Microsoft HoloLens (Photo : Reuters )
Microsoft has announced the starting price and availability of its HoloLens augmented reality (AR) Development Edition headset. The units will have a $3,000 price tag, and are scheduled to ship during the first quarter (Q1) of 2016. HoloLens was demonstrated at the OS giant's New York City event on October 6, Tuesday via a mixed reality video game.
Starting Tuesday developers could apply online for a HoloLens headset. Still, Microsoft shared no new info about the units' specifications.
Earlier this year the Bill Gates co-founded company announced the VR headset's technical specs. They included an x86 processor, 2 gigabytes of RAM, and a 60 hertz refresh rate, according to Ars Technica.
The first HoloLens' price and being a developer model imply that it is not a mass-produced device. Nonetheless, the price might still be a shocker.
For example, Google Glass had a similar developer access program, yet its price point was an affordable $1,500. In comparison the Oculus Rift dev kit is just $350.
However, Microsoft's standalone gadget is much more complex than Google's, and requires no wires, smartphone, or PC connection. it will still be too pricey for most students and hobbyists.
Microsoft's solution will be to offer five academic research teams $100,000 in funding. They will also receive two HoloLens Development Edition headsets.
Meanwhile, Microsoft's HoloLens demo was named Project XRay. It is a mixed reality gaming experience in which the player grabs and deploys a gauntlet to defend a room from a robot invasion. The spider-like baddies punched through real walls and climbed over actual furniture, according to PC World.
This video shows a Project XRay mixed reality gaming demo:
