What you need to know
- Microsoft halted production of HoloLens 2 headsets recently.
- HoloLens 2 headsets will continue to receive critical security updates and software regressions until the end of 2027.
- Microsoft’s Mixed Reality division has struggled mightily over recent years, including the departure of former HoloLens lead Alex Kipman.
- Support for the original HoloLens will end on December 10, 2024.
As a tech enthusiast who has been following the VR and AR landscape for quite some time now, I must say the news about Microsoft halting production of HoloLens 2 headsets doesn’t come as a surprise – it feels like another chapter closing in the long and winding tale of this pioneering technology.
As a researcher exploring the realm of augmented reality technology, I recently learned that Microsoft has ceased manufacturing HoloLens 2 headsets. However, the device will continue to receive updates addressing critical security concerns and software glitches up until December 31, 2027. The year 2028 will mark the formal conclusion of software support for HoloLens 2. It’s important to note that production of the original HoloLens ended back in 2018, and its support will terminate much sooner, specifically on December 10, 2024.
According to UploadVR’s report, they have confirmed that Microsoft has decided to stop producing the HoloLens 2.
In 2019, the introduction of HoloLens 2 sparked optimism and interest in the virtual and augmented reality sector. Compared to its predecessor, the HoloLens 2 stood out significantly, with few direct competitors available at that time. However, since then, the virtual reality landscape has undergone significant transformations, and Microsoft hasn’t demonstrated substantial advancements in this area. According to an internal source at Microsoft, the HoloLens division was allegedly described as a “struggle” or “chaotic situation.
It appears that there was some confusion about whether or not Microsoft actually canceled HoloLens 3, but recent reports suggest they have. However, Microsoft’s $22 billion Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) intended for the US military has faced challenges during testing. Despite today’s news, Microsoft reaffirmed its dedication to IVAS.
In simple terms, Microsoft decided to discontinue the Windows VR platform and officially announced that they would no longer support Windows Mixed Reality starting from December 2023.
The (predictable) end of an era
Microsoft was among the first to innovate in the realm of virtual and augmented reality, yet it faced challenges expanding its presence within this market. The HoloLens device proved useful in industrial settings and corporate environments, but unfortunately, the broader concept of Windows Mixed Reality did not resonate with everyday consumers.
In the chilly month of January 2023, I found myself observing a significant shift within Microsoft’s tech landscape. Teams dedicated to the realms of virtual reality, mixed reality, and HoloLens were unfortunately let go. Among these impacted teams were the creators behind AltSpaceVR and the Mixed Reality Tool Kit, who were unfortunately affected by this restructuring.
Reports from as early as February 2022 suggested that Microsoft was facing difficulties in the development of HoloLens, with some sources even describing HoloLens 3 as a “disappointment” or “poorly executed project.
Alongside technical and financial hurdles, Microsoft encountered problems concerning the leadership of HoloLens. A report from Insider (previously Business Insider) alleged misconduct by Kipman, including verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and creating a work environment that undervalued women’s input. One accusation against Kipman was his use of a VR headset to view pornographic content, which could be seen on a nearby monitor by others in the room. Furthermore, Kipman was accused of cultivating a culture that devalued women’s contributions.
Information regarding HoloLens from Microsoft is scarce, as they don’t often provide updates, and their strategies for mixed reality seem to shift frequently. This inconsistency could be due to internal changes in leadership and reorganization within the company, which might have influenced the unpredictable course of HoloLens development.
The future of VR at Microsoft
Despite ceasing the manufacturing of HoloLens 2 and phasing out the Windows VR platform, Microsoft continues to harbor aspirations in the realm of virtual reality. In a strategic move, Microsoft has joined forces with Meta and Apple to make Microsoft software compatible with Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro devices.
In simpler terms, our Senior Editor Zac Bowden has shared news about upcoming Microsoft-designed mixed reality gadgets. These devices are expected to operate on Android instead of Windows. Although they won’t run Windows natively, Microsoft is reportedly developing a method that allows mixed reality devices to access and run full-fledged Windows desktop applications through the cloud.
Microsoft’s history with virtual and mixed reality might lead to some projects being scrapped before they reach the market. However, it’s possible that Microsoft could introduce mixed reality headsets as early as 2025 or 2026. The question remains, though, which plans Microsoft will ultimately choose to pursue.
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2024-10-01 19:40