Virtual Reality: Microsoft could put eye-tracking in the Hololens 2

Two patents updated by Microsoft concern the Hololens virtual headset. They suggest a better field of vision and the integration of eye-tracking technology.

Although it has abandoned the smartphone market, Microsoft will be present at the  Mobile World Congress (MWC), organized from 25 to 28 February in Barcelona. It is rumored that the computer giant should create the event by unveiling the new version of its virtual reality helmet, Hololens 2.

On the menu, state-of-the-art components such as a Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 processor, similar to what we see in the best smartphones, and probably an expanded field of vision and eye tracking, called eye-tracking. Why "without a doubt"? Just because Microsoft has just updated two patents related to these functions and it is  Windows Latest who found these new features.

New applications possible

The first evokes an adjustment of the holographic lenses in order to widen the field of vision of the helmet previously limited to 30%. The difficulty for the manufacturer is to increase the field of vision while avoiding weighing the helmet. By placing the lenses closer to the eye, the field of view is increased, and that is what the patent claims to achieve.

As for the second, it focuses on eye-tracking to allow the headset to detect movements of the eyes. For this, the patent speaks of an infrared light source and a micro-electromechanical scanning mirror ( MEMS ) for directing the infrared light along its radius, as well as a sensor for detecting the light reflected by the eyes. This new feature would allow the virtual headset to be used for a larger number of applications, while further enhancing realism.

Augmented Reality: Microsoft Prepares New HoloLens Sunglasses for 2019

Article published by Futura Relaxnews on 23/02/2017

While the first version of the HoloLens augmented reality glasses was aimed at developers, Microsoft is working on a new model that is likely to be more compact and more affordable. It will not happen until 2019.

Microsoft is already on the second generation of its HoloLens augmented reality glasses, more successful and adapted to the general public, which could be released in 2019, according to the specialized site Thurrott.

Replacements for, therefore, be available in 2019, three years after the first wave of glasses marketing. Initially released only in the United States and Canada, they were then put on sale at the end of 2016 in other countries, including France, for a modest sum of 3,299 euros. At this price obviously, it is not yet a consumer version, but more of a development kit for professionals.

The new HoloLens will be lighter and cheaper

And for that to change, that this product is accessible to all, the next model will necessarily gain in size and lightness while offering a sufficiently enduring battery for everyday use, whether to play, to entertain, even to work.

As a reminder, Microsoft's ambition with this product goes far beyond the "simple" virtual reality offered by headphones such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive or PlayStation VR. The idea, with HoloLens, is to evolve in an improved environment, to be able to interact in what we call an augmented or mixed reality. The democratization of this technology will inevitably take years.

Augmented Reality: Microsoft HoloLens Launched Early 2016

Article by Marc Zaffagni published on October 7, 2015

Microsoft has announced a first step in the commercialization of its HoloLens augmented reality device. A version for developers will be available from the first quarter of 2016 at a rate exceeding 2,500 euros. 

Last January, Microsoft created the event by unveiling its project HoloLens augmented reality glasses. Presented as a " holographic computer " under Windows 10, it is a stand-alone device that allows viewing 3D images immersed in our environment. Virtual objects can be manipulated, viewed from all angles and react to human interactions.

Microsoft boasts a use as fun as professional or educational. The American giant has distilled several impressive demonstrations revealing how HoloLens can immerse a player in a3D Minecraft or used to teach anatomy. There is even talk of sending a pair of these high-tech glasses to the International Space Station to help astronauts.

At a press conference to unveil new smartphones (Lumia 950 and 950 XL) and hybrid PCs ( Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book ), Microsoft took the opportunity to treat the audience with a new demonstration once again quite bluffing.

A piece transformed into a video game with Project X-Ray

Dubbed "Project X-Ray", it is a video game called "mixed reality" where the player equipped with HoloLens and a wireless controller fight aliens who arise in the real scenery. The walls of the room explode under the fire of invaders who rush and attack with laser cannon. A concept is reminiscent of the RoomAlive project that turns a room into a video game.

In "Project X-Ray", the player dodges the shots and replicates, turning his living room into a battlefield. Thanks to the sensors in the glasses, the holograms follow the movements of the player and adapt to the configuration of the room. In his hand, he holds not the wireless controller but a futuristic laser gun superimposed in augmented reality. He can change his weapon at any time or activate a virtual shield to protect himself.

A smaller field of view in practice

For as impressive as they are, the demonstrations orchestrated by Microsoft not present the exact functioning of HoloLens but a vision of the type of augmented reality to which they can lead. In practice, the real field of vision that the person wearing the glasses perceives is much smaller. This can be seen in this YouTube video about the Anatomy Education App. At 1 minute 25 seconds, we can see the real display window and notice that some of the information on the screen is actually truncated.

This does not detract from the enormous potential of this system, but it must relativize the effect of immersion it provides. Be that as it may, we will have a few months to discover the real possibilities offered by HoloLens. Microsoft has announced that it will release a version for developers. These professionals will be able to floor on applications in all possible areas and thus offer a better overview of what to expect in the short term. This Development Edition will be available during the first quarter of 2016. Initially marketed in the United States and Canada, it will cost $ 3,000, a little over 2,600 euros.