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What are your thoughts about this? I'll tell you mine. I just watched Google slowly, painfully, realize that Google Glass isn't commercially viable (in it's cu

What are your thoughts about this? I'll tell you mine. I just watched Google slowly, painfully, realize that Google Glass isn't commercially viable (in it's current form and to the general public). I can't help but feel that this is a larger, albeit more immersive, version of Google Glass. I only make this point in regards to any plans for a sci-fi, everyday wearable HUD. There is obviously a great demand for this kind of immersion within the gaming community (although I would argue that Oculus will have market control for the forseeable future). My opinion is that the kind of augmented reality that we all dream of, that sort of matrix-like constant data download, won't become a reality until someone figures out how to take it (visibly) out of human interaction, i.e. with smart contacts, etc. The current tech is just too intrusive in normal human interaction. My understanding is that this kind of tech is still a long way off. I'd love to be wrong though!

josefresco 12y ago
I think this product hits the sweet spot between the Oculus which covers/masks your eyes completely and Google Glass which had a relatively "small" and non immersive screen. The glass front allows these holograms to appear more naturally to the user all the while still being aware of your surroundings. The real challenge is not the hardware, but the software and "experiences".
dewiz 12y ago
What I find interesting is Microsoft launching this technology just after Google dropped it. I think the focus on business is the right way to go in this case, not everything can start from the consumer, e.g. look at how PC started from a geeky thing for scientists and is now in our pockets and wrists.
- guardian5x 12y ago
  I didn't know Google Glass combined a 3D Camera with full augmented reality vision.
tjbarbour 12y ago
I think this is all about how it's showcased. Google Glass was to be used in personal interactions and that put a social barrier in the way of what was some cool technology. It seems that it was way too awkward to be 'glassing' in public no matter how useful or cool the technology was. HoloLens is pitched to be used in the home and in the workplace, where you can comfortably immerse yourself in that experience without the social implications. This allows the technology to be judged on its own without mixing in the social implications. I have high hopes for this, at least its a very different experience than what most others are doing (though its obviously taking cues from VR, augmented reality/Google glass etc.) I agree for this to get 'really big' the form factor has to be a lot more portable, but this is a great stop-gap.
nlh 12y ago
I think you're exactly right. Smart contacts are going to be the next huge computing revolution (punch-cards/no screen -> screen in front of you/keyboard -> small screen in your hand - > virtual big screen on your contacts). But we're just not there yet tech-wise. And there have to be some intermediate steps along the way (i.e. big ugly glasses/goggles) because it's just going to be too hard to make it commercially viable to go directly to smart contacts. What Google has shows is that the public won't accept this until it's _awesome_ (and Glass was not awesome). So perhaps the gaming route (Oculus/MSFT) is the path we'll have to take.
CurtHagenlocher 12y ago
I actually like the fact that it looks a little clunky. No one's going to want to wear this in a bar or restaurant, so the odds of a "Glasshole"-like backlash seem unlikely.
jgrowl 12y ago
I think you're right. If I'm home alone, I don't mind wearing something on my head that covers my eyes. I don't want that if I'm out and about with other people.
AdamFernandez 12y ago
I really hope the pinnacle of AR is not as intrusive and uncomfortable (for some) as placing plastic on my eyeball (this seems to be the goto for many people). Either equip the environment, give me eyewear (goggles, then lightweight glasses), and eventually (may be awhile) augmentation implants.
- bentcorner 12y ago
  > eventually (may be awhile) augmentation implants My sci-fi holy grail for this type of thing is a brain-machine interface in the form of a simple hat. Early versions may look like this: http://i.imgur.com/y3v6hxB.jpg http://i.imgur.com/y3v6hxB.jpg
foobarian 12y ago
They have Minecraft-- wonder if they will be able to use it to introduce the product to the huge young generation who grew up on the game.

josefresco 12y ago

I think this product hits the sweet spot between the Oculus which covers/masks your eyes completely and Google Glass which had a relatively "small" and non immersive screen. The glass front allows these holograms to appear more naturally to the user all the while still being aware of your surroundings. The real challenge is not the hardware, but the software and "experiences".

dewiz 12y ago

What I find interesting is Microsoft launching this technology just after Google dropped it. I think the focus on business is the right way to go in this case, not everything can start from the consumer, e.g. look at how PC started from a geeky thing for scientists and is now in our pockets and wrists.

guardian5x 12y ago
I didn't know Google Glass combined a 3D Camera with full augmented reality vision.

tjbarbour 12y ago

I think this is all about how it's showcased. Google Glass was to be used in personal interactions and that put a social barrier in the way of what was some cool technology. It seems that it was way too awkward to be 'glassing' in public no matter how useful or cool the technology was. HoloLens is pitched to be used in the home and in the workplace, where you can comfortably immerse yourself in that experience without the social implications. This allows the technology to be judged on its own without mixing in the social implications. I have high hopes for this, at least its a very different experience than what most others are doing (though its obviously taking cues from VR, augmented reality/Google glass etc.) I agree for this to get 'really big' the form factor has to be a lot more portable, but this is a great stop-gap.

nlh 12y ago

I think you're exactly right. Smart contacts are going to be the next huge computing revolution (punch-cards/no screen -> screen in front of you/keyboard -> small screen in your hand - > virtual big screen on your contacts). But we're just not there yet tech-wise. And there have to be some intermediate steps along the way (i.e. big ugly glasses/goggles) because it's just going to be too hard to make it commercially viable to go directly to smart contacts. What Google has shows is that the public won't accept this until it's _awesome_ (and Glass was not awesome). So perhaps the gaming route (Oculus/MSFT) is the path we'll have to take.

CurtHagenlocher 12y ago

I actually like the fact that it looks a little clunky. No one's going to want to wear this in a bar or restaurant, so the odds of a "Glasshole"-like backlash seem unlikely.

jgrowl 12y ago

I think you're right. If I'm home alone, I don't mind wearing something on my head that covers my eyes. I don't want that if I'm out and about with other people.

AdamFernandez 12y ago

I really hope the pinnacle of AR is not as intrusive and uncomfortable (for some) as placing plastic on my eyeball (this seems to be the goto for many people). Either equip the environment, give me eyewear (goggles, then lightweight glasses), and eventually (may be awhile) augmentation implants.

bentcorner 12y ago
> eventually (may be awhile) augmentation implants My sci-fi holy grail for this type of thing is a brain-machine interface in the form of a simple hat. Early versions may look like this: http://i.imgur.com/y3v6hxB.jpg http://i.imgur.com/y3v6hxB.jpg

foobarian 12y ago

They have Minecraft-- wonder if they will be able to use it to introduce the product to the huge young generation who grew up on the game.