Microsoft HoloLens 2

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.

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

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

See Also

• Microsoft HoloLens
• Magic Leap 2
• Varjo XR-4
• ThinkReality A3