Microsoft's next-gen HoloLens augmented reality device unveiled at E3
POSTED 16 Jun 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
The technology was unveiled at the annual E3 event in Los Angeles, California Credit: E3
Microsoft has unveiled its new HoloLens augmented reality headset, with a stunning Minecraft demo showcasing the new tech at the annual E3 gaming conference in Los Angeles, California.
According to Microsoft, the HoloLens is the first fully untethered, see-through holographic computer. The next-gen technology enables high-definition holograms to come to life, seamlessly integrating with real-world physical places, spaces, and objects.
Offering a tech demo at E3 using Minecraft as an example, the user played the game on a wall before transferring it to another surface, using voice and hand gestures to manipulate the virtual objects projected by the headset.
The HoloLens differs from the popular Oculus Rift VR headset in that Microsoft’s version brings holograms into the user’s environment, as opposed to Oculus Rift’s shut-off, isolated experience.
The HoloLens can operate as its own computer system and contains more computing power than the average laptop. The Windows 10-powered device uses advanced sensors to capture information about what the user is doing and the environment around them.
“Holograms are the next evolution in computing,” said a Microsoft statement. “With this vision in mind, hardware, software, and design came together to create the first fully untethered holographic computer.
“People, not devices, are mobile. We are ready for technology to move beyond devices, beyond screens and pixels, and beyond today's digital borders.”
While a price for each device has not been confirmed, estimates are ranging from anywhere between US$400 (€355, £257) and US$1200 (€1064, £771).
Landmark Entertainment Group – the design team behind attractions such as Universal’s
Kongfrontation, Terminator 2 3D, Jurassic Park: The Ride and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman 5D – have announced plans to create in-and-out of home ‘virtual reality
destinations’.
A Brooklyn-based animator has taken Vincent Van Gogh’s classic masterpiece The Night
Café and recreated the work as an explorable three-dimensional piece via a virtual reality
headset.
A multi-million dollar visitor attraction coming in 2016 looks set to change the face of
virtual reality, offering a first-of-its-kind, next-gen, immersive gaming experience.
A Ukraine-based development company has revealed plans for a an interactive
entertainment attraction that works with a virtual reality headset and a gamepad to
deliver a full-motion interactive experience.
Numbers from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, (ALVA) show that Royal attractions
saw a huge increase in visitor numbers during 2023 – the coronation year of King Charles III.
Off the back of the success of the first round of Everyday Heritage Grants in 2022, Historic
England is funding 56 creative projects that honour the heritage of working-class England.
Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) invites cruise lines, shipyards, design studios, outfitters,
and suppliers to take part in CSI Design Expo Americas in Miami, Florida, the region’s only
event dedicated to cruise ship interior design. [more...]
Microsoft's next-gen HoloLens augmented reality device unveiled at E3
POSTED 16 Jun 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
The technology was unveiled at the annual E3 event in Los Angeles, California Credit: E3
Microsoft has unveiled its new HoloLens augmented reality headset, with a stunning Minecraft demo showcasing the new tech at the annual E3 gaming conference in Los Angeles, California.
According to Microsoft, the HoloLens is the first fully untethered, see-through holographic computer. The next-gen technology enables high-definition holograms to come to life, seamlessly integrating with real-world physical places, spaces, and objects.
Offering a tech demo at E3 using Minecraft as an example, the user played the game on a wall before transferring it to another surface, using voice and hand gestures to manipulate the virtual objects projected by the headset.
The HoloLens differs from the popular Oculus Rift VR headset in that Microsoft’s version brings holograms into the user’s environment, as opposed to Oculus Rift’s shut-off, isolated experience.
The HoloLens can operate as its own computer system and contains more computing power than the average laptop. The Windows 10-powered device uses advanced sensors to capture information about what the user is doing and the environment around them.
“Holograms are the next evolution in computing,” said a Microsoft statement. “With this vision in mind, hardware, software, and design came together to create the first fully untethered holographic computer.
“People, not devices, are mobile. We are ready for technology to move beyond devices, beyond screens and pixels, and beyond today's digital borders.”
While a price for each device has not been confirmed, estimates are ranging from anywhere between US$400 (€355, £257) and US$1200 (€1064, £771).
Landmark Entertainment Group – the design team behind attractions such as Universal’s
Kongfrontation, Terminator 2 3D, Jurassic Park: The Ride and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman 5D – have announced plans to create in-and-out of home ‘virtual reality
destinations’.
A Brooklyn-based animator has taken Vincent Van Gogh’s classic masterpiece The Night
Café and recreated the work as an explorable three-dimensional piece via a virtual reality
headset.
A multi-million dollar visitor attraction coming in 2016 looks set to change the face of
virtual reality, offering a first-of-its-kind, next-gen, immersive gaming experience.
A Ukraine-based development company has revealed plans for a an interactive
entertainment attraction that works with a virtual reality headset and a gamepad to
deliver a full-motion interactive experience.
Numbers from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, (ALVA) show that Royal attractions
saw a huge increase in visitor numbers during 2023 – the coronation year of King Charles III.
Off the back of the success of the first round of Everyday Heritage Grants in 2022, Historic
England is funding 56 creative projects that honour the heritage of working-class England.
Universal has revealed it will be adding new Harry Potter attractions, alongside Super Nintendo
and How to Train Your Dragon worlds to its Florida resort.
Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) invites cruise lines, shipyards, design studios, outfitters,
and suppliers to take part in CSI Design Expo Americas in Miami, Florida, the region’s only
event dedicated to cruise ship interior design. [more...]