When Microsoft unveiled Windows 10, they had a surprise for the audience even cooler than the return of the Start Button: Holograms! Microsoft promises that the new Microsoft HoloLens will transform your world with high definition holograms.
The new holographic platform is supported by Windows 10 and requires users to wear a pair of wireless goggles with built-in sound. Microsoft sees a world in which the HoloLens is used for everything from surfing the net to groundbreaking scientific experiments.
The company promises that for the first time, holograms will become practical tools that you can use at home and at work. One example given is that a designer could make changes to an object by using her hand to manipulate digital content they claim will seem as real as actual objects in the room.
The HoloLens could project to-do lists on your fridge or a TV on the wall. All objects that you can see and hear, that won’t disturb others. In the demonstration video, they show a user projecting a sporting event on a blank wall. The viewer can then resize the screen from small to large with a pinch of the fingers. Users will be able to “pin” holographic objects to particular places in the room. Your to-do list would stay on the refrigerator and your TV screen on the wall. These images have transparency, so you ‘ll still be able to see the world around you.
Minecraft players could build their virtual worlds in their living rooms. A little like Legos with no mess.
The company sees the HoloLens as a valuable tool for education that will respond to both gestures and to voice commands.
One example shown is a father providing instruction to help the user repair a sink via a Skype call.
It’s impossible to show what people using the device are actually experiencing, but those who’ve tried it out say that it is pretty amazing.
Click here to check out a video of the HoloLens in action.
All of these fabulous holographic apps won’t be available to the home user with the release of Window 10 this summer. Microsoft it looking for developers to turn this platform into practical applications for home use.
~ Cynthia