Microsoft has officially announced the discontinuation of its HoloLens line of mixed reality headsets, marking the end of an era for the innovative technology. Production of the HoloLens 2 has ceased, with software support for the original HoloLens set to conclude on December 10, 2023. Meanwhile, HoloLens 2 will continue to receive essential updates until December 31, 2027, primarily focused on addressing critical security issues and software regressions.
Evolution of HoloLens
The journey of HoloLens began in 2016 with the launch of the original headset, priced at ,000 USD. This pioneering device drew upon technology reminiscent of Microsoft’s Kinect accessory for Xbox. It captured the imagination of gamers, particularly with a captivating Minecraft demo showcased in 2015, although the game was never released on the platform.
In 2019, the HoloLens 2 emerged, priced at ,500, further enhancing the mixed reality experience. While the HoloLens line did not penetrate the consumer market as anticipated, it found a foothold in various enterprise sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Notably, Microsoft secured a significant 9 million contract in 2018 to supply 100,000 HoloLens devices to the US military, a decision that sparked controversy among employees.
Despite the discontinuation of the HoloLens line, Microsoft remains committed to supporting the US military through its Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS). However, the company has confirmed that no new HoloLens devices will be developed, putting to rest previous speculation regarding a potential HoloLens 3.
In recent developments, Microsoft has shifted its mixed reality focus towards a partnership with Meta, introducing Xbox Cloud Gaming and Office web app support for Quest headsets. Meanwhile, Meta has unveiled its own glasses-style augmented reality prototype, Orion, signaling a new chapter in the realm of mixed reality technology.
