Ever since Microsoft has unveiled its augmented reality headset, many people were eager to get their hands on it. However, despite the fact that Microsoft decided to release the developer version of the HoloLens headset back in March 2016, the price tag of $3,000, meant that it wasn’t readily available for the vast majority of interested customers.
The latest report involving Microsoft’s AR device involves its plans to skip the second version and go straight into the development of the third, which may be the final consumer version and may be launched in 2019.
The news involving Microsoft’s plan for the HoloLens headset were revealed by a report from Thurrott, citing reliable sources close to the company’s project. This news fits well with other previous reports which claimed that Microsoft has decided to change its initial planned roadmap for the release of the AR headset. This means that the company has canceled the second version of the headset, and instead focusing on the development of the HoloLens headset V3, which may very well be the consumer-ready version.
Skipping the second version of the headset means that Microsoft can accelerate the process behind the V3, as the company comes closer to a generational leap as a way to stay ahead of its competitors. The fact that the HoloLens headset may launch in 2019 at the earliest is sure to disappoint some fans, who were eagerly waiting for the device but either could not afford the developer version or they saw no point in buying it without any adequate content.
However, Microsoft now has enough time to make sure that the HoloLens will meet the expectation of the fans. Furthermore, the V3 headset means that Microsoft has vastly improved the experience provided by the first generation of the device.
When Microsoft decided to sell the developer version of the HoloLens headset back in 2016, they only managed to sell several thousand. However, considering the price and the fact that it wasn’t a device meant for the mass market, Microsoft is not too disappointed about the sales number.
What do you think about the HoloLens headset? Do you prefer full virtual reality over augmented reality?
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