Through official Microsoft channels we haven't seen much in terms of solid specs and real-world usage considerations regarding the HoloLens headset. However there was a recent event held in Tel Aviv, Israel, hosted by Bruce Harris, a technical evangelist at Microsoft, that has given us further insight about what to expect when this augmented reality (AR) headset arrives.
Harris informed the Israeli presentation attendees that the Microsoft HoloLens would offer rather wide battery stamina results, depending upon what it was being used for by the wearer. When working on things like email or Microsoft Word documents users might achieve five or five and a half hours of battery life, according to Harris. However is the device is employed for highly computational project work, such as 3D renderings, the battery life can drop to just two and a half hours. Whatever you use the HoloLens for it won't make you uncomfortable due to generating heat, as it was "built to dissipate heat," said Harris.
The HoloLens is a wireless-only device and uses either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect to other devices. Harris said that it will run any universal Windows 10 app and that multiple headsets will be able to link (including over the internet), for shared experiences.
We have talked about the field of view (FOV) of the HoloLens before, with some concern about the impact on the experience offered. Harris touched upon this subject, saying that the experience is like having a 15-inch monitor suspended about 12-inches (30cm) in front of your face with the AR content displayed upon it. While some Microsoft representatives have talked about the limited FOV allowing you to keep your peripheral vision clear, Harris indicated it was necessary "because of cost and battery-life," considerations.
Microsoft will be releasing HoloLens headsets to developers later in the current quarter. The original video of Harris demonstrating the HoloLens in Israel was removed from YouTube this weekend but has since been re-uploaded by various folk.
