Microsoft to launch HoloLens 2 later this year, report

Microsoft plans to unveil HoloLens 2 headset and a cheaper Surface Pro at the end of 2018 or in the first quarter of 2019.

According to a report by Thurrott.com, the new headset which is being codenamed “Sydney,” would be released in the first quarter of 2019. Back in 2016, Microsoft launched HoloLens with augmented reality features. The headset displayed the combination of both real world and virtual images on a clear display. However, the developers realized that headset was being held back by its small field of view. And, reportedly that hardware is now being changed for a new headset – HoloLens 2 that would come with a wider field of view.

It is anticipated that HoloLens 2 will be a better version of its predecessor but things are unclear as to what extent would it be better. It is expected that the second-generation headset will be built around an ARM-based processor (the current model uses a discontinued Intel chip), which could definitely bring better battery life, allowing users to be in the mixed reality for a longer period of time.

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HoloLens 2 headset will pay larger focus on consumers by highlighting the features they want. So far HoloLens has mostly been a developer and enterprise play, and it carries a high price tag ($3,000 for the developer edition, $5,000 for the commercial “suite”). But we hope that the second generation will be more affordable and better than its predecessor.