Last week, Microsoft launched their new edition of HoloLens 2, specially designed for industrial environments. The new product line is called HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition and is designed, built, as well as tested to meet industry standards. These include clean rooms for drug research and chip manufacturing, high-risk work environments in the power and energy sector, and so on.
The new product, HoloLens 2 is reported to meet the following standards:
- Intrinsic Safety Standard: UL Class I, Division 2
- Clean Room Compatible Standard: ISO 14644-1 Class 5-
2 year warranty
In addition to the product, customers will also get a 2-year warranty, along with a ‘Rapid Replacement Program. This allows the buyers to return or get replacements easily in case repairing is requested. Hence, the program ensures minimum downtimes. It also promises expedited shipping and advanced exchange terms.
Application scenarios
There are three application scenarios that Microsoft has specified as ideal for using the product. For example, employees can use 3D manuals, request hands-free professional help from long distances, and train new employees faster using the interactive 3D manuals and models.
Standalone
Microsoft started shipping the HoloLens 2 as a standalone enterprise-level AR headset in November 2019. It was the successor to the HoloLens and included significant updates in terms of comfort and accessibility. The HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition is even more improved and expensive considering the price range of $4950. It is expected to hit the market this spring and is available now for pre-ordering. The increased price is likely to cover the additional expenses of the high standards and the Rapid Replacement Program.
Previously, in August 2020, Microsoft released another HoloLens 2 AR glasses that allows doctors and nursing staff to identify the COVID-19 symptoms safely with volumetric capture techniques.
Microsoft Dominating the AR Technology in the Current Timeline
Just as Facebook is dominating the virtual reality space, Microsoft is prominently leading the augmented reality business in terms of investments. The tech giant is presently driving the AR technology for enterprise, a much-coveted position that magic Leap has been eyeing for quite some time now. The latter company is also set to launch its new line of Magic Leap glasses later this year.
For a long time, the original HoloLens 2 faced several delivery issues due to display manufacturing disputes. Compared to the initial HoloLens, the new HoloLens 2 has much better hand tracking, ergonomics, and a bigger viewing field. The major update in the new AR headset has also enabled a swipe-to-type keyboard and the integration of the Edge browser.
In addition to the new release, Microsoft held industry get-togethers for all the HoloLens users at the end of January 2021 as well as a 24-hour online event on the following 9th February.
The HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition will start shipping in the coming months, expectedly during spring, 2021. Pre-orders have already opened for the product.
You can visit Microsoft blog to check out more on the product.
