Advancements in video game technology continue to astound and amaze us as new cutting edge developments are set into motion. Today, at Microsoft’s Surface and Lumia hardware announcement event, the new HoloLens technology was demonstrated. To the reception of many “oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd, Microsoft unveiled some of the capacities of their new “mixed reality” device. And what is “mixed reality?” you ask! The HoloLens combines all of the elements of your physical surroundings with virtual reality. In fact, this virtual reality actually has the capacity to interact and adapt with your own physical world.
Dan McCulloch of Microsoft demonstrated the HoloLens Tuesday while wearing a hoodie and headgear which were both specifically engineered with the HoloLens technology. As the demonstration begins, Microsoft boots up a game called “Project X-Ray,” and a holographic gauntlet appears on Dan’s right hand. As Dan moves across the stage, the gauntlet moves along with him. Microsoft describes this as a “wearable hologram.” Soon, hoards of flying drones and scorpion-looking robots begin pouring out of the walls to attack Dan as he defends himself with his versatile hologram gauntlet. To everyone else watching the stage, Dan just looks like some guy jumping all around the place while waving his fist at the walls. Inside the HoloLens, Dan’s reality looks much more intense.
Microsoft announced Tuesday that the HoloLens developer kits will be available during the first quarter of 2016 on an invite-only basis for $3,000. Better start saving up because it looks like the HoloLens is gearing up to be a gaming experience like nothing we have ever seen before.