36 Issue 1404
US JudgeRules
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M
icrosoft has made quite the announcement: HoloLens
is ready for developers to pre-order, so long as they’re
willing to stump up $3,000. The augmentedreality
headset, or in Microsoft’s own words “untethered
holographic computer”, will bereleased in Development Edition form
on March 30th, and it’s the latest virtualreality hardware announcement
following the Oculus Rift, HTCVive and, of course, the ultimately
disappointing Google Glass.
Theseremain early days for virtualreality but Microsoft’s entry into
the market could prove a major draw for developers and consumers
alike, although it’s worth stating that there’s still no word on arelease
date for a consumer edition.
The key features that developers can play around with on the
HoloLens include HoloStudio, an application that allows users to “create
3D in 3D” atreal-world scale. KudoTsunoda, CorporateVice President,Windows Experiences, Microsoft Corp, said that HoloStudio shows
users how to use the HoloLens interaction model of gaze, gesture and
voice and will “easily allow any developer to envision and create the
holograms they need for their own applications.”
There’s Skype interaction with this Development Edition too, allowing
people to communicate using holograms, and HoloTour offers 360°
panoramic tours of places like Rome and Machu Picchu.
Finally, the game-playing capabilities of HoloLens haven’t been
ignored as independent developer Asobo Studio has partnered with
Microsoft in therelease ofFragmentsandYo ung Conker. The former is
billed as a high-tech crime thriller in which “you become the detective”
and life-sized characters share your space and interact with you. In
Yo ung Conker, which is a development fromConker’s Bad Fur Day, we
have a platformer that uses the world around you to create a unique
experience every time. While it’s fair to say that thereaction toYo ung
Conkerhas not been especially positive,Fragmentssounds – and looks- rather nice. Now, to hunt down that $3,000...
HoloLens Now
On Pre-Order
Developer edition kit will cost $3,000
QUICK BITS...A major update for mobilegame Fallout Shelter has added newrooms, crafting, new pets, outfits
iHere are the first two games announced for the HoloLens