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NASA dives deeper into how it's really using HoloLens
A year ago we heard that NASA and Microsoft were teaming up to build Sidekick, a project that uses HoloLens to let astronauts and scientists collaborate remotely, as well as visualize 3D schematics. Now we've finally got a closer look at Sidekick in action thanks to NASA's Jeff Norris, who discussed the project during a Vision Summit presentation. Norris, who leads mission control innovation for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, mainly focuses on the 3D visualization aspect ("Procedure Mode").
Microsoft shows how NFL fans could use HoloLens in the future
It's going to be a while before HoloLens, Microsoft's newly developed augmented reality headset, will become a mainstream product. But since its debut last year, the tech giant has been teasing the potential for HoloLens across different categories, including video games and as a tool for businesses. Now, Microsoft is expanding on that, revealing a fresh concept based around the NFL -- just in time for Super Bowl 50.
Vote for Microsoft's trio of HoloLens app finalists
After some 5,000 entries, Microsoft has narrowed down the field by picking the finalists for its HoloLens app pitch-off. Voting opens at noon Pacific today and your choices include the following: "Airquarium," "Grab the Idol" and "Galaxy Explorer." The winner will be open-sourced and Redmond says it doesn't care if people make their own versions once it's done. Each is "inspired by" an amalgam of your ideas from the myriad submissions. So, even if your exact app wasn't picked, chances are it might've influenced the final three.
Microsoft HoloLens can talk to just about any device
As much as Microsoft has been willing to show of HoloLens, it has been surprisingly shy on some basic details. What devices work with the augmented reality headset? How long can you use it? How immersive will it really be? Thankfully, you just got answers to a few of those questions through a Microsoft evangelist's presentation at an Israeli event. To start, he notes that any Bluetooth- or WiFi-based device can talk to it, and it'll run any universal Windows 10 app. And yes, you can link multiple headsets for a shared experience, even over the internet.
Microsoft's mixed reality is for developers, not the public
HoloLens, the augmented reality headset Microsoft's been touting as a future pillar of its Windows business, isn't "fun" to use. At least, it wasn't for me during my whirlwind round of developer-focused demos at Microsoft's flagship store in New York. That's to say, any and all comparisons to emerging virtual reality tech and related gaming or entertainment applications should be excised from the conversation for now. It's not "immersive" as one Microsoft rep stressed to me, clearly keen to avoid the confused commingling of AR and VR buzzwords. It's "complementary."If anything, HoloLens is very much a powerful tool for business, science and education -- both Volvo and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory are actively experimenting with it. And as Microsoft demonstrated at its brand new HoloLens developer experience, set to open on the upper floors of its Fifth Avenue shop this Thursday, it's armed with enough proof of concept to make good on its enterprise promise.
Microsoft wants to make your dream HoloLens app
Think you have a really good idea for a HoloLens app? Microsoft might just help you build it. The tech giant has launched a Share Your Idea challenge that asks developers to submit their holographic app concepts by January 11th. It'll put the three most "viable" (that is, both good and realistic) ideas to a vote on Twitter, and will build the winner itself. You'll still have to devote some time to the app afterwards if you're successful -- you'll sit in for code reviews and Q&A sessions -- but this should be much easier than writing augmented reality software from scratch.
HoloLens (briefly) shown streaming 'Halo 5' and Netflix
We've known for awhile that you can beam practically anything to Microsoft's augmented reality headset, HoloLens, but seeing someone playing Halo 5 on a TV that seemingly appears out of thin air is still pretty damned neat. And it's not just Microsoft's disappointing first-person shooter that's getting the augmented-reality treatment: Candy Crush and a Netflix stream by way of an Edge browser window are on display as well. The clips below are brief and look pretty impressive, but based on firsthand experience with the device, these videos don't quite line up with the actual user experience.
Microsoft HoloLens to provide AR demos in Volvo showrooms
Microsoft and Volvo have joined forces, thankfully not for the sake of creating a gaudy car-themed phone, but to equip the automaker's showrooms with HoloLens headsets. Starting next year, Volvo will be able to showcase things not usually possible to demo instantly and indoors -- say, its cars' safety features, such as collision avoidance, and various possible customization options -- through holograms. The two companies have recently exhibited a prototype version of the system at Microsoft's HQ in Redmond using the upcoming S90 luxury sedan as their subject. Thanks to augmented reality, they were able to display not only holographic models of the unreleased car, but also cross sections of its parts.
ASUS confirms it will build a Hololens-style headset
After teasing the idea last month, ASUS has confirmed that it's planning to release an augmented reality (AR) headset sometime in 2016. "It should be next year when we come out with a product. We think AR will be very important for people's lives," said CEO Jonny Shih, according to CNET. Judging by ASUS's earlier comments, the device will be a version of Microsoft's HoloLens and likely come at a lower price. However, ASUS neither confirmed that it would be a HoloLens clone, nor the final price during an earnings webcast yesterday.
Microsoft will hand out $500K to these five HoloLens grant winners
Microsoft put out the call this summer for innovative, academic applications using its HoloLens augmented reality headset, offering $100,000 and two dev kits each to five winning universities. Today, Microsoft named the victorious schools, ranging from Carnegie Mellon University to Clackamas Community College. The winners include a program aimed at "augmenting reality for the visually impaired" and two projects that rely on open-source or collaborative data analysis -- in AR, of course. Plus, Microsoft said it received too many great ideas to stop at five, so it's handing out two dev kits to an additional five universities. The runners-up include a project called "DinoLens" (yes, please), a program focused on helping humans perceive ultraviolet and ultrasonic waves and an app for stroke rehabilitation. Check out the full list of winners below.
ASUS may make its own version of Microsoft's HoloLens glasses
Microsoft might not be the only one making a holographic augmented reality headset in the near future. ASUS has revealed to CNET that it's talking to Microsoft about making a version of HoloLens. The firm is "still evaluating" what these glasses would look like, so you shouldn't expect to wear Republic of Gamers-branded eyewear any time soon. However, Microsoft is quick to note it's trying to "create a category" with HoloLens -- it wants to see a full-fledged holographic display ecosystem, not just its own gear. Don't be surprised if the technology (eventually) hits the mainstream through ASUS and a slew of other familiar Windows hardware makers.
Qualcomm gives up on its augmented reality business
There's a renewed excitement around Augmented Reality (AR), driven largely by Microsoft's HoloLens headset. Not everyone is so enthused, though, most notably Qualcomm, which is selling its AR business to the Internet of Things (IoT) company PTC for an undisclosed sum. The unfortunately named Vuforia is a platform and SDK for developers and partners to build AR experiences from. It's been running for five years and has seen use in projects like a miniaturized TARDIS, a Sesame Street app and, most recently, Mini's weird and wonderful driving goggles.
Microsoft's taking HoloLens on tour to woo developers
Microsoft has already said its mixed reality headset, HoloLens, will be reaching developers early next year. But while we wait for that to happen, the company plans to take it on tour across the US and Canada, in an event that's going to give developers the chance to try the device firsthand. They'll also be able to meet members of the HoloLens team and learn how to create holographic experiences, which is a smart way to lure in any dev who's thinking about paying the $3,000 for a test unit. The live demo trip begins October 13th in Seattle, followed by Toronto, Salt Lake City, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Atlanta and, lastly, Austin. To register, as well as find out the exact dates for each city, check out the event's dedicated site.
ICYMI: HoloLens gaming, walking talking robot phone and more
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-619364{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-619364, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-619364{width:570px;display:block;} try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-619364").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: The RoBoHon is a 7-inch tall smartphone robot that can also dance, walk and talk and basically simultaneously creep out and amaze all your family and friends. Microsoft is busy dreaming up the next HoloLens game that we really want to play: Code-named Project X-Ray, it sends robots to do battle with you, right in your living room. And a virtual reality headset app wants to help train surgeons in a way that doesn't endanger any real people.
HoloLens 'Project XRay' lets you blast robot armies with a ray gun fist
Microsoft took time during today's Windows 10 Devices event to give the audience a more in-depth look at what its new HoloLens AR system is capable of. Minds were blown, jaws were dropped and more than a few digital robots were blown to smithereens during the 8-minute demo.
Microsoft's Surface and Lumia event: by the numbers
The dust is settling on Microsoft's Windows 10 Devices event where the company showed off all the shiny devices that it's about to start selling. But if you weren't able to sit through our excellent liveblog, then perhaps you'd like to read this breakdown of the show based on the key numbers. It's like an extended highlights reel, but with a more statistical edge. Get all the news from today's Microsoft event right here.
Microsoft HoloLens reaches developers in early 2016 for $3,000
Microsoft has been answering a lot of questions about HoloLens as of late, but a few questions have remained: When can you get it? And will you need to mortgage your home to get one? Well, those mysteries have been solved... if you're a programmer. The crew in Redmond has revealed that a Development Edition of its holographic computing headset will launch in the first quarter of 2016 for $3,000. That's not a completely outlandish price tag, but it's safe to say that you won't be getting this early HoloLens purely for kicks -- this is to help prepare apps for the eventual mainstream version of the device. Still, it's good to hear that this exotic wearable tech won't be limited to Microsoft's campus for much longer. Get all the news from today's Microsoft event right here.
Microsoft demos 'Project XRay' mixed reality game for HoloLens
One of Microsoft's most exciting products to date is HoloLens, and today the company revealed a new mixed reality game for the headset called Project XRay. The title was developed internally, according to Executive VP of the Windows and Devices Group Terry Myerson. Similar to the Minecraft experience on HoloLens, Project XRay also looks incredible -- particularly because you can turn most any room into your own gaming canvas. Here, though, you're wearing a holographic weapon on your arm, which you'll need to defend yourself from an attack of flying robots. Once they crawl out of the walls, you can shoot lasers at them -- yes, lasers. "Holograms behave just like real objects; they can interact with environments and with each other," said the Microsoft representative on stage about Project XRay.
Virgin-Tesla takes you to space in Gone Home studio's 'Tacoma'
Fullbright struck a nerve with 2013's Gone Home, its emotionally haunting tale of a 20-something who returns from Europe in 1995 to find her family home deserted. That indie game darling not only became a critical success for the small Portland, Oregon-based studio, but also won a BAFTA in 2014 for best game debut, and two VGX awards -- one for best PC game, the other for best independent game. For Fullbright's follow-up, the near-future, set-in-space sci-fi tale Tacoma, the studio has some undoubtedly high expectations to meet. It's a good thing then that Microsoft, which has partnered with Fullbright to make the game an Xbox One exclusive, is there to lend a deep-pocketed helping hand. Tacoma is very much still in development and won't be out until mid-2016. But that didn't stop Fullbright co-founder Steve Gaynor and level designer Tynan Wales from trotting out a short 30-minute demo that gives a glimpse of the augmented reality and artificial intelligence that pervades Tacoma's world. I recently had a chance to chat with both Gaynor and Wales about avoiding the sophomore slump, their sci-fi inspirations, a possible HoloLens demo, killer AIs and why space could be a very gay place.
Microsoft Studios lead talks Kinect and the future of Xbox
You might not know who Microsoft's Kudo Tsunoda is, but you know his work. He was the driving force behind Kinect and HoloLens. And more recently, he's taken control of a large part of Microsoft Studios, the company's in-house video game publishing and development arm. As part of his position, Tsunoda leads Rare, Lionhead and other first-party studios, and also oversees the development of key Xbox exclusives published by Microsoft, such as Scalebound, Quantum Break and the new Crackdown. I sat down with Tsunoda for a chat at Gamescom, and quizzed him on the future of Xbox, HoloLens and gaming at Microsoft.
