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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|name = Microsoft HoloLens (1st Generation)
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = Standalone AR/MR
|Subtype = [[Standalone AR]]
|Platform = Windows Holographic
|Platform = [[Windows 10 Holographic]]
|Creator = [[Microsoft]]
|Creator = [[Microsoft]]
|Announced = January 2015
|Developer = [[Microsoft]]
|Release = March 30, 2016
|Manufacturer = [[Microsoft]]
|Price = $3,000 (Dev) / $5,000 (Commercial)
|Announcement Date = January 21, 2015
|Website = https://www.microsoft.com/hololens
|Release Date = March 30, 2016 (Development Edition)
|OS = Windows 10 Holographic
|Price = $3,000 (Development Edition), $5,000 (Commercial Suite)
|CPU = Intel Atom x5-Z8100 (Cherry Trail)
|Website = https://www.microsoft.com/hololens (legacy)
|GPU = Integrated
|Versions = Development Edition, Commercial Suite
|HPU = Microsoft HPU 1.0 (custom)
|Requires = None (self-contained)
|Storage = 64 GB eMMC
|Predecessor = None
|RAM = 2 GB (1 GB for CPU, 1 GB for HPU)
|Successor = [[Microsoft HoloLens 2]]
|Display = See-through holographic lenses
|Operating System = [[Windows 10 Holographic]]
|Resolution = 1268 x 720 per eye
|Chipset = Intel Atom x5-Z8100 + Microsoft HPU 1.0
|Refresh = 60 Hz
|CPU = Intel Atom x5-Z8100 (1.04 GHz, 4 cores)
|Brightness =
|GPU = N/A
|FOV = 30° diagonal
|HPU = Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit 1.0
|PPD =
|Storage = 64GB (~54GB available)
|Lenses = See-through waveguides
|Memory = 2GB RAM
|IPD =
|SD Card Slot = No
|Eye Tracking =
|Display = Waveguide optics (holographic)
|Hand Tracking = Yes (gestures)
|Subpixel Layout = N/A
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out SLAM)
|Peak Brightness = Not specified
|Spatial Mapping = Yes
|Resolution = 1268 × 720 per eye (HD)
|Speakers = Spatial audio speakers
|Pixel Density = ~15 PPD
|Microphone = Yes (4x)
|Refresh Rate = 60Hz
|Audio Jack = 3.5mm
|Persistence = N/A
|Field of View = 30° diagonal (~35° by some measurements)
|Horizontal FoV = ~30°
|Vertical FoV = ~17°
|Average Pixel Density = ~15 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~15 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = No
|Optics = See-through holographic waveguide
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = Fixed (software adjustment)
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses compatible)
|Passthrough = Native see-through (AR)
|Tracking = 6DoF inside-out (SLAM)
|Tracking Frequency = N/A
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Yes (gesture recognition)
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = 60Hz
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale
|Play Space = Mobile AR
|Latency = <25ms
|Audio = Integrated spatial speakers
|Microphone = Yes (4 microphones)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = 2MP HD photo/video camera
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 LE
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 LE
|Ports = USB 2.0 micro-B, 3.5mm
|Ports = Micro-USB, 3.5mm audio
|Battery = 2-3 hours active use
|Wired Video = No
|Wireless Video = No
|WiFi = Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth 4.1 LE
|Power = Internal battery
|Battery Capacity = 16,500mWh
|Battery Life = 2-3 hours (active use)
|Charge Time = ~2 hours
|Dimensions = ~270mm × 200mm × 120mm
|Weight = 579g
|Weight = 579g
|Materials =
|Material = Plastic, metal
|Colors = Black
|Headstrap = Adjustable headband with forehead pad
|Sensors = IMU, depth camera, HD camera, ambient light
|Haptics = No
|Input = Gaze, gesture, voice, Clicker
|Color = Black
|Sensors = 4× environment cameras, depth sensor, ambient light sensor, IMU
|Input = Gesture recognition, voice commands, Clicker, gaze
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}


The '''Microsoft HoloLens''' (1st generation) is a standalone [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Microsoft]], announced in January 2015 and released on March 30, 2016 at $3,000 for developers. HoloLens was the first self-contained holographic computer, featuring see-through waveguide displays, spatial mapping, hand gesture recognition, and voice commands, all powered by a custom Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) alongside an Intel Atom processor. Despite a limited 30-degree field of view, HoloLens pioneered enterprise AR applications and demonstrated the potential of untethered mixed reality computing.<ref name="microsoft">{{cite web|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_HoloLens|title=Microsoft HoloLens|publisher=Wikipedia}}</ref>
The '''Microsoft HoloLens''' (1st Generation) is a self-contained [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Microsoft]], announced on January 21, 2015, at a Windows 10 event, and released as the Development Edition on March 30, 2016, for $3,000. HoloLens was the first completely self-contained holographic computer—requiring no wires, phone, or PC—capable of projecting interactive 3D holograms onto the real world through see-through waveguide displays. Powered by an Intel Atom processor and Microsoft's custom Holographic Processing Unit (HPU), HoloLens could understand the user's environment through spatial mapping, recognize gestures and voice commands, and anchor digital content to physical locations. Though limited by its narrow 30° diagonal field of view, HoloLens pioneered the concept of spatial computing for enterprise applications in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and education.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


=== January 2015 Announcement ===
=== Microsoft Research Origins ===
Revealed alongside Windows 10, demonstrating holographic computing concept.
Long development history:
* Research since early 2010s
* Kinect technology heritage
* Project Baraboo/Project Fortaleza
* Alex Kipman leadership


=== March 2016 Developer Edition ===
=== Windows 10 Event Reveal ===
Released to developers and enterprise partners at $3,000.
January 21, 2015:
* Surprise announcement
* "Windows Holographic" platform
* Live demonstrations
* "One more thing" moment
 
=== Development Edition Launch ===
March 30, 2016:
* $3,000 price point
* US and Canada initially
* Developer targeting
* Pre-orders opened February 29
 
=== Global Expansion ===
October 2016:
* Australia, Ireland, France
* Germany, New Zealand, UK
* Wider developer access
* International availability


=== Commercial Suite ===
=== Commercial Suite ===
Enterprise version at $5,000 with additional security and management features.
Enterprise offering:
* $5,000 package
* Business features
* Device management
* Enterprise support
 
== Design Philosophy ==


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Self-Contained ===
Completely wireless:
* No tethers to PC
* No phone required
* All processing onboard
* True mobile computing


=== Display System ===
=== Mixed Reality ===
* '''Type:''' See-through holographic waveguides
Holographic computing concept:
* '''Resolution:''' 1268 x 720 per eye (HD)
* Digital overlays on real world
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 60 Hz
* Spatial understanding
* '''Holographic:''' Light engines project images onto lenses
* Persistent content
* Natural interaction
 
=== Enterprise Focus ===
Business applications:
* Not gaming device
* Professional tools
* Visualization
* Training and collaboration
 
== Display Technology ==
 
=== Holographic Waveguide ===
See-through display system:
* '''Resolution''': 1268 × 720 per eye
* '''Type''': Waveguide optics
* '''Holograms''': ~2.3M light points
* '''See-through''': Full transparency


=== Field of View ===
=== Field of View ===
* '''Diagonal:''' 30 degrees
Major limitation:
* Primary limitation noted by users
* ~30° diagonal
* ~35° horizontal (some measurements)
* Small viewing window
* Holograms clip at edges
* Holograms clip at edges


=== Standalone Design ===
=== Light Engines ===
* Fully self-contained (no PC or phone required)
Projection system:
* All processing on-device
* Custom light engines
* No wires or external sensors
* Full-color holograms
* 60Hz refresh
* Adequate brightness


== Processing ==
=== Hologram Quality ===
Visual characteristics:
* Semi-transparent
* Full color
* Spatial depth
* Environmental integration
 
== Processing Architecture ==


=== Intel Atom CPU ===
=== Intel Atom CPU ===
* '''Model:''' x5-Z8100 (Cherry Trail)
Main processor:
* '''Memory:''' 1 GB LPDDR3
* Intel Atom x5-Z8100
* '''Role:''' Windows 10, applications
* 1.04 GHz, 4 cores
* 64-bit capable
* Low power consumption


=== Microsoft HPU 1.0 ===
=== Holographic Processing Unit ===
* '''Custom silicon designed by Microsoft'''
Custom silicon:
* '''Fabrication:''' TSMC 28nm
* '''HPU 1.0''': Microsoft-designed
* '''Logic Gates:''' 65 million
* Real-time sensor processing
* '''DSPs:''' 28 custom Tensilica cores
* Spatial mapping
* '''Memory:''' 1 GB LPDDR3 + 8 MB SRAM
* Gesture recognition
* '''Role:''' Sensor fusion, spatial mapping, gestures, voice
* Environmental understanding


=== Processing Capabilities ===
=== Memory ===
* More computing power than average laptop
Limited specification:
* Passively cooled (no fans)
* '''RAM''': 2GB
* Real-time environment understanding
* '''Storage''': 64GB (~54GB available)
* Adequate for applications
* Enterprise-focused


== Sensors ==
== Tracking and Sensors ==


=== Depth Camera ===
=== Spatial Mapping ===
* Time-of-flight depth sensing
Environment understanding:
* Environment mesh generation
* Four environment cameras
* Object recognition
* Depth sensor
* Real-time 3D mapping
* Surface detection


=== RGB Camera ===
=== SLAM Technology ===
* 2.4 MP HD video camera
Positioning:
* Mixed reality capture
* Simultaneous localization and mapping
* 6DoF tracking
* Room-scale movement
* No external sensors


=== Inertial Measurement Unit ===
=== Sensor Array ===
* Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer
Comprehensive sensing:
* Head tracking stabilization
* 4× environment cameras
* 1× depth sensor
* Ambient light sensor
* IMU
* 4× microphones


=== Ambient Light Sensor ===
== Input Methods ==
Adjusts hologram brightness to environment.
 
=== Gesture Recognition ===
Hand tracking:
* Air tap (select)
* Bloom (home)
* Hold and drag
* Limited gestures
 
=== Voice Commands ===
Cortana integration:
* "Hey Cortana" wake word
* Voice navigation
* Dictation
* Command recognition


== Spatial Mapping ==
=== Gaze Input ===
Eye direction:
* Head-aimed cursor
* Gaze to select
* Combined with gestures
* Primary targeting method


=== Real-Time Environment Mesh ===
=== Clicker ===
* Scans and understands physical space
Optional accessory:
* Holograms interact with surfaces
* Bluetooth device
* Persistence across sessions
* Click input
* Scroll ring
* Alternative to gestures


=== World Anchors ===
== Audio System ==
Lock holograms to real-world locations.


== Input Methods ==
=== Spatial Speakers ===
Integrated audio:
* Built-in speakers
* Spatial sound positioning
* Hear real world too
* Environmental awareness
 
=== Microphones ===
Voice capture:
* Four microphones
* Array processing
* Voice commands
* Communication
 
=== 3.5mm Jack ===
Headphone option:
* Private listening
* Higher quality
* Immersive audio
 
== Battery ==
 
=== Internal Battery ===
Mobile power:
* '''Capacity''': 16,500mWh
* '''Active use''': 2-3 hours
* '''Standby''': 2 weeks
* '''Charging''': Micro-USB
 
== Physical Design ==


=== Gaze ===
=== Self-Contained ===
* Head-tracked cursor
All components integrated:
* Primary selection method
* Compute, display, sensors
* Gaze-dwell activation
* Battery included
* No external units
* Single device


=== Gestures ===
=== Weight ===
* '''Air Tap:''' Select/click
Substantial but wearable:
* '''Bloom:''' Open Start menu
* 579g (1.28 lbs)
* '''Tap and Hold:''' Drag objects
* Front-heavy
* Limited gesture vocabulary
* Extended wear challenging
* Headband distribution


=== Voice Commands ===
=== Headband Design ===
* Cortana integration
Comfort system:
* "Select" to click
* Adjustable headband
* Application-specific commands
* Forehead pad
* Rear dial tightening
* Glasses compatible


=== Clicker ===
=== Visor ===
* Bluetooth accessory included
Display housing:
* Alternative to air tap
* Tinted visor
* Single button input
* Sensor array
* Light blocking
* Premium appearance


== Audio ==
== Software Platform ==


=== Spatial Sound ===
=== Windows Holographic ===
* Built-in speakers above ears
Operating system:
* Binaural audio simulation
* Windows 10 based
* Sound appears to come from hologram locations
* Universal Windows Platform
* Head-related transfer function (HRTF)
* Holographic APIs
* Familiar development


== Battery ==
=== Development Tools ===
Creating for HoloLens:
* Unity support
* Visual Studio
* Emulator available
* Documentation


=== Battery Life ===
=== Applications ===
* 2-3 hours active use
Enterprise apps:
* 2 weeks standby
* 3D design review
* USB charging
* Training simulations
* Remote assistance
* Visualization tools


== Applications ==
== Enterprise Applications ==


=== Enterprise Use Cases ===
=== Manufacturing ===
* Remote assistance (Skype)
Industrial use:
* Training and simulation
* Assembly guidance
* Quality inspection
* Design visualization
* Design visualization
* Healthcare applications
* Training
 
=== Healthcare ===
Medical applications:
* Surgical planning
* Medical imaging
* Education
* Patient care
 
=== Architecture/Construction ===
Design and building:
* 3D model overlay
* Site visualization
* Planning review
* Client presentation
 
=== Education ===
Learning applications:
* Interactive lessons
* 3D visualization
* Medical training
* Science education
 
== Windows Mixed Reality ==
 
=== Platform Evolution ===
Ecosystem development:
* HoloLens as flagship
* Third-party VR headsets later
* Common platform
* Developer ecosystem


=== Development ===
=== Mixed Reality Capture ===
* Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps
Content creation:
* Unity and Unreal Engine support
* Record holographic view
* Holographic APIs
* Share experiences
* Documentation
* Marketing


== Specifications ==
== Comparison with HoloLens 2 ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Specification !! Details
! Feature !! HoloLens 1 !! HoloLens 2
|-
|-
| Display || See-through waveguides
| Release || March 2016 || November 2019
|-
|-
| Resolution || 1268 x 720 per eye
| Price || $3,000 || $3,500
|-
|-
| FOV || 30° diagonal
| FOV || ~30° diagonal || ~52° diagonal
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
| Resolution/eye || 1268×720 || 2K per eye
|-
|-
| CPU || Intel Atom x5-Z8100
| HPU || HPU 1.0 || HPU 2.0
|-
|-
| HPU || Microsoft HPU 1.0 (custom)
| Hand Tracking || Basic gestures || Full articulated
|-
|-
| RAM || 2 GB
| Eye Tracking || No || Yes
|-
|-
| Storage || 64 GB
| Weight || 579g || 566g
|-
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF inside-out SLAM
| Flip-up Visor || No || Yes
|}
 
== Legacy ==
 
=== Pioneering Device ===
Industry impact:
* First self-contained AR
* Spatial computing concept
* Enterprise AR validation
* Technology demonstration
 
=== Development Impact ===
Ecosystem building:
* Developer interest
* Application exploration
* Industry partnerships
* Use case discovery
 
=== Limitations Acknowledged ===
Known constraints:
* Small field of view
* Gesture fatigue
* Heavy for extended use
* Price barrier
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
| Spatial Mapping || Yes
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Waveguide, 1268 × 720 per eye
|-
| FOV || ~30° diagonal
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60Hz
|-
| Processor || Intel Atom x5-Z8100 + HPU 1.0
|-
| Memory || 2GB RAM, 64GB storage
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF SLAM (inside-out)
|-
| Input || Gesture, voice, gaze, Clicker
|-
| Audio || Spatial speakers + 3.5mm
|-
|-
| Battery || 2-3 hours
| Battery || 2-3 hours active
|-
|-
| Weight || 579g
| Weight || 579g
|-
|-
| Price || $3,000 / $5,000
| Price || $3,000 (Dev) / $5,000 (Commercial)
|-
| Status || Discontinued (succeeded by HoloLens 2)
|}
|}


Line 207: Line 463:
* [[Microsoft]]
* [[Microsoft]]
* [[Microsoft HoloLens 2]]
* [[Microsoft HoloLens 2]]
* [[Mixed reality]]
* [[Windows Mixed Reality]]
* [[Spatial computing]]
* [[Mixed Reality]]
* [[Holographic Processing Unit]]
* [[Spatial Computing]]
* [[Enterprise AR]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 215: Line 472:


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Mixed reality]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality]]
[[Category:Standalone AR]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]
[[Category:Spatial computing]]
[[Category:2010s AR]]
[[Category:2010s AR]]
[[Category:Discontinued]]

Latest revision as of 03:09, 8 January 2026

Microsoft HoloLens (1st Generation)
Basic Info
VR/AR Mixed Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Standalone AR
Platform Windows 10 Holographic
Creator Microsoft
Developer Microsoft
Manufacturer Microsoft
Announcement Date January 21, 2015
Release Date March 30, 2016 (Development Edition)
Price $3,000 (Development Edition), $5,000 (Commercial Suite)
Website https://www.microsoft.com/hololens (legacy)
Versions Development Edition, Commercial Suite
Requires None (self-contained)
Predecessor None
Successor Microsoft HoloLens 2
System
Operating System Windows 10 Holographic
Chipset Intel Atom x5-Z8100 + Microsoft HPU 1.0
CPU Intel Atom x5-Z8100 (1.04 GHz, 4 cores)
GPU N/A
HPU Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit 1.0
Storage
Storage 64GB (~54GB available)
Memory 2GB RAM
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display Waveguide optics (holographic)
Subpixel Layout N/A
Peak Brightness Not specified
Resolution 1268 × 720 per eye (HD)
Pixel Density ~15 PPD
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Persistence N/A
Image
Field of View 30° diagonal (~35° by some measurements)
Horizontal FoV ~30°
Vertical FoV ~17°
Average Pixel Density ~15 PPD
Peak Pixel Density ~15 PPD
Foveated Rendering No
Optics
Optics See-through holographic waveguide
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range Fixed (software adjustment)
Adjustable Diopter No (glasses compatible)
Passthrough Native see-through (AR)
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF inside-out (SLAM)
Tracking Frequency N/A
Base Stations None required
Eye Tracking No
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking Yes (gesture recognition)
Body Tracking No
Rotational Tracking Yes
Positional Tracking Yes
Update Rate 60Hz
Tracking Volume Room-scale
Play Space Mobile AR
Latency <25ms
Audio
Audio Integrated spatial speakers
Microphone Yes (4 microphones)
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera 2MP HD photo/video camera
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 LE
Ports Micro-USB, 3.5mm audio
Wired Video No
Wireless Video No
WiFi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.1 LE
Power Internal battery
Battery Capacity 16,500mWh
Battery Life 2-3 hours (active use)
Charge Time ~2 hours
Device
Dimensions ~270mm × 200mm × 120mm
Weight 579g
Material Plastic, metal
Headstrap Adjustable headband with forehead pad
Haptics No
Color Black
Sensors 4× environment cameras, depth sensor, ambient light sensor, IMU
Input Gesture recognition, voice commands, Clicker, gaze
Compliance FCC, CE

Property "Latency" (as page type) with input value "" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.


The Microsoft HoloLens (1st Generation) is a self-contained mixed reality head-mounted display developed by Microsoft, announced on January 21, 2015, at a Windows 10 event, and released as the Development Edition on March 30, 2016, for $3,000. HoloLens was the first completely self-contained holographic computer—requiring no wires, phone, or PC—capable of projecting interactive 3D holograms onto the real world through see-through waveguide displays. Powered by an Intel Atom processor and Microsoft's custom Holographic Processing Unit (HPU), HoloLens could understand the user's environment through spatial mapping, recognize gestures and voice commands, and anchor digital content to physical locations. Though limited by its narrow 30° diagonal field of view, HoloLens pioneered the concept of spatial computing for enterprise applications in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and education.

History and Development

Microsoft Research Origins

Long development history:

  • Research since early 2010s
  • Kinect technology heritage
  • Project Baraboo/Project Fortaleza
  • Alex Kipman leadership

Windows 10 Event Reveal

January 21, 2015:

  • Surprise announcement
  • "Windows Holographic" platform
  • Live demonstrations
  • "One more thing" moment

Development Edition Launch

March 30, 2016:

  • $3,000 price point
  • US and Canada initially
  • Developer targeting
  • Pre-orders opened February 29

Global Expansion

October 2016:

  • Australia, Ireland, France
  • Germany, New Zealand, UK
  • Wider developer access
  • International availability

Commercial Suite

Enterprise offering:

  • $5,000 package
  • Business features
  • Device management
  • Enterprise support

Design Philosophy

Self-Contained

Completely wireless:

  • No tethers to PC
  • No phone required
  • All processing onboard
  • True mobile computing

Mixed Reality

Holographic computing concept:

  • Digital overlays on real world
  • Spatial understanding
  • Persistent content
  • Natural interaction

Enterprise Focus

Business applications:

  • Not gaming device
  • Professional tools
  • Visualization
  • Training and collaboration

Display Technology

Holographic Waveguide

See-through display system:

  • Resolution: 1268 × 720 per eye
  • Type: Waveguide optics
  • Holograms: ~2.3M light points
  • See-through: Full transparency

Field of View

Major limitation:

  • ~30° diagonal
  • ~35° horizontal (some measurements)
  • Small viewing window
  • Holograms clip at edges

Light Engines

Projection system:

  • Custom light engines
  • Full-color holograms
  • 60Hz refresh
  • Adequate brightness

Hologram Quality

Visual characteristics:

  • Semi-transparent
  • Full color
  • Spatial depth
  • Environmental integration

Processing Architecture

Intel Atom CPU

Main processor:

  • Intel Atom x5-Z8100
  • 1.04 GHz, 4 cores
  • 64-bit capable
  • Low power consumption

Holographic Processing Unit

Custom silicon:

  • HPU 1.0: Microsoft-designed
  • Real-time sensor processing
  • Spatial mapping
  • Gesture recognition
  • Environmental understanding

Memory

Limited specification:

  • RAM: 2GB
  • Storage: 64GB (~54GB available)
  • Adequate for applications
  • Enterprise-focused

Tracking and Sensors

Spatial Mapping

Environment understanding:

  • Four environment cameras
  • Depth sensor
  • Real-time 3D mapping
  • Surface detection

SLAM Technology

Positioning:

  • Simultaneous localization and mapping
  • 6DoF tracking
  • Room-scale movement
  • No external sensors

Sensor Array

Comprehensive sensing:

  • 4× environment cameras
  • 1× depth sensor
  • Ambient light sensor
  • IMU
  • 4× microphones

Input Methods

Gesture Recognition

Hand tracking:

  • Air tap (select)
  • Bloom (home)
  • Hold and drag
  • Limited gestures

Voice Commands

Cortana integration:

  • "Hey Cortana" wake word
  • Voice navigation
  • Dictation
  • Command recognition

Gaze Input

Eye direction:

  • Head-aimed cursor
  • Gaze to select
  • Combined with gestures
  • Primary targeting method

Clicker

Optional accessory:

  • Bluetooth device
  • Click input
  • Scroll ring
  • Alternative to gestures

Audio System

Spatial Speakers

Integrated audio:

  • Built-in speakers
  • Spatial sound positioning
  • Hear real world too
  • Environmental awareness

Microphones

Voice capture:

  • Four microphones
  • Array processing
  • Voice commands
  • Communication

3.5mm Jack

Headphone option:

  • Private listening
  • Higher quality
  • Immersive audio

Battery

Internal Battery

Mobile power:

  • Capacity: 16,500mWh
  • Active use: 2-3 hours
  • Standby: 2 weeks
  • Charging: Micro-USB

Physical Design

Self-Contained

All components integrated:

  • Compute, display, sensors
  • Battery included
  • No external units
  • Single device

Weight

Substantial but wearable:

  • 579g (1.28 lbs)
  • Front-heavy
  • Extended wear challenging
  • Headband distribution

Headband Design

Comfort system:

  • Adjustable headband
  • Forehead pad
  • Rear dial tightening
  • Glasses compatible

Visor

Display housing:

  • Tinted visor
  • Sensor array
  • Light blocking
  • Premium appearance

Software Platform

Windows Holographic

Operating system:

  • Windows 10 based
  • Universal Windows Platform
  • Holographic APIs
  • Familiar development

Development Tools

Creating for HoloLens:

  • Unity support
  • Visual Studio
  • Emulator available
  • Documentation

Applications

Enterprise apps:

  • 3D design review
  • Training simulations
  • Remote assistance
  • Visualization tools

Enterprise Applications

Manufacturing

Industrial use:

  • Assembly guidance
  • Quality inspection
  • Design visualization
  • Training

Healthcare

Medical applications:

  • Surgical planning
  • Medical imaging
  • Education
  • Patient care

Architecture/Construction

Design and building:

  • 3D model overlay
  • Site visualization
  • Planning review
  • Client presentation

Education

Learning applications:

  • Interactive lessons
  • 3D visualization
  • Medical training
  • Science education

Windows Mixed Reality

Platform Evolution

Ecosystem development:

  • HoloLens as flagship
  • Third-party VR headsets later
  • Common platform
  • Developer ecosystem

Mixed Reality Capture

Content creation:

  • Record holographic view
  • Share experiences
  • Documentation
  • Marketing

Comparison with HoloLens 2

Feature HoloLens 1 HoloLens 2
Release March 2016 November 2019
Price $3,000 $3,500
FOV ~30° diagonal ~52° diagonal
Resolution/eye 1268×720 2K per eye
HPU HPU 1.0 HPU 2.0
Hand Tracking Basic gestures Full articulated
Eye Tracking No Yes
Weight 579g 566g
Flip-up Visor No Yes

Legacy

Pioneering Device

Industry impact:

  • First self-contained AR
  • Spatial computing concept
  • Enterprise AR validation
  • Technology demonstration

Development Impact

Ecosystem building:

  • Developer interest
  • Application exploration
  • Industry partnerships
  • Use case discovery

Limitations Acknowledged

Known constraints:

  • Small field of view
  • Gesture fatigue
  • Heavy for extended use
  • Price barrier

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification Details
Display Waveguide, 1268 × 720 per eye
FOV ~30° diagonal
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Processor Intel Atom x5-Z8100 + HPU 1.0
Memory 2GB RAM, 64GB storage
Tracking 6DoF SLAM (inside-out)
Input Gesture, voice, gaze, Clicker
Audio Spatial speakers + 3.5mm
Battery 2-3 hours active
Weight 579g
Price $3,000 (Dev) / $5,000 (Commercial)
Status Discontinued (succeeded by HoloLens 2)

See Also

References

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