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


=== February 2019 Announcement ===
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>
Announced by Alex Kipman at MWC 2019 in Barcelona.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


=== Full Articulation ===
Hybrid computing architecture:
* 25 tracking points per hand
 
* Direct manipulation of holograms
* '''[[Qualcomm Snapdragon 850]]''' SoC
* Natural hand interaction
** Octa-core Kryo 385 CPU
* No controllers required
** 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


=== Gestures ===
=== Eye Tracking ===
* Pinch
* Grab
* Push
* Scroll


== 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 calibration
* Automatic IPD adjustment
* Foveated rendering optimization
* Foveated rendering optimization
* Natural UI navigation


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


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


=== Environment Understanding ===
* '''21 points of articulation per hand'''
* Real-time mesh generation
* Full finger tracking
* Surface detection
* No controllers required
* Occlusion support
* Natural manipulation of holograms
* 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


== Audio ==
Comprehensive sensor array:


=== Spatial Sound ===
* 4 visible light cameras (head tracking)
* Integrated speakers
* 2 infrared cameras (eye tracking)
* 3D positional audio
* 1 time-of-flight depth sensor
* 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 ===
* Remote assistance
* Assembly guidance
* Training and guidance
* Quality inspection
* Quality inspection
* Training simulations
* Remote assist


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


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


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


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


== 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:2010s AR]]
[[Category:2019 in technology]]
[[Category:Discontinued devices]]
[[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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