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[[Microsoft HoloLens]] is a 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>

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 its 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>

Microsoft HoloLens was announced in 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> 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> The potential uses of the HoloLens are vast. From social apps to games, to navigation, there’s an incredible potential that this [[mixed reality]] device can tap into. Indeed, Microsoft collaborated with NASA in the making of HoloLens, and there is the potential to control the Mars rover Curiosity via the headset, allowing Nasa staff to work as if they were on the planet themselves. Microsoft also partnered with Volvo to showcase another possible use - using it in car showrooms for customers to view different color configurations for their chosen car and see features in action. <ref name=”four”></ref> At the end of March 2016, holoportation was showcased. The video demonstration showed how it could be possible - through the use of multiple cameras - to use the HoloLens to view a 3D version of a person. <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>

'''Headset and Display''':

HoloLens requires neither cords nor phones. It features a an optical [[optical head-mounted displayHMD]] mounted on top of a plastic ring that wraps around your the head. The plastic ring has a soft foam cushion on the inside. Like other HMDs, the weight of HoloLens is front loaded and feels a bit bulky. HoloLens can be used with most prescription glasses.

The transparent dual displays are made of out 3 three layers of glass (red, blue and green). A light engine is mounted above the displays and projects light on the lenses. The tiny corrugated grooves in each layer of glass diffract these light particles, making them bounce around and helping to trick your eyes into perceiving virtual objects at virtual distances.

The [[field of view]] where the holograms appear is quite small, - 30° Horizontal horizontal and 17.5° Verticalvertical. It is the same as a 16:9 monitor with 15 feet diagonal, 2 feet away from you face.

'''Sensors''':

Sensors include head tracking [[IMU]]s, (Inertial Measuring Unit); a sound capture system consist consisting of an array of 4 microphones, ; an energy efficient depth camera with 120°×120° [[FOV]], a an RGB 2-megapixel photo / HD video camera and an ambient light sensor. Additionally, it has 4 greyscale environment sensing cameras that work with the depth camera to track your the head, hands and the surrounding environment.

'''Processors''':

For processors, in addition to [[CPU]] and [[GPU]], HoloLens possess an [[HPU]], ([[holographic processing unit]]). The HPU is a coprocessor that is dedicated to integrating real world and virtually generated content. It consolidates and processes all the data from various sensors and produces a thin stream of useful information to the other processors. HPU removes the burden of handling heavy external data from the CPU and GPU, allowing them to focus on creating content.

'''Audio''':

The [[3D audio|Spatial sound system]] consist consists of 2 small speakers are located on the sides of the OHMD, sitting above the ears. Unlike headphones, these speakers do not prevent the user from hearing external soundsounds. In-app audio will come from different directions which depend on where you are in relation to the virtual object making the sound.

'''Input and Interface''':

A pair of buttons responsible for brightness is above the left ear while another pair of buttons responsible for volume is above the right ear. In each pair, one of the buttons is concave while the other one is convex. There is also a Power button. These are the only physical inputs, - HoloLens is largely controlled by [[#Voice|voice]], [[#Gesture|gesture]] and [[#Gaze|gaze]] along with [[HoloLens Clicker|a bluetooth clicker]]

5 LEDs are present on the left side of the OHMD. These LEDs display various system statuses such as power and battery conditions. A microUSB port is present for charging and connection.It is possible to use Microsoft HoloLens while it’s charging over microUSB. <ref name=”four”></ref>

'''Power and Connectivity''':

Battery The battery in HoloLens lasts around 2.5 hours during processor intensive use. It lasts around 5.5 hours during regular use.

HoloLens can connect to any any WiFi or Bluetooth-equipped device.

HoloLens tacks tracks your gaze. When you perform a gesture such as air tap, look at the part of hologram where you want to place your tap.

HoloLens can project various Windows 10 Apps, programs , and browsers onto walls and other objects. One of the example examples Microsoft used was Windows-like interfaces were projected onto walls and furniture. Users can interact with these projections with gaze, gestures and voice commands.

[[Holo Studio]] allows - Allows the user to create 3D models used for [[3D Printing]]. In addition to gesture commands , it allow also accepts voice commands. [[Minecraft]] - An Augmented Reality version of Minecraft. [[Project Xray]] - A [[mixed reality]] shooter game. [[Actiongram]] - Place 3D models into real world environments and record videos with them, mixing reality with digital overlays.

[[MinecraftHoloGuide]] is - Guides a Augmented Reality version of Minecraftuser through low visibility areas.

[[Project XrayHoloHear]] - [[Mixed reality]] shooter gameInstantly translates speech into sign language for deaf people.

[[ActiongramTeomirn]] - place 3D models into Overlays prompts and instructions on a real world environments and recording videos with them in itpiano to help people learn how to play.<ref name=”three”></ref>

[[HoloLens Emulator]] allows the user to test Holographic apps on their PCs with without the need of a physical HoloLens. The human and environmental inputs that would usually be read by the sensors on the HoloLens are instead simulated using your keyboard, mouse, or Xbox controller. Apps don't need to be modified to run on the emulator and don't know that they aren't running on a real HoloLens. <ref>Microsoft. Using the HoloLens emulator. Retrieved from https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/holographic/using_the_hololens_emulator</ref>