Microsoft presents HoloLens 2 with more than 2x FOV and 47 PPD

Microsoft revealed HoloLens 2 at MWC 2019 in Barcelona. The headset is equipped with a laser-scanning display, which provides a field of view (FOV) 2 times wider than the previous HoloLens model, and renders detail at a distance of 47 pixels per degree (PPD).

HoloLens visionary Alex Kipman presented HoloLens 2, a new version of the headset that took into account the flaws of the previous model, improving field of view, comfort and hand tracking.

Photo: Road to VR

Higher definition

Kipman says that FOV for HoloLens 2 is two-times wider than it was in the first model, although it does not specify the exact measurements. Originally, the field of view of HoloLens was about 35 degrees, so it is expected that HoloLens 2 will have over 70 degrees.

Of course, there is a direct connection between the field of view and resolution, because by expanding the field of view, the pixel density is reduced. HoloLens 2 retains 47 pixels per degree, despite the significant difference in the FOV angle. Kipman said that the headset should have a resolution of 47 PPD, as this is a necessary index for reading the 8-point font on any website. For comparison, the detail rendering from a distance with modern VR-headsets, such as the Vive Pro, is about 16 PPD.

Photo: Microsoft

More Comfort

HoloLens 2 is more comfortable to use, since much of the gadget’s bulk is balanced to the back of it. Kipman said that in HoloLens 2 "the sense of comfort is tripled" compared to the original HoloLens. However, the exact weight of the model is still in question, and how they decided on it is unclear. It is said that the front of the headset is made of carbon fiber for weight reduction and has a convenient flip-up
visor.

Hand-tracking

HoloLens 2 is also able to track hands movement much better than the coarse gesture control in the original headset. Now, thanks to improved hand tracking, users can interact with applications by touching, poking, and moving the controls directly, rather than using abstract gestures.

Photo: Microsoft

Eye-tracking

The device is also equipped with an eye-tracking system. Although Microsoft did not go into details, it was reported that it is a “real-time tracking system” that can be used for biometric authentication (and, probably, user recognition), which could be very useful for corporate use.

Price

Microsoft says that HoloLens 2 will be available for $3,500 (for corporate customers only), and pre-order is now available. The company says it will also offer a headset in bundles with Dynamics 365 Remote Assist for as low as $125 per month.

HoloLens for good, not for

Once again, these things can’t go without a scandal. It is impossible to say whether it was timed with the headset’s release or not, but Microsoft employees are calling on the company to cancel a multimillion-dollar contract that will allow the US Army to use HoloLens during battles. About this they tweeted:

In November 2018, Microsoft won a tender worth $480 million to supply prototypes for the army for use in combats and training, which could lead to more than 100,000 gadgets being purchased by the army.

“There are many engineers who contributed to HoloLens before this contract even existed, believing it would be used to help architects and engineers build buildings and cars, to help teach people how to perform surgery or play the piano," said the open letter they posted.

The other side has not commented on this appeal.

It is interesting to imagine what our lives will be like in the not so distant future, how battles will be fought or how operations will be carried out. Write in the comments what you think about the ethics of the "use" of developers in companies’ interests and where this may lead.