The HoloLens 2: pioneering XR hardware or too good to be true? 

For our latest look at extended reality (XR) technology, we turn our attention to Microsoft's mixed reality solution – the HoloLens 2 headset.

The successor to Microsoft's groundbreaking HoloLens smart glasses, the HoloLens 2 launched to great fanfare in 2019. It remains one of the world's best known and most popular augmented reality (AR) devices.

Read on to discover all the essential facts about this trailblazing tech. Or dive right in and order your HoloLens 2 glasses here.

What is the HoloLens 2?

The HoloLens 2 is an AR headset designed and developed by Microsoft. It's the follow-up to 2015's pioneering HoloLens – one of the first augmented reality products made available to the general public.

Like similar AR devices, the HoloLens 2 uses powerful computer technology to blend virtual elements with real-world environments. For instance, by displaying "holographic" representations of remote meeting participants, or conjuring up a 3D model of a coffee cup that can rest on a real-life table.

This is distinct from virtual reality (VR), which aims to replace reality by transporting the user to immersive 3D worlds. Hence the name "augmented reality" – these devices augment reality with virtual objects while allowing users to maintain awareness of the world around them.

The HoloLens 2 stands out from many of its competitors thanks to a raft of clever features, including sophisticated spatial mapping and hand-tracking capabilities. More on these later.

How the HoloLens 2 works

OK, this is going to get a little technical.

The HoloLens 2 headset works its magic using a device called a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) display. (Phew… that's quite a mouthful.)

The MEMS display is made up of two parts: lasers and mirrors. The lasers create a precise light source, while the mirrors reflect the light and "draw" an image onto the glass in front of you. To achieve this, the mirrors oscillate at up to 54,000 cycles per second. Wow.

Of course, to the wearer, this all happens invisibly. As far as they're concerned, these laser images look like realistic 3D objects that exist in the space around them.

The illusion is further amplified with clever spatial sensors, which track your head movements and make a 3D map of your environment. This means the projected "holograms" appear to stay in place, relative to your position in the room, and even cling to real-world objects like desks.

Add hand tracking into the mix – which lets you "pick up" and move holographic images – and you have a recipe for a very immersive AR experience.

What can the HoloLens 2 be used for?

Alright, we've covered the techy stuff. Now let's get to the really exciting bit – exploring what the HoloLens 2 can do for your business.

Companies like Airbus and Lockheed Martin are already using the technology to deliver immersive training experiences and develop products more quickly and collaboratively.

Let's look at training, for a start.

Consider the fact that many specialist jobs are carried out in challenging or hard-to-reach environments. Paramedics, for example, have to administer life-saving care with critical time constraints. And oil rig engineers need to understand complex machinery that's located miles out to sea.

With the HoloLens 2, you can conjure up realistic training scenarios that cover any possible eventuality. Medical trainees can experience emergency situations that wouldn't be possible to deliver reliably in real life. And those oil workers? They can learn the "ins and outs" of essential equipment without needing to fly out – at considerable cost – to the rig.

Crucially, these simulations feel real but allow trainees to maintain total awareness of the world around them. This is no video game – they can see and interact with their colleagues, just like they could in the real world. After all, save for a few lifelike 3D models, it is the real world.

This brings us to another stand-out feature of the HoloLens 2 – collaboration.

Microsoft has been very clever by building collaborative features directly into the device. With multiple headsets, you can communicate with remote colleagues and solve problems together in immersive mixed reality.

This presents almost unlimited possibilities for all sorts of sectors. For instance, product developers can discuss and interact with 3D renders of their designs in real time. And remote experts can dial into a call and talk through repairs, aided by a "see-what-I-see" video stream and real-time 3D annotations.

It's a cliché, but it's true – the only limit is your imagination.

Learn about more use cases for the HoloLens 2 and other AR glasses.

Comparison: the HoloLens 2 vs HoloLens 1

The HoloLens 2 specs are, by all accounts, a huge improvement over its already-impressive predecessor.

One of the most-cited enhancements is the wider field of view (FoV). Some felt that the original Microsoft glasses delivered too small a viewing area. The HoloLens 2 increases the original 30° FoV to a panoramic 52°, which provides a much more immersive experience.

Microsoft has also added eye-tracking capabilities to the new unit. This means mixed reality interactions feel more natural, with objects following your eyes as you look around the room. Previously, their positions would only change when you moved your head.

The new version also boasts an improved holographic processing unit (HPU), better gesture support, and a more comfortable design. This is in addition to smaller (and perhaps expected) improvements such as a USB-C charging port and a more recent Bluetooth version.

Interested in the Microsoft HoloLens 2 smart glasses?

It's a truly impressive piece of tech, isn't it? We're proud to be one of the few UK retailers for Microsoft's augmented reality glasses. You can purchase yours here.

Or why not browse our full range of products and discover more XR devices?

Look out for more "deep dives" into XR hardware in future, including best-in-class devices from the likes of RealWear and Vuzix.