There have been a lot of Microsoft Hololens videos flying around the web since it was showcased during Microsoft’s recent Build conference. I have to say, many of these videos are impressive. So impressive that you forget for a moment that to get this effect you have to don an awkward headset that looks like a beefed up pair of sunglasses that the elderly would find attractive. I also have to say, if the hololens could deliver such an immersive experience as the video demonstrations suggest, I would be happy strut around my house and office looking like Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge (sorry Trekkies, you should know I had to google that name). But, can it live up to the hype that Microsoft is generating?
At the moment, I’m inclined to say that the hololens is both future and fad. You might be thinking that I’m an indecisive blowhole with no real opinion (and that might be true), but I think the hololens has enormous potential. Unfortunately that potential will only be realized if a couple of key problems are solved.
Problem 1: Field of Visison
It shouldn’t come as a shocker that the only demonstrations that Microsoft has shown so far have been in 3rd person. When you’re observing this technology as a spectator, it really is amazing. Unfortunately it’s just not the reality of the product. Many reports have stated that the field of vision is much more narrow than any marketing suggests. Watch closely in the videos at how still the wearers keep their head. I doubt this is a sign of their stage grace, but their attempt to keep what they’re looking at from wondering outside of the hololens field of vision. And forget about creating a virtual TV on your wall larger than you find at your local theater, as you would only be able to see a portion of that screen, and if you turned your head slightly to ask your buddy something, it might disappear completely.
Problem 2: It’s Still a Bit Clunky
This is an obvious one. If Microsoft can find a way to put this device on a bit of a diet, cut out carbs and soda, and slim it down a little more, success will be a great deal easier. A sleek device can often compensate for shortcomings, and if problem number one can’t be drastically improved, then it’s going to take all the more persuasion to convince the public to buy it. Fashion’s everything these days you know.
“That’s it, only two problems?”
I’m not necessarily saying that hololens is perfect in every other way, and I haven’t been fortunate enough to get my hands on one (or head on one, or one on my head…) to critique it more thoroughly. I’ve merely outlined the two glaring issues that could potentially stand in it’s way of being a success. I think that’s really saying something though. We’re on the cusp of a technology that could make those futuristic holograms in The Minority Report a thing of reality. Just as soon as Microsoft figures out a way to wrap the projections into our peripheral vision, i’ll be the first to fork out the undisclosed price and hit the streets with my “granny goggles”. And if any jealous onlookers, snicker and point, i’ll cast a video of stumbling kittens over their face and be on my way.
