Gaming Will Eventually Invade Microsoft's HoloLens

Image: Microsoft

On Wednesday during its press briefing, Microsoft introduced HoloLens, a standalone headset that provides an augmented reality experience by projecting high-definition holograms into the physical world that only the wearer can see.

This is in contrast to the Oculus Rift, which is focused on immersing users into a virtual world completely removed from the real one. Microsoft's solution appears to be more mainstream, aimed at engineers, designers, scientists and general consumers who are looking for ways to make their jobs and everyday tasks easier.

But what about gaming? Microsoft's head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, answered that question during an interview roundtable shortly after the HoloLens reveal. But first, he made it clear that HoloLens needs to remain as a standalone device. However, like other devices on the market (smartphones, tablets, and so on), gaming will likely become an important money generator for HoloLens.

"I think gaming will be important. Specific scenarios with the Xbox we're thinking hard about where people could ask about streaming solutions, use it as a display for my Xbox, we don't have answers for any of those things," Spencer admitted.

He went on to give a thumbs up for some of the virtual reality solutions currently in the works such as the Oculus Rift and Morpheus. However, the company doesn't plan to create a solution that will directly compete with those devices; HoloLens is the only headset Microsoft is planning to release.

"I love the virtual reality stuff that's out there, Morpheus, Oculus, I think they're doing great work and I've said it over and over, I just love that our industry continues to push innovation forward," he said. "I've always applauded Sony and Oculus and what they've created. I think this is something different."

During the press briefing, the standalone augmented reality headset came packed with a demo called Holobuilder, a game inspired by Minecraft that allows players to build and destroy creations in any room in the real world (shown above). Other demos included a visit to Mars, using Skype to fix a sink, and using HoloStudio to create 3D images using virtual objects.

As for specs, Microsoft's HoloLens features a new processor called the holographic processing unit, or the HPU. "The HPU gives us the ability to understand where you're looking, to understand your gestures, to understand your voice, to spatially map your environment, to run without wires ... all in real-time," Microsoft previously told GameSpot. This new chip will work alongside the built-in CPU and GPU.

Will Microsoft's HoloLens succeed? That depends on the price and the content. Spencer seemed to suggest that eventually the augmented reality headset will work with the Xbox One and Windows 10, but time will only tell in regards to how far that support will go. Honestly, it's an intriguing device, one we can't wait to get our hands on when it's finally released.

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  • thehritzinator
    Calling BS. The same was said with Kinect. They advertised it as being able to hold a skateboard in your living room and have it pop on screen. I'll wait to get excited until it actually happens.
    Reply
  • CaedenV
    Hololens has been a product of the xbox team (largely an extension of Kinnect, and made by that same team), and was exclusively meant for gaming until ~6-8 months ago when the new pluckey CEO saw it and decided that gaming was a bit limiting for it's usefulness.

    On the other end, it is a stand-alone device that does it's own processing. It can be linked to an external device, but my understanding is that it does not need an external device (console or PC) in order to work.
    Reply
  • TechyInAZ
    Eh, I personally would not choose holograms for gaming. Using a mouse, keyboard and something a 3d virtual reality headset is so much better.
    Reply
  • DelightfulDucklings
    I can see how it would be cool with certain types of games but with conventional games I don't think it would work out too well. Nonetheless still really excited about the possibilities of this device, with or without gaming.
    Reply
  • therealduckofdeath
    I call BS too. This is just Microsoft trying to play catch up again, by blurting a bunch of vague, made up things out.
    Reply
  • Fierce Guppy
    TechyInAZ:
    Eh, I personally would not choose holograms for gaming. Using a mouse, keyboard and something a 3d virtual reality headset is so much better.

    The Hololens doesn't produce holograms. 3D models are still rendered onto a screen, not projected into an area in 3D space.

    The trend is towards greater immersion. I'd drop 3 monitor setups in a heartbeat along with gaming mice and mechanical keyboards for a virtual reality headset/glove combo that could throw me into a non-pixelated, highly detailed virtual battlefield. That would be absolutely mind-blowing, especially for someone who started gaming on a 48K Sinclair ZX Spectrum. I like where gaming technology is heading.

    BTW, it wasn't me who dinged down your comment.
    Reply
  • chicofehr
    I think the girlfriend game will be most popular with the single guys so they can see a sexy woman walk with them or walk around their home. Of course there will be a cartana, AI, conversation and nude DLC as well.
    Reply
  • everlast66
    Wait and see what happens when the porn industry invades the HoloLens ...
    Reply
  • Dyseman
    Other uses... put moving targets in your toilet and blast them with your Laser Stream!

    (Can I copyright that now?)

    Only the people too lazy to get out of a chair will not adapt to this. No worries. Plenty of active people out there that will like it. If it works as they say it will work, which is 30% likely as demonstrated. (My opinion)
    Reply
  • Haravikk
    I'm pretty interested in this; looks more like how VR should be, but I'll reserve judgement till there are some final devices (and battery life figures).

    Screw gaming though, I give it 10 minutes from release before someone's adapted a porn game to work with it.
    Reply