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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Mixed Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Augmented Reality]], [[Mixed Reality]]
|Type = [[AR Glasses]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[Enterprise AR]]
|Subtype = Standalone AR
|Platform = [[Windows Holographic]]
|Platform = [[Windows Holographic]]
|Developer = [[Microsoft]]
|Creator = [[Microsoft]]
|Manufacturer = [[Microsoft]]
|Announced = February 24, 2019
|Announcement Date = February 24, 2019
|Release = November 7, 2019
|Release Date = November 7, 2019
|Price = $3,500
|End of Sales = Discontinued (support until December 2027)
|Website = https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens
|Price = $3,500 USD
|OS = Windows Holographic
|Website = https://www.microsoft.com/hololens
|CPU = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 850]]
|Predecessor = [[Microsoft HoloLens]]
|GPU = Adreno 630
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 850]]
|HPU = Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit 2.0
|Memory = 4 GB
|Storage = 64 GB
|Storage = 64 GB
|Display = 2x MEMS laser scanning
|RAM = 4 GB
|Resolution = 2048x1080 per eye (2K)
|Display = Waveguide (see-through)
|Refresh Rate = 60 Hz
|Resolution = 2880 x 1920 (1440 x 936 per eye)
|PPD = 47 pixels per degree
|Refresh = 60 Hz
|Field of View = 52° diagonal (43° H x 29° V)
|Brightness =
|Ocularity = Binocular
|FOV = 52° (diagonal)
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out)
|PPD = 47
|Eye Tracking = Yes (with iris recognition)
|Lenses = Waveguide holographic
|Hand Tracking = Yes (fully articulated, 21 points per hand)
|IPD = Automatic
|Controllers = None (hand and voice input)
|Eye Tracking = Yes
|Audio = Integrated speakers, spatial audio
|Hand Tracking = Yes (25 points per hand)
|Tracking = 6DoF (inside-out, SLAM)
|Spatial Mapping = Yes
|Speakers = Integrated spatial
|Microphone = 5-channel array
|Audio Jack = 3.5mm
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
|Battery = Up to 3 hours
|Ports = USB-C
|Weight = ~566g
|Battery = 2-3 hours active
|Weight = 566g
|Materials = Carbon fiber
|Colors = Black
|Sensors = 4 environment cameras, 2 IR cameras, 1 depth camera, IMU
|Input = Hand gestures, voice, gaze
}}
}}


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.
The '''Microsoft HoloLens 2''' is a standalone [[mixed reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Microsoft]]. Announced on February 24, 2019 at Mobile World Congress and released November 7, 2019 at $3,500, the HoloLens 2 features significant improvements over the original including double the field of view (52° vs 34°), fully articulated hand tracking with 25 points per hand, eye tracking with iris authentication, and a more comfortable carbon fiber design. The HoloLens 2 targets enterprise applications including manufacturing, healthcare, and education.<ref name="microsoft">{{cite web|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HoloLens_2|title=HoloLens 2|publisher=Wikipedia}}</ref>


== History and Development ==
== 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.<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>
=== February 2019 Announcement ===
Announced by Alex Kipman at MWC 2019 in Barcelona.


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>
=== Enterprise Edition ===
Debuted February 24, 2019.


== Design and Hardware ==
=== Developer Edition ===
Announced May 2, 2019.
 
=== November 2019 Release ===
General availability began November 7, 2019.


=== Display ===
=== Discontinuation ===
HoloLens 2 discontinued but software updates continue until December 31, 2027.


MEMS laser scanning technology:
== Design and Hardware ==


* Dual MEMS (Microelectromechanical) laser scanning displays
=== Display System ===
* '''2048x1080 resolution per eye''' (2K)
* '''Type:''' Waveguide see-through holographic
* '''47 pixels per degree''' visual clarity
* '''Resolution:''' 1440 x 936 per eye (2880 x 1920 total)
* 60 Hz refresh rate
* '''Equivalent:''' "720p to 2K per eye" improvement
* '''52° diagonal FOV''' (more than 2x original HoloLens)
* '''PPD:''' 47 pixels per degree
* 43° horizontal, 29° vertical FOV
* '''Refresh Rate:''' 60 Hz
* See-through waveguide optics


=== Field of View ===
=== Field of View ===
* '''Diagonal:''' 52 degrees
* '''Improvement:''' Double the original HoloLens (34°)


Major improvement over original:
=== Processor ===
* '''SoC:''' Qualcomm Snapdragon 850
* '''Holographic Processing:''' Custom HPU 2.0
* '''RAM:''' 4 GB
* '''Storage:''' 64 GB


* Original HoloLens: ~34° diagonal
=== Construction ===
* '''HoloLens 2: 52° diagonal'''
* '''Material:''' Carbon fiber
* More than double the viewing area
* '''Weight:''' 566g
* Maintained pixel density
* Balanced center of gravity
* Larger usable hologram space
* Flip-up visor design


=== Processing ===
== Hand Tracking ==


Hybrid computing architecture:
=== Full Articulation ===
* 25 tracking points per hand
* Direct manipulation of holograms
* Natural hand interaction
* No controllers required


* '''[[Qualcomm Snapdragon 850]]''' SoC
=== Gestures ===
** Octa-core Kryo 385 CPU
* Pinch
** 4x 2.96 GHz high-performance cores
* Grab
** 4x 1.8 GHz efficiency cores
* Push
** Adreno 630 GPU
* Scroll
* '''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 ===
== Eye Tracking ==


Advanced eye-based features:
=== Capabilities ===
 
* Dedicated eye-tracking cameras near nose ridge
* '''Iris recognition''' (Windows Hello biometric login)
* Gaze-based interaction
* Gaze-based interaction
* Automatic IPD adjustment
* Automatic calibration
* Foveated rendering optimization
* Foveated rendering optimization
* Natural UI navigation


=== Hand Tracking ===
=== Iris Authentication ===
* Windows Hello support
* Biometric security
* Enterprise authentication


Industry-leading articulated tracking:
== Spatial Mapping ==


* '''21 points of articulation per hand'''
=== Environment Understanding ===
* Full finger tracking
* Real-time mesh generation
* No controllers required
* Surface detection
* Natural manipulation of holograms
* Occlusion support
* Pinch, grab, and gesture recognition
* Works without line-of-sight constraints
* Improved over original HoloLens


=== Sensors ===
=== Sensors ===
* 4 environment cameras
* 2 infrared cameras
* 1 depth camera (ToF)
* IMU


Comprehensive sensor array:
== Audio ==


* 4 visible light cameras (head tracking)
=== Spatial Sound ===
* 2 infrared cameras (eye tracking)
* Integrated speakers
* 1 time-of-flight depth sensor
* 3D positional audio
* IMU (accelerometer + gyroscope)
* Magnetometer
* 5-channel microphone array
* 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 ==
== Enterprise Applications ==


=== Manufacturing ===
=== Manufacturing ===
* Assembly guidance
* Remote assistance
* Training and guidance
* Quality inspection
* Quality inspection
* Training simulations
* Remote assist


=== Healthcare ===
=== Healthcare ===
* Surgical planning
* Surgical planning
* Medical imaging
* Medical training
* Patient education
* Patient care
* Telemedicine


=== Defense ===
=== Education ===
* IVAS program (U.S. Army)
* Interactive learning
* Training simulations
* Virtual field trips
* Mission planning
* Lab simulations
* Situational awareness


=== Design and Architecture ===
== Specifications ==
* 3D visualization
* Collaborative design review
* On-site holographic overlays
 
== Technical Specifications ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 197: Line 153:
! Specification !! Details
! Specification !! Details
|-
|-
| Display || MEMS laser scanning
| Display || Waveguide holographic
|-
|-
| Resolution || 2048x1080 per eye
| Resolution || 1440 x 936 per eye
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
| PPD || 47
|-
|-
| Field of View || 52° diagonal
| Field of View || 52° diagonal
|-
|-
| PPD || 47 pixels per degree
| Refresh Rate || 60 Hz
|-
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon 850 + HPU 2.0
| Processor || Snapdragon 850 + HPU 2.0
Line 213: Line 169:
| Storage || 64 GB
| Storage || 64 GB
|-
|-
| Eye Tracking || Yes (with iris recognition)
| Hand Tracking || 25 points per hand
|-
|-
| Hand Tracking || 21 points per hand
| Eye Tracking || Yes (iris auth)
|-
|-
| Weight || ~566g
| Weight || 566g
|-
|-
| Battery || Up to 3 hours
| Battery || 2-3 hours
|-
|-
| Price || $3,500
| Price || $3,500
|-
| Status || Discontinued
|}
|}
== 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 ==
== See Also ==
* [[Microsoft]]
* [[Microsoft HoloLens]]
* [[Microsoft HoloLens]]
* [[Magic Leap 2]]
* [[Mixed reality]]
* [[Varjo XR-4]]
* [[Enterprise AR]]
* [[ThinkReality A3]]
* [[Windows Holographic]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Mixed Reality Devices]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:AR Glasses]]
[[Category:Mixed reality]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Standalone AR]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Enterprise AR]]
[[Category:Eye tracking]]
[[Category:Hand tracking]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]
[[Category:2019 in technology]]
[[Category:2010s AR]]
[[Category:Discontinued AR Devices]]
[[Category:Discontinued devices]]

Revision as of 22:12, 7 January 2026

Microsoft HoloLens 2
Basic Info
VR/AR Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Standalone AR
Platform Windows Holographic
Creator Microsoft
Price $3,500
Website https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens
System
CPU Qualcomm Snapdragon 850
GPU Adreno 630
Storage
Storage 64 GB
Display
Display Waveguide (see-through)
Resolution 2880 x 1920 (1440 x 936 per eye)
Image
Optics
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF (inside-out, SLAM)
Eye Tracking Yes
Hand Tracking Yes (25 points per hand)
Audio
Microphone 5-channel array
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
Ports USB-C
Device
Weight 566g
Sensors 4 environment cameras, 2 IR cameras, 1 depth camera, IMU
Input Hand gestures, voice, gaze


The Microsoft HoloLens 2 is a standalone mixed reality head-mounted display developed by Microsoft. Announced on February 24, 2019 at Mobile World Congress and released November 7, 2019 at $3,500, the HoloLens 2 features significant improvements over the original including double the field of view (52° vs 34°), fully articulated hand tracking with 25 points per hand, eye tracking with iris authentication, and a more comfortable carbon fiber design. The HoloLens 2 targets enterprise applications including manufacturing, healthcare, and education.[1]

History and Development

February 2019 Announcement

Announced by Alex Kipman at MWC 2019 in Barcelona.

Enterprise Edition

Debuted February 24, 2019.

Developer Edition

Announced May 2, 2019.

November 2019 Release

General availability began November 7, 2019.

Discontinuation

HoloLens 2 discontinued but software updates continue until December 31, 2027.

Design and Hardware

Display System

  • Type: Waveguide see-through holographic
  • Resolution: 1440 x 936 per eye (2880 x 1920 total)
  • Equivalent: "720p to 2K per eye" improvement
  • PPD: 47 pixels per degree
  • Refresh Rate: 60 Hz

Field of View

  • Diagonal: 52 degrees
  • Improvement: Double the original HoloLens (34°)

Processor

  • SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 850
  • Holographic Processing: Custom HPU 2.0
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 64 GB

Construction

  • Material: Carbon fiber
  • Weight: 566g
  • Balanced center of gravity
  • Flip-up visor design

Hand Tracking

Full Articulation

  • 25 tracking points per hand
  • Direct manipulation of holograms
  • Natural hand interaction
  • No controllers required

Gestures

  • Pinch
  • Grab
  • Push
  • Scroll

Eye Tracking

Capabilities

  • Gaze-based interaction
  • Automatic calibration
  • Foveated rendering optimization

Iris Authentication

  • Windows Hello support
  • Biometric security
  • Enterprise authentication

Spatial Mapping

Environment Understanding

  • Real-time mesh generation
  • Surface detection
  • Occlusion support

Sensors

  • 4 environment cameras
  • 2 infrared cameras
  • 1 depth camera (ToF)
  • IMU

Audio

Spatial Sound

  • Integrated speakers
  • 3D positional audio
  • 5-channel microphone array

Enterprise Applications

Manufacturing

  • Remote assistance
  • Training and guidance
  • Quality inspection

Healthcare

  • Surgical planning
  • Medical training
  • Patient care

Education

  • Interactive learning
  • Virtual field trips
  • Lab simulations

Specifications

Specification Details
Display Waveguide holographic
Resolution 1440 x 936 per eye
PPD 47
Field of View 52° diagonal
Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Processor Snapdragon 850 + HPU 2.0
RAM 4 GB
Storage 64 GB
Hand Tracking 25 points per hand
Eye Tracking Yes (iris auth)
Weight 566g
Battery 2-3 hours
Price $3,500
Status Discontinued

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "HoloLens 2". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HoloLens_2.
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