Microsoft pulled the veil off of a project that it claims has been running for years — Microsoft Hologram. The project, consisting of a new Hololens headset, aims to integrate Microsoft Windows in both a virtual reality and augmented reality system. Additionally, the company announced that every Windows 10 device will support the system in some way, with the API on every device.
As expected, details are scant. Microsoft claims that the Hololens headset is untethered, and has a “high end” CPU and GPU. Additionally, a third processor that has been dubbed the Hologram Processor Unit handles spacial mapping, as well as gesture control and recognition.
Whether or not the system is a true hologram implementation is up for debate, but an array of laser emitters in the headset seems unlikely. The standard trappings of holograms with grids and markers aren’t required for the system.
The first professional implementation of the technology will take place this summer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to examine the Mars Rover Curiosity data. Ultimately, the rover will be controlled by JPL’s headset users, with a target date for full installation by the end of the summer.
To be released alongside the Hololens device is Microsoft Holo Studio. The application allows users to drag and drop components into a 3D build field in conjunction with voice commands to build shapes. A science fiction-based drone was built on-stage, and a previously 3D-printed model of the built was shown, and briefly flown.
Microsoft has no official retail release for the product, other than “during the Windows 10 timeframe.” Demonstrations at Microsoft’s event included immersive Minecraft, and real-world implementations of Windows 10 functionality.
