Hololens Archives - Gizmochina

Microsoft Patent Reveals Modular HoloLens 3 Design That Could Make Mixed Reality Headsets More Affordable

Oğuz Çakır — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 03:45:44 +0000

The golden age of AR and VR technologies is coming. With the concept of the Metaverse, these technologies are becoming increasingly popular, especially after the introduction of Apple’s Vision Pro. However, Apple isn’t the only player in this market. Microsoft has been producing virtual and augmented reality glasses under the name HoloLens for a long time.

Now, the company has a new patent that suggests a modular HoloLens 3. This could potentially make mixed-reality technology more specialized, adaptable, and affordable for a variety of users. Here aerie details…

Microsoft’s Next-Gen HoloLens 3 Could Be More Affordable and Adaptable Thanks to Modular Design

If you’re a tech enthusiast, patent applications can be quite interesting for you. Although these procedures may seem like just paperwork, they actually provide hints about the future plans of the technology companies we closely follow. Now, Microsoft has a new patent. This patent, which is based on mixed reality technology that combines AR and VR, contains clues about what the much-anticipated HoloLens 3 will be like.

The most exciting detail about Microsoft’s HoloLens 3 patent is that it will have a modular and affordable structure. This means that as the number of users increases, modules can be added as needed, allowing users to exchange different modules depending on their usage. Considering the company even has a deal with the U.S. army and it’s used in many areas in the business world, this is quite a functional development. The description of the patent is as follows:

“The modular sensor and display module may include a standard interface for attachment to various fit systems, including, for example, headband, VR headset, glasses temples, helmet, and the like. In some embodiments, a further module, such as a rear-attachment module, may be provided that can provide auxiliary compute, storage, and power resources for the modular sensor and display module.”

It’s worth noting that the patent doesn’t guarantee that a modular HoloLens 3 is on its way. As we mentioned at the start of our article, AR/VR headsets are becoming a bit more popular each day. Therefore, there’s a high chance that the company will put its plans into action to avoid losing the market to Apple’s dominance.

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Microsoft builds upgraded HoloLens Combat Goggles for the US Army

Sean — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:58:45 +0000

Microsoft is apparently working on a new and upgraded HoloLens headset. However, this model is not for consumers but could be used by US military personnel. The company’s upgraded HoloLens are being tested as Combat Goggles by the US Army.

Microsoft AR Combat Goggles: How does it work?

The American tech giant recently confirmed that it is delivering the IVAS 1.2 devices (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) to the US Army. These AR (Augmented Reality) headsets are thinner and lighter than previous iterations and seek to enhance the soldier’s performance on the field. These HoloLens-based combat goggles will improve battlefield awareness. Infantry units can now see the position of their squad mates get vital health stats and use night vision. It can also aid in planning and coordinating strikes and notify soldiers when their ally is injured.

The Army is currently testing around 20 prototype IVAS goggles with two squads. These tests will check its performance in low light conditions, test its reliability, and see if it’s viable for the soldiers. Previous iterations caused eye strain and discomfort and made the soldiers feel sick. Some of their key functionalities had also failed often.

The tests will kick off in late August, while Microsoft will deliver the improved IVAS systems by the end of this month. Depending on these tests, the US Army might sign an official contract by next, while operational combat tests might kick off in 2025. The US military might spend 21.9 billion US Dollars in ten years for over 121,000 IVAS units.

Google acquired microLED startup Raxium to fulfill its AR ambitions

Anurag — Thu, 05 May 2022 10:20:03 +0000

Google’s AR ambitions are not unknown to the world. The tech giant previously acquired the glasses maker North in 2020. Today, Rick Osterloh, SVP, Devices and Services at Google confirmed that the company has successfully acquired Raxium.

Raxium is a 5 years old startup based in Fremont, California. The company develops microLED displays used in AR headsets and similar devices. microLED is an emerging technology that has tremendous potential, but most of its applications are for large, expensive screens, such as wall-mounted signage.

The MicroLED startup is yet to launch any product, but it has reportedly developed a more efficient manufacturing technique for MicroLED that may reduce production costs. MicroLEDs have the potential to be used in devices like smart glasses, as well as in VR.

Google’s acquisition of Raxium indicates that the company is seriously dedicated to developing the components required to make AR devices a reality.

The Information was the first to break the news of this acquisition and reported that Google has paid $1 billion to buy the microLED startup. The Information noted that Raxium is working on “monolithic integration” for microLEDs, which means manufacturing them with the same kind of silicon that is used for most processors to reduce the price down.

Google is not a newcomer to the AR segment. The company was in fact one of the first to develop a commercial AR device with Google Glass. However, Google Glass failed to impress the consumers and received a strong backlash.

It appears that all the big names in the tech industry are focused on entering the AR segment. Meta and Apple have made similar acquisitions, and Microsoft has already delivered an augmented reality device with HoloLens. Snapchat is also reported to be investing heavily to develop its own AR glasses.