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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image=[[File:hololens 21.png|400px]]
|image =
|VR/AR=[[Augmented Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type=[[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Subtype=[[Standalone AR]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Platform=[[Windows Mixed Reality]]
|Platform = [[Windows Holographic]]
|Developer=[[Microsoft]]
|Developer = [[Microsoft]]
|Operating System=[[Windows Holographic]]
|Manufacturer = [[Microsoft]]
|Predecessor=[[Microsoft HoloLens]]
|Announcement Date = February 24, 2019
|Successor=
|Release Date = November 7, 2019
|Display=
|End of Sales = Discontinued (support until December 2027)
|Resolution=2k 3:2 light engines
|Price = $3,500 USD
|Refresh Rate=
|Website = https://www.microsoft.com/hololens
|Field of View=
|Predecessor = [[Microsoft HoloLens]]
|Optics=See-through holographic lenses (waveguides)
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 850]]
|IPD Range=Software adjustment
|HPU = Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit 2.0
|Tracking=6DOF, World-scale positional tracking
|Memory = 4 GB
|Rotational Tracking=Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer
|Storage = 64 GB
|Audio=microphone array of 5 channels, built-in spatial sound
|Display = 2x MEMS laser scanning
|Camera=4 visible light head tracking, 2 IR eye tracking
|Resolution = 2048x1080 per eye (2K)
|Sensors=
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|Input=Hands, Eyes
|PPD = 47 pixels per degree
|Connectivity=WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5, USB-C
|Field of View = 52° diagonal (43° H x 29° V)
|Power=USB-PD for fast charging
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Weight=566g
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out)
|Size=
|Eye Tracking = Yes (with iris recognition)
|Cable=
|Hand Tracking = Yes (fully articulated, 21 points per hand)
|Release Date=Nov 7, 2019
|Controllers = None (hand and voice input)
|Price=$3,500
|Audio = Integrated speakers, spatial audio
|Website=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
|Battery = Up to 3 hours
|Weight = ~566g
}}
}}
The '''Microsoft HoloLens 2''' is an [[augmented reality headset]] built by [[Microsoft]] that uses an optical see-through display. It is marketed for enterprise workers who use their hands and can't benefit from phones, tablets, or computers in the same way that other industries can. Microsoft is targeting corporations like auto shops or factory floors to re-imagine the work environment. <ref name="alpha">https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/24/18235460/microsoft-hololens-2-price-specs-mixed-reality-ar-vr-business-work-features-mwc-2019</ref>


The HoloLens 2 has both hand and eye tracking capabilities. Hand tracking includes simplified gestures compared to the original HoloLens thanks to 25 points of articulation on each hand. Eye tracking includes the ability to pinpoint something with your eyes and verbalize commands, like closing a browser. Eye tracking is new to the HoloLens line. With a camera, the device can also scan your retina to authenticate you into the platform.<ref name="alpha"></ref>
The '''Microsoft HoloLens 2''' is an enterprise [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Microsoft]], announced on February 24, 2019 and released on November 7, 2019 at $3,500. The successor to the original [[Microsoft HoloLens]], the HoloLens 2 features more than double the field of view (52° diagonal), improved display quality with 47 pixels per degree, advanced articulated hand tracking with 21 points per hand, eye tracking with iris recognition, and a more comfortable flip-up visor design. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 and Microsoft's second-generation Holographic Processing Unit, the HoloLens 2 became the industry standard for enterprise AR applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and defense.


There are other notable improvements to the HoloLens 2 compared to the HoloLens. Not only can can it map the space you are in (spatial mapping), but it can understand the objects around you, like knowing that is a couch or a desk (semantic understanding of space). One reviewer noted it was more comfortable and easier to gesture, as well. The HoloLens 2 comes with a larger field of vision, though it's still significantly limited.<ref name="alpha"></ref>
== History and Development ==


The HoloLens 2 also offers some new technology including the Azure Kinect DK and an ARM processor, mirroring a move across the tech industry away from Intel chips.<ref name="alpha"></ref>
Microsoft announced the HoloLens 2 at Mobile World Congress on February 24, 2019, addressing key criticisms of the original HoloLens including its limited field of view and comfort issues. The device launched on November 7, 2019, targeting enterprise and military customers rather than consumers. Microsoft secured a significant contract with the U.S. Army for the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) based on HoloLens technology.<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/hololens-2-specs-resolution-field-of-view-battery-life/ |title=HoloLens 2 Specs: Resolution, Field of View, Battery Life & More |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


Another reviewer noted the memory of the HoloLens 2 - it can save your browser exactly where and how it was if you move or leave. It can also remember where you've placed annotation in your environment.<ref name="beta">https://www.cnet.com/news/hands-on-at-home-with-microsofts-hololens-2/</ref>
The HoloLens 2 was discontinued but will continue receiving software updates until December 31, 2027.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HoloLens_2 |title=HoloLens 2 |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


There are several different [https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/hololens2-options editions of the HoloLens 2]:
== Design and Hardware ==
* HoloLens 2 with Remote Assist
* HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition
* HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition with Remote Assist
* Trimble XR10 with HoloLens 2
* HoloLens 2 Development Edition


==Release and Pricing==
=== Display ===


The HoloLens 2 started shipping on Nov 7, 2019 for $3,500. It was, and continues to be, an enterprise-only headset.
MEMS laser scanning technology:


==Hardware==
* Dual MEMS (Microelectromechanical) laser scanning displays
'''In the Box'''
* '''2048x1080 resolution per eye''' (2K)
*     HoloLens 2 device
* '''47 pixels per degree''' visual clarity
*     Carrying case
* 60 Hz refresh rate
*     Overhead strap
* '''52° diagonal FOV''' (more than 2x original HoloLens)
*     Microfiber cloth
* 43° horizontal, 29° vertical FOV
*     Charger
* See-through waveguide optics
*    USB-C cable
<ref name="celery">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/</ref>


'''Specs'''
=== Field of View ===
* HPU: Second-generation custom-built holographic processing unit
* Memory: 4-GB LPDDR4x system DRAM
* Storage: 64-GB UFS 2.1
<ref name="bread">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/hardware#</ref>


==Setup Tutorial==
Major improvement over original:


You must have a Microsoft account to log in.
* Original HoloLens: ~34° diagonal
* '''HoloLens 2: 52° diagonal'''
* More than double the viewing area
* Maintained pixel density
* Larger usable hologram space


To fit the headset, you can dial the headset tighter or looser on the back. You can add an optional top band.
=== Processing ===


==Input Devices==
Hybrid computing architecture:


The HoloLens 2 tracks your hands and eyes. It does not come with a controller.
* '''[[Qualcomm Snapdragon 850]]''' SoC
** Octa-core Kryo 385 CPU
** 4x 2.96 GHz high-performance cores
** 4x 1.8 GHz efficiency cores
** Adreno 630 GPU
* '''Microsoft HPU 2.0''' (Holographic Processing Unit)
** Custom co-processor
** Real-time spatial mapping
** Gesture recognition
** Holographic rendering
* 4 GB RAM
* 64 GB storage


==Accessories==
=== Eye Tracking ===


On Microsoft's website, you can purchase a HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset for over-ear sounds with passive noise cancellation.<ref name="patty">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/hyperx-cloud-ii-gaming-headset-red/8pc2qjgpp29z</ref>
Advanced eye-based features:


==Apps==
* Dedicated eye-tracking cameras near nose ridge
* '''Dynamic 365 Guides''' - includes templates to create instructions for repairing real-world things<ref name="alpha"></ref>
* '''Iris recognition''' (Windows Hello biometric login)
* '''Azure Remote Rendering''' - offloads some computing to the cloud which enables you to surpass the storage and rendering limitations of the stand-alone headset<ref name="alpha"></ref>
* Gaze-based interaction
* '''Azure Spatial Anchors''' - lets you pin holograms to places in the real world<ref name="alpha"></ref>
* Automatic IPD adjustment
* '''Microsoft Mesh''' - allows you to visualize holograms of people in the same, shared, virtual space<ref name="beta"></ref>
* Foveated rendering optimization
* Natural UI navigation


===Stores===
=== Hand Tracking ===


You can purchase through the Microsoft Store, Insight, or SHI.
Industry-leading articulated tracking:


==Developer==
* '''21 points of articulation per hand'''
* Full finger tracking
* No controllers required
* Natural manipulation of holograms
* Pinch, grab, and gesture recognition
* Works without line-of-sight constraints
* Improved over original HoloLens


* Azure Kinect DK and other SDKs
=== Sensors ===
* Azure Digital Twins
* [[Unity]]


==Images==
Comprehensive sensor array:
<gallery mode="packed">
File:hololens 27.png
File:hololens 26.jpeg
File:hololens 25.jpeg
File:hololens 24.jpeg
File:hololens 23.jpeg
File:hololens 22.jpeg
File:hololens 21.png
</gallery>


* 4 visible light cameras (head tracking)
* 2 infrared cameras (eye tracking)
* 1 time-of-flight depth sensor
* IMU (accelerometer + gyroscope)
* Magnetometer
* 5-channel microphone array
* Ambient light sensor


==History==
=== Build and Comfort ===
* Spring 2021: HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition
* Nov 7 2019: HoloLens 2 Development Edition
* Nov 7 2019: HoloLens 2


==References==
Redesigned for extended wear:
<references />


[[Category:Augmented Reality Devices]]
* ~566g weight
* '''Flip-up visor design'''
* Carbon fiber construction
* Dial-in fit system
* Improved weight distribution
* Brow pad for comfort
* Designed for 3+ hour sessions
* Compatible with safety helmets
 
=== Audio ===
 
Spatial sound system:
 
* Integrated speakers above ears
* 3D spatial audio
* No headphones required
* Private listening
* Voice input via Cortana
 
=== Battery ===
 
* Built-in battery
* '''Up to 3 hours''' active use
* 18W charger (9V/2A)
* USB-C charging
 
== Input Methods ==
 
Controller-free interaction:
 
=== Hand Gestures ===
* Air tap (select)
* Pinch and drag
* Manipulation gestures
* Hand menu
 
=== Voice Commands ===
* Cortana integration
* Voice control of apps
* Dictation support
 
=== Eye Gaze ===
* Selection by looking
* Natural UI navigation
 
== Enterprise Applications ==
 
=== Manufacturing ===
* Assembly guidance
* Quality inspection
* Training simulations
* Remote assist
 
=== Healthcare ===
* Surgical planning
* Medical imaging
* Patient education
* Telemedicine
 
=== Defense ===
* IVAS program (U.S. Army)
* Training simulations
* Mission planning
* Situational awareness
 
=== Design and Architecture ===
* 3D visualization
* Collaborative design review
* On-site holographic overlays
 
== Technical Specifications ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || MEMS laser scanning
|-
| Resolution || 2048x1080 per eye
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
|-
| Field of View || 52° diagonal
|-
| PPD || 47 pixels per degree
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon 850 + HPU 2.0
|-
| RAM || 4 GB
|-
| Storage || 64 GB
|-
| Eye Tracking || Yes (with iris recognition)
|-
| Hand Tracking || 21 points per hand
|-
| Weight || ~566g
|-
| Battery || Up to 3 hours
|-
| Price || $3,500
|}
 
== Reception ==
 
'''Praise:'''
* 52° FOV more than doubles original
* Hand tracking "most advanced" in industry
* 21-point articulated finger tracking
* Eye tracking with iris recognition
* Flip-up visor design practical
* Improved comfort for extended wear
* Enterprise features comprehensive
* Qualcomm chip improves efficiency
* HPU 2.0 enables advanced spatial computing
* Windows integration seamless
 
'''Criticism:'''
* $3,500 price limits accessibility
* Enterprise-only focus (no consumer version)
* 60 Hz refresh rate lower than VR headsets
* 52° FOV still limiting for some applications
* Heavier than consumer AR glasses
* Discontinued hardware
* Battery life limited to 3 hours<ref name="mslearn">{{cite web |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/hololens2-hardware |title=HoloLens 2 hardware |publisher=Microsoft Learn |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
<ref name="pureinfotech">{{cite web |url=https://pureinfotech.com/microsoft-hololens-2-tech-specs/ |title=Microsoft HoloLens 2: tech specs and details you need to know |publisher=Pureinfotech |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
 
== See Also ==
* [[Microsoft HoloLens]]
* [[Magic Leap 2]]
* [[Varjo XR-4]]
* [[ThinkReality A3]]
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}
 
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]
[[Category:2019 in technology]]
[[Category:Discontinued AR Devices]]

Latest revision as of 22:25, 7 January 2026

Microsoft HoloLens 2
Basic Info
VR/AR Mixed Reality
Type AR Glasses
Subtype Enterprise AR
Platform Windows Holographic
Developer Microsoft
Manufacturer Microsoft
Announcement Date February 24, 2019
Release Date November 7, 2019
Price $3,500 USD
Website https://www.microsoft.com/hololens
Predecessor Microsoft HoloLens
System
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 850
HPU Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit 2.0
Storage
Storage 64 GB
Memory 4 GB
Display
Display 2x MEMS laser scanning
Resolution 2048x1080 per eye (2K)
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Image
Field of View 52° diagonal (43° H x 29° V)
Optics
Ocularity Binocular
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (inside-out)
Eye Tracking Yes (with iris recognition)
Hand Tracking Yes (fully articulated, 21 points per hand)
Audio
Audio Integrated speakers, spatial audio
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
Device
Weight ~566g


The Microsoft HoloLens 2 is an enterprise mixed reality head-mounted display developed by Microsoft, announced on February 24, 2019 and released on November 7, 2019 at $3,500. The successor to the original Microsoft HoloLens, the HoloLens 2 features more than double the field of view (52° diagonal), improved display quality with 47 pixels per degree, advanced articulated hand tracking with 21 points per hand, eye tracking with iris recognition, and a more comfortable flip-up visor design. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 and Microsoft's second-generation Holographic Processing Unit, the HoloLens 2 became the industry standard for enterprise AR applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and defense.

History and Development

Microsoft announced the HoloLens 2 at Mobile World Congress on February 24, 2019, addressing key criticisms of the original HoloLens including its limited field of view and comfort issues. The device launched on November 7, 2019, targeting enterprise and military customers rather than consumers. Microsoft secured a significant contract with the U.S. Army for the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) based on HoloLens technology.[1]

The HoloLens 2 was discontinued but will continue receiving software updates until December 31, 2027.[2]

Design and Hardware

Display

MEMS laser scanning technology:

  • Dual MEMS (Microelectromechanical) laser scanning displays
  • 2048x1080 resolution per eye (2K)
  • 47 pixels per degree visual clarity
  • 60 Hz refresh rate
  • 52° diagonal FOV (more than 2x original HoloLens)
  • 43° horizontal, 29° vertical FOV
  • See-through waveguide optics

Field of View

Major improvement over original:

  • Original HoloLens: ~34° diagonal
  • HoloLens 2: 52° diagonal
  • More than double the viewing area
  • Maintained pixel density
  • Larger usable hologram space

Processing

Hybrid computing architecture:

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 SoC
    • Octa-core Kryo 385 CPU
    • 4x 2.96 GHz high-performance cores
    • 4x 1.8 GHz efficiency cores
    • Adreno 630 GPU
  • Microsoft HPU 2.0 (Holographic Processing Unit)
    • Custom co-processor
    • Real-time spatial mapping
    • Gesture recognition
    • Holographic rendering
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 64 GB storage

Eye Tracking

Advanced eye-based features:

  • Dedicated eye-tracking cameras near nose ridge
  • Iris recognition (Windows Hello biometric login)
  • Gaze-based interaction
  • Automatic IPD adjustment
  • Foveated rendering optimization
  • Natural UI navigation

Hand Tracking

Industry-leading articulated tracking:

  • 21 points of articulation per hand
  • Full finger tracking
  • No controllers required
  • Natural manipulation of holograms
  • Pinch, grab, and gesture recognition
  • Works without line-of-sight constraints
  • Improved over original HoloLens

Sensors

Comprehensive sensor array:

  • 4 visible light cameras (head tracking)
  • 2 infrared cameras (eye tracking)
  • 1 time-of-flight depth sensor
  • IMU (accelerometer + gyroscope)
  • Magnetometer
  • 5-channel microphone array
  • Ambient light sensor

Build and Comfort

Redesigned for extended wear:

  • ~566g weight
  • Flip-up visor design
  • Carbon fiber construction
  • Dial-in fit system
  • Improved weight distribution
  • Brow pad for comfort
  • Designed for 3+ hour sessions
  • Compatible with safety helmets

Audio

Spatial sound system:

  • Integrated speakers above ears
  • 3D spatial audio
  • No headphones required
  • Private listening
  • Voice input via Cortana

Battery

  • Built-in battery
  • Up to 3 hours active use
  • 18W charger (9V/2A)
  • USB-C charging

Input Methods

Controller-free interaction:

Hand Gestures

  • Air tap (select)
  • Pinch and drag
  • Manipulation gestures
  • Hand menu

Voice Commands

  • Cortana integration
  • Voice control of apps
  • Dictation support

Eye Gaze

  • Selection by looking
  • Natural UI navigation

Enterprise Applications

Manufacturing

  • Assembly guidance
  • Quality inspection
  • Training simulations
  • Remote assist

Healthcare

  • Surgical planning
  • Medical imaging
  • Patient education
  • Telemedicine

Defense

  • IVAS program (U.S. Army)
  • Training simulations
  • Mission planning
  • Situational awareness

Design and Architecture

  • 3D visualization
  • Collaborative design review
  • On-site holographic overlays

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display MEMS laser scanning
Resolution 2048x1080 per eye
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Field of View 52° diagonal
PPD 47 pixels per degree
Processor Snapdragon 850 + HPU 2.0
RAM 4 GB
Storage 64 GB
Eye Tracking Yes (with iris recognition)
Hand Tracking 21 points per hand
Weight ~566g
Battery Up to 3 hours
Price $3,500

Reception

Praise:

  • 52° FOV more than doubles original
  • Hand tracking "most advanced" in industry
  • 21-point articulated finger tracking
  • Eye tracking with iris recognition
  • Flip-up visor design practical
  • Improved comfort for extended wear
  • Enterprise features comprehensive
  • Qualcomm chip improves efficiency
  • HPU 2.0 enables advanced spatial computing
  • Windows integration seamless

Criticism:

  • $3,500 price limits accessibility
  • Enterprise-only focus (no consumer version)
  • 60 Hz refresh rate lower than VR headsets
  • 52° FOV still limiting for some applications
  • Heavier than consumer AR glasses
  • Discontinued hardware
  • Battery life limited to 3 hours[3]

[4]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "HoloLens 2 Specs: Resolution, Field of View, Battery Life & More". Road to VR. https://www.roadtovr.com/hololens-2-specs-resolution-field-of-view-battery-life/.
  2. ↑ "HoloLens 2". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HoloLens_2.
  3. ↑ "HoloLens 2 hardware". Microsoft Learn. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/hololens2-hardware.
  4. ↑ "Microsoft HoloLens 2: tech specs and details you need to know". Pureinfotech. https://pureinfotech.com/microsoft-hololens-2-tech-specs/.
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