Microsoft goes hologram happy with Windows 10, HoloLens, HoloStudio
Microsoft on Wednesday outlined a series of hardware and software moves to make holographic applications and hook them into Windows 10.
The effort, highlighted at a Windows 10 event in Redmond, is an attempt to bring Microsoft Research to the forefront and commercialize its creations.
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Microsoft's Alex Kipman, a technical fellow and the engineer credited with Kinect, outlined the following:
- HoloLens, a headset for virtual reality and hologram collaboration.
- HoloStudio, a development tool to create applications.
- Windows 10 APIs for developers to create holographic apps.
Viewers saw a sizzle reel and demonstrations that'll make Microsoft a conversation piece even if the company can only deliver on half of it.
Welcome to Windows with holograms (pictures)
"It's about higher aspirations for Windows," said CEO Satya Nadella. "We want to move from people needing Windows to choosing Windows to loving Windows."
Nadella said holograms will be in play for everything from Skype to Minecraft. Microsoft is already working with NASA on the hologram front.
What the hologram effort really does is give developers something to chew on.
"Want to create a holographic app? Easy. developers: Windows 10 is yours. All universal apps can be made to work with Windows Holographic," said Kipman.