Hands on with Microsoft’s HoloLens Development Edition

Let’s get this out of the way. Microsoft HoloLens is not an immersive experience and, as “mixed reality” it was never intended to be.

It’s an inescapable fact brought home to me during my second hands-on experience with Microsoft’s augmented reality headset.

Almost a year ago, I tried out a prototype that was more science project than finished product. There were wires everywhere and I was tethered to a power supply and, I think, another computer.

This new experience, which interested developers can try out at Microsoft’s new Fifth Avenue flagship store in Manhattan, was quite different. HoloLens is now free-standing and looks very much like the untouchable headsets Microsoft showed off under glass in January. Though it looks finished, Microsoft reps told me there are still tweaks to be made until the Development Edition starts shipping early next year. Even so, casual observers will be hard-pressed to notice any difference between the device I tried this week and the one shipping next year. Read more...