Microsoft’s future is in holograms, the company revealed today. While its rivals dabble in virtual realities, Microsoft is currently investing in augmented realities, some of which involve you dreaming up your own creations.
The concept video shown demonstrates potential applications for entertainment, design, engineering, and scientific exploration. You won’t hear one mention of “augmented reality,” though – instead, Microsoft’s chosen to call the project “Windows Holographic.”
Unlike the simulated environment of virtual realities, augmented reality overlays digital constructs on top of the real environment. Every Windows 10 device will support Holographics.
To see the holograms, participants must strap on Microsoft’s wireless, head-mounted display, the HoloLens, complete with integrated sound.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1421828030&x-yt-cl=84411374&v=aThCr0PsyuA
There are no external cameras, phones, or environmental markers required to make the device work. Microsoft’s HoloStudio will give users the opportunity to create and “3D print” their own holograms. These can then be shared with other users.
The HoloLens uses everything from voice commands, gaze tracking, and tap gestures to navigate and activate menus. In HoloStudio, the tapping gesture can be used to glue pieces of a construct, spray colors, rotate, and resize them.
Once complete, the holograms can be sent to a 3D printer for construction. Project director Alex Kipman showed a working prototype of a quad-copter created with HoloStudio, as seen above.