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Microsoft Corporation Launches Hands-On HoloLens Demos In U.S. And Canada

Microsoft is betting big that their HoloLens augmented reality headset will be a hit among consumers.

Not to be confused with virtual reality which simulates your environment, the HoloLens headset attempts to blend the digital world into real life through the use of holograms that can be interacted with. The device will be taken on tour, starting in a couple of days, as Microsoft searches for the innovators they need to propel the device into the future.

The virtual reality market is starting to become saturated with products, which is strange since the public hasn’t really adopted the technology into their daily lives yet. Google Glass made some headway for a while, and Oculus VR has been a topic of interest, but no one product has attained the level of popularity that tablets and smartphones have. Virtual reality’s limited application to real life is one of the main reasons the technology is having difficulties evolving from a niche market to become mainstream.

With that in mind, Microsoft knows that a key to the HoloLens’ success is capturing the interest of developers, much like smartphones depend on developers for app creation. The plethora of diverse applications are, after all, what made smartphones practical for everyday use.

Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, compared the two in an interview with BBC earlier this year, when he described the evolution of the HoloLens as a “five year journey.”

This is a five year journey. It’s the beginning, (…) even the the smartphone journey with touch was a seven year or eight year journey.

Nadella said in that interview, in July, that developer versions of the product would be created first, paving the way for commercial uses and further evolution down the road.

As if to make good on that comment, developers will finally get a chance to experience the device over the next two months as Microsoft plans to give the public live demos across eleven cities.

Developers can register for a seat at any of the 40 events across the United States and Canada to experience a hands-on-trial for the HoloLens. The schedule is as follows:

  • October 13-16: Seattle, Washington
  • October 19-22: Toronto, Ontario
  • October 20-22: Salt Lake City, Utah
  • October 26-29: Chicago, Illinois
  • October 26-30: San Francisco, California
  • November 2-5: Los Angeles, California
  • November 2-5: New York City, New York
  • November 9-11: Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • November 10-12: Phoenix, Arizona
  • November 17-19: Atlanta, Georgia
  • November 17-20: Austin, Texas

According to Engadget, those that get a chance to try the device out will meet with members of the HoloLens team to receive lessons on how to construct holographic experiences.

Microsoft HoloLens Prototype

Microsoft HoloLens Up Close (Courtesy of Microsoft)

The available spots for the event are expected to fill quickly, so those interested are encouraged to reserve a spot sooner rather than later.

Microsoft clearly hopes the hands-on demos will spark enough interest among developers to justify the $3,000 price tag on the Development Edition. Some software developers have already expressed their discontent at the prohibitively expensive cost.

This is amazing technology – but as a software developer I need to know how I can develop for HoloLens without buying a HoloLens. There’s no way my company is going to shell out $3000 per developer.

Virtual reality is often met with skepticism, and the HoloLens is no exception. Many who have commented on the demonstration videos posted thus far describe the technology as “cool” but “gimmicky”.

Nevertheless, this is also Microsoft’s chance to shine. The concept of the product has been well-received so far by many, and if the company can dazzle in their hands-on demonstrations, perhaps enough hype will build to change some critics’ minds too.

To those interested in being a part of the new cutting-edge technology, the tech giant has a message for you: “Come build the holographic future with us.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3rNIxMlKmI

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