: Winning the reality wars. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2017/01/14/microsoft-hololens-review-experience-review/2/#4053cf3d43f9</ref>
==Features==
