As it was first announced at a press conference in New York in 2015, Microsoft will start shipping HoloLens’ development kits from March 30, 2016 and recently announced that its HoloLens Development Edition is already available for pre-order from developers in the United States and Canada.
Windows 10 is the first platform to support the holographic computing with APIs that enable gaze, gesture, voice, as well as environmental understanding. With various partnerships including Volvo, Autodesk Fusion 360, NASA, Case Western Reserve University, and the Cleveland Clinic, Microsoft has been doing their homework by making sure they have all the support they need in order to make the virtual technology a reality.
Microsoft announced on its official site that the company is looking for creative developers that are willing to help Microsoft build a ‘holographic future’ as well as an active, rich, and dynamic community. “To build a vibrant community, we are looking for a wide spectrum of developers to create diverse experiences. The more you share in your application form, the easier it will be for us to see how you’ll help build the future of holographic computing with us, one inspired idea at a time.”
In order to qualify as an applicant, the developers need to comply with these rules:
- You are a developer in the United States (including Puerto Rico) or Canada where the Development Edition will first be available.
- You are a Windows Insider. By participating in the Windows Insider program, you agree to provide feedback and work with us to define the future of holographic computing.
- Please note that the Development Edition hardware and experiences are in English only.
All eligible applicants can order up to two devices which cost $3,000 each. Unlike other devices such as Oculus Rift and Samsung’s headset, HoloLens do not need to be connected to any PC or phone. They are able to fully work by using their self-contained system. “This is the most important product in the category, and this is the first step in a long journey to reshape the way people do everything,” said for Bloomberg.com J.P. Gownder, an analyst at Forrester. “HoloLens is so important because it will prompt some developers to rethink their position on Windows. People will join the Windows 10 ecosystem just so they can use HoloLens,” Gownder added.
According to TechNewsWorld, all developers that are interested in get the device, will also be able to access hundreds of Universal Windows Platform apps via the Windows Store. “Among the first of those apps is HoloStudio, which allows developers to create 3D in 3D at real-world scale, Microsoft said. The application integrates with OneDrive and can be exported to a 3D printer or Sketchfab.”
Microsoft HoloLens will have to compete with other companies that are using this similar technology, such as Oculus which offers a similar device for a hundred dollars less, but we have to wait and see how all this will turn out.