Microsoft Unveils HoloLens 2 Headset and Azure Kinect at MWC
Microsoft introduces the HoloLens 2 with a wider field of view and controller-free hand tracking, alongside a new Azure-powered Kinect for businesses. Both devices focus primarily on enterprise applications rather than consumer gaming.
Microsoft unveils the HoloLens 2 headset at MWC 2019, offering more than double the field of vision compared to the previous model. The $3,500 device features a new time-of-flight depth sensor that tracks hands without the need for controllers and provides increased comfort for the user. The company designs this mixed reality headset primarily for enterprise use, aiming to transform how large-scale businesses complete their daily work.
Before revealing the new headset, Microsoft brings the Kinect back to life through the Azure Kinect. This compact device packs a depth sensor, a high-definition camera, and microphones into a single unit built specifically for business applications. Retailers like AVA use the technology for self-checkout and grab-and-go shopping, taking advantage of the artificial intelligence and cloud computing power that Azure provides. Developers can currently preorder the Azure Kinect for $399.
Epic Games also takes the stage to announce that its Unreal Engine is coming to the HoloLens platform. Tim Sweeney confirms that the software is already up and running and expects it to become available for developers in May. This integration targets enterprise users who need to create realistic 3D models, though Sweeney hints that gaming could eventually arrive once the mixed reality headset becomes more affordable for everyday consumers.