2024-10-01 15:01:00
www.extremetech.com
Putting computers on people’s faces was supposed to unlock a new era of extended reality (XR), but this technology has struggled to expand beyond niche use cases. Microsoft initially pitched HoloLens in 2015 as the next step in “virtual worlds,” but it quickly scaled back to enterprise applications for the sequel. Now, even that is off the table—Microsoft has discontinued HoloLens 2, and there are no plans for a new version.
Microsoft has been telling its partners that if they intend to implement HoloLens in their businesses, they’d better buy the $3,500 device now. The current stock of HoloLens 2 headsets is the end of the line—manufacturing has now ended. According to UploadVR, the company pledges to continue supporting HoloLens 2 until the end of 2027. The first-gen unit will only get support through Dec. 10 of this year. After the deadlines, businesses are on their own with Microsoft’s augmented reality goggles.
The HoloLens headset is essentially a powerful pair of smart glasses with embedded sensors. The first HoloLens was revealed in 2015, going on sale the following year for $3,000. The company initially said it wanted to make HoloLens available to consumers, but the high price and limited use cases made it more suitable for enterprise environments. While some businesses bought the device, Microsoft did not see the uptick in XR interest it had hoped for when the second-gen headset launched in 2019. This model had a wider field of view and eye-tracking features, as well as a higher price tag.
The writing has been on the wall for HoloLens as Microsoft shifts its priorities. Despite enjoying a ballooning market cap on the strength of generative AI, Microsoft has been cutting costs by reducing its workforce over the past several years. Layoffs in 2023 and 2024 have hit Microsoft’s hardware teams hard, and HoloLens lead Alex Kipman left Microsoft in 2022 following harassment accusations. That’s also around the time leakers claimed Microsoft had canceled the third-gen HoloLens.
Credit: Microsoft
The consumer HoloLens Microsoft hinted at in 2015 never materialized. In fact, Microsoft has moved even further from retail. HoloLens fed into Microsoft’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) project, which seeks to build advanced smart glasses for the US Army. It has delivered several rounds of prototypes, and the company says this work will continue. The Army reportedly plans to spend $21.9 billion on IVAS in the next decade, so it’s clear why Microsoft wants to focus on that government contract over enterprise XR.
For anyone who wants to get their hands on HoloLens before it’s too late, Microsoft’s web store still has all three versions of HoloLens 2. The base model costs $3,500, and the more durable Industrial Edition costs $4,950. Finally, there’s the Trimble XR10 HoloLens 2, which is integrated with a hard hat and has noise-canceling audio for $5,199. It’s pretty easy to see why this product didn’t take off.
Support Techcratic
If you find value in Techcratic’s insights and articles, consider supporting us with Bitcoin. Your support helps me, as a solo operator, continue delivering high-quality content while managing all the technical aspects, from server maintenance to blog writing, future updates, and improvements. Support Innovation! Thank you.
Bitcoin Address:
bc1qlszw7elx2qahjwvaryh0tkgg8y68enw30gpvge
Please verify this address before sending funds.
Bitcoin QR Code
Simply scan the QR code below to support Techcratic.
Please read the Privacy and Security Disclaimer on how Techcratic handles your support.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, Techcratic may earn from qualifying purchases.