Microsoft HoloLens X-Ray Video Game (Photo : YouTube )
Tech giant Microsoft launched a new contest as part of its effort to promote the HoloLens augmented reality headset. The Redmond-based company wanted people to share their ideas for the next HoloLens app, and Microsoft will build it.
Dubbed the "Share Your Idea" campaign, Microsoft made the announcement via its official blog posting, "We want to share everything we've learned about developing great holographic apps. To that end, we're offering to jump start one of your app ideas. As you share your ideas with the HoloLens community, we'll help you understand what it takes to build them."
Microsoft is not asking its community to actually develop or create the app. Instead, Microsoft built a website where users can contribute their idea before Jan. 11, 2016. The chosen winner will be given a privileged access during the app's development stage.
As of this writing, Microsoft confirmed that all apps created for the HoloLens device are "universal." This means that the apps are also compatible with PCs, tablets and smartphones running on the Windows 10 platform. This is part of Microsoft's plan of creating a universal platform for all of its devices.
According to PC World, Microsoft is starting to shift its focus into the software aspect of the HoloLens project. Microsoft unveiled the final version of the augmented reality device in May. The HoloLens hardware is comprised of a detachable mobile headset that can cast a holographic representation over a small portion of the user's field of view.
The HoloLens device is expected to ship in 2016 and will be available for developers only.
