Microsoft with HoloLens Aims to Attack Google and Samsung: All You Need To Know

| Updated: Thursday, January 22, 2015, 15:41 [IST]

Microsoft was often tagged as the traditionalist by its core competitors in its heydays. The tech giant from Redmond had been in "hibernation mode" since last few years. In fact, a new notable analysts had even went to say that the company seemed to have lost its mojo way back when it released Windows 8 operating system (OS) in 2012.

But on Wednesday, the firm unveiled a new product that could be a game changer if implemented right. It's called the HoloLens - a 3D headset that's unlike a Virtual Reality (VR) headset from the likes of Facebook and Samsung.

Microsoft with HoloLens Aims to Attack Google and Samsung

Augmented Reality is waiting for the prime time for years. On Wednesday, Microsoft re-imagines a 3D headset that allow you to interact with holographic images or enable you to play video games.

"Microsoft HoloLens is the world's first untethered holographic computer - no wires, phones or connection to a PC needed. Microsoft HoloLens allows you to view holograms in high definition and hear them in surround sound, even if they are behind you. And with advanced sensors, Microsoft HoloLens can see what you are looking at and understand what you are communicating with your hands and voice. By putting you at the center of the Windows 10 computing experience, Microsoft HoloLens allows you to create, access information, enjoy entertainment, and communicate in new and exciting ways," the company said.

So the basic difference between the HoloLens and the Oculus Rift is that the former device comes with its own CPU and GPU, making it an independent headset of sorts. Furthermore, the headset doesn't come with messy wires, indicating a completely wireless experience.

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Up front, you'll get to see at least four cameras that could be used to detect the user's hands when they interact with holographic objects. The headset, which looks like a pair of googles, has a transparent screen, allowing users to see the hologram in front of them.

With HoloLens, Microsoft is ready to face cutthroat competition in the market of VR and augmented reality, where players like Facebook and Samsung have invested a lot of their resources into the booming tech. As of now, Microsoft hasn't indicated retail pricing or availability yet.

In another news, Google stopped selling its Glass prototypes and also shut down its early adopter program. It's being said that the Glass began to lose its steam, due to lack of support from the developer community.