Microsoft's next-gen HoloLens augmented reality device unveiled at E3
POSTED 16 Jun 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
The technology was unveiled at the annual E3 event in Los Angeles, California Credit: E3
Microsoft has unveiled its new HoloLens augmented reality headset, with a stunning Minecraft demo showcasing the new tech at the annual E3 gaming conference in Los Angeles, California.
According to Microsoft, the HoloLens is the first fully untethered, see-through holographic computer. The next-gen technology enables high-definition holograms to come to life, seamlessly integrating with real-world physical places, spaces, and objects.
Offering a tech demo at E3 using Minecraft as an example, the user played the game on a wall before transferring it to another surface, using voice and hand gestures to manipulate the virtual objects projected by the headset.
The HoloLens differs from the popular Oculus Rift VR headset in that Microsoft’s version brings holograms into the user’s environment, as opposed to Oculus Rift’s shut-off, isolated experience.
The HoloLens can operate as its own computer system and contains more computing power than the average laptop. The Windows 10-powered device uses advanced sensors to capture information about what the user is doing and the environment around them.
“Holograms are the next evolution in computing,” said a Microsoft statement. “With this vision in mind, hardware, software, and design came together to create the first fully untethered holographic computer.
“People, not devices, are mobile. We are ready for technology to move beyond devices, beyond screens and pixels, and beyond today's digital borders.”
While a price for each device has not been confirmed, estimates are ranging from anywhere between US$400 (€355, £257) and US$1200 (€1064, £771).
Landmark Entertainment Group – the design team behind attractions such as Universal’s
Kongfrontation, Terminator 2 3D, Jurassic Park: The Ride and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman 5D – have announced plans to create in-and-out of home ‘virtual reality
destinations’.
A Brooklyn-based animator has taken Vincent Van Gogh’s classic masterpiece The Night
Café and recreated the work as an explorable three-dimensional piece via a virtual reality
headset.
A multi-million dollar visitor attraction coming in 2016 looks set to change the face of
virtual reality, offering a first-of-its-kind, next-gen, immersive gaming experience.
A Ukraine-based development company has revealed plans for a an interactive
entertainment attraction that works with a virtual reality headset and a gamepad to
deliver a full-motion interactive experience.
Planet Fitness has announced the repurchase of 314,000 shares at a rate of US$20
million. The
Class A common stocks were repurchased and retired, using cash.
Xponential Fitness today indefinitely suspended founder and CEO, Anthony Geisler, saying it
had been notified on 7 May that the company is facing a legal challenge by the United States
Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Fast Fitness Japan, master franchisee of Anytime Fitness in Japan, has acquired Eighty-8
Health
& Fitness, giving the company master franchisee rights to Anytime Fitness in Germany.
Phil Heath, professional athlete, bodybuilder and 7x Mr. Olympia, has fielded a lot of
questions about bodybuilding without machines. Should bodybuilders be limited to just free
weights? Why? [more...]
Microsoft's next-gen HoloLens augmented reality device unveiled at E3
POSTED 16 Jun 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
The technology was unveiled at the annual E3 event in Los Angeles, California Credit: E3
Microsoft has unveiled its new HoloLens augmented reality headset, with a stunning Minecraft demo showcasing the new tech at the annual E3 gaming conference in Los Angeles, California.
According to Microsoft, the HoloLens is the first fully untethered, see-through holographic computer. The next-gen technology enables high-definition holograms to come to life, seamlessly integrating with real-world physical places, spaces, and objects.
Offering a tech demo at E3 using Minecraft as an example, the user played the game on a wall before transferring it to another surface, using voice and hand gestures to manipulate the virtual objects projected by the headset.
The HoloLens differs from the popular Oculus Rift VR headset in that Microsoft’s version brings holograms into the user’s environment, as opposed to Oculus Rift’s shut-off, isolated experience.
The HoloLens can operate as its own computer system and contains more computing power than the average laptop. The Windows 10-powered device uses advanced sensors to capture information about what the user is doing and the environment around them.
“Holograms are the next evolution in computing,” said a Microsoft statement. “With this vision in mind, hardware, software, and design came together to create the first fully untethered holographic computer.
“People, not devices, are mobile. We are ready for technology to move beyond devices, beyond screens and pixels, and beyond today's digital borders.”
While a price for each device has not been confirmed, estimates are ranging from anywhere between US$400 (€355, £257) and US$1200 (€1064, £771).
Landmark Entertainment Group – the design team behind attractions such as Universal’s
Kongfrontation, Terminator 2 3D, Jurassic Park: The Ride and The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman 5D – have announced plans to create in-and-out of home ‘virtual reality
destinations’.
A Brooklyn-based animator has taken Vincent Van Gogh’s classic masterpiece The Night
Café and recreated the work as an explorable three-dimensional piece via a virtual reality
headset.
A multi-million dollar visitor attraction coming in 2016 looks set to change the face of
virtual reality, offering a first-of-its-kind, next-gen, immersive gaming experience.
A Ukraine-based development company has revealed plans for a an interactive
entertainment attraction that works with a virtual reality headset and a gamepad to
deliver a full-motion interactive experience.
Planet Fitness has announced the repurchase of 314,000 shares at a rate of US$20
million. The
Class A common stocks were repurchased and retired, using cash.
Xponential Fitness today indefinitely suspended founder and CEO, Anthony Geisler, saying it
had been notified on 7 May that the company is facing a legal challenge by the United States
Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Fast Fitness Japan, master franchisee of Anytime Fitness in Japan, has acquired Eighty-8
Health
& Fitness, giving the company master franchisee rights to Anytime Fitness in Germany.
Peloton Interactive Inc is believed to be working to get its costs under control in a bid to align
with the expectations of private equity investors as it considers de-listing.
Phil Heath, professional athlete, bodybuilder and 7x Mr. Olympia, has fielded a lot of
questions about bodybuilding without machines. Should bodybuilders be limited to just free
weights? Why? [more...]