Microsoft has announced the first Redstone 4 Insider Preview for HoloLens, build 17123. This is a pretty important update, because the HoloLens headset hasn't received a feature update since the Windows 10 Anniversary Update was released in August 2016.
Of course, HoloLens still isn't a widely available consumer product. You can buy the $3,000 Development Edition if you want, but it's expected that at some point, Microsoft will release a more cost-effective consumer model. The device itself has remained fairly stagnant for some time.
As you'd expect, there are a number of new features in HoloLens build 17123. Here's what's new:
| Feature | Details | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-placement of 2D and 3D content on launch | A 2D app launcher or 2D UWP app auto-places in the world at an optimal size and distance when launched instead of requiring the user to place it. If an immersive app uses a 2D app launcher instead of a 3D app launcher, the immersive app will auto-launch from the 2D app launcher same as in RS1. A 3D app launcher from the Start menu also auto-places in the world. Instead of auto-launching the app, users can then click on the launcher to launch the immersive app. 3D content opened from the Holograms app and from Edge also auto-places in the world. |
When opening an app from the Start menu, you will no longer be asked to place it in the world. If the 2D app/3D app launcher placement is not optimal, you can easily move them using new fluid app manipulations described below. You can also re-position the 2D app launcher/3D content by saying "Move this" and then using gaze to re-position the content. |
| Fluid app manipulation | Move, resize, and rotate 2D and 3D content without having to enter "Adjust" mode. | To move a 2D UWP app or 2D app launcher, simply gaze at its app bar and then use the tap + hold + drag gesture. You can move 3D content by gazing anywhere on the object and then using tap + hold + drag. To resize 2D content, gaze at its corner. The gaze cursor will turn into a resize cursor, and then you can tap + hold + drag to resize. You can also make 2D content taller or wider by looking at its edges and dragging. To resize 3D content, lift up both your hands into gesture frame, fingers up in the ready position. You'll see the cursor turn into a state with 2 little hands. Do the tap and hold gesture with both your hands. Moving your hands closer or farther apart you will change the size of the object. Moving your hands forward and backward relative to each other will rotate the object. You can also resize/rotate 2D content this way. |
| 2D app horizontal resize with reflow | Make a 2D UWP app wider in aspect ratio to see more app content. For example, making the Mail app wide enough to show the Preview Pane. | Simply gaze at the left or right edge of the 2D UWP app to see the resize cursor, then use the tap + hold + drag gesture to resize. |
| Expanded voice command support | You can do more simply using your voice. | Try these voice commands:
|
| Updated Holograms and Photos apps | Updated Holograms app with new holograms. Updated Photos app. | You will notice an updated look to the Holograms and Photos apps. The Holograms app includes several new Holograms and a label maker for easier creation of text. |
| Improved mixed reality capture | Hardware shortcut start and end MRC video. | Hold Volume Up + Down for 3 seconds to start recording MRC video. Tap both again or use the bloom gesture to end. |
| Improved audio immersion | You can now hear HoloLens better in noisy environments, and experience more lifelike sound from applications as their sound will be obscured by real walls detected by the device. | HoloLens finds your space automatically, and no longer requires you to manage or select spaces. If you have problems with holograms around you, you can go to Settings > System > Holograms > Remove nearby holograms. If needed, you can also select Remove all holograms. |
| File Explorer | Move and delete files from within HoloLens. | You can use the File Explorer app to move and delete files from within HoloLens. Tip: If you don’t see any files, the "Recent" filter may be active (clock icon is highlighted in left pane). To fix, select the This Device document icon in the left pane (beneath the clock icon), or open the menu and select This Device. |
| MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) support | Enables your desktop PC to access your libraries (photos, videos, documents) on HoloLens for easy transfer. | Similar to other mobile devices, connect your HoloLens to your PC to bring up File Explorer to access your HoloLens libraries (photos, videos, documents) for easy transfer. Tips:
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| Captive portal network support during setup | You can now set up your HoloLens on a guest network at hotels, conference centers, retail shops, or businesses that use captive portal. | During setup, select the network, check connect automatically if desired, and enter the network information as prompted. |
Those are the features that are new for all users. There's actually quite a bit more that's aimed at developers, IT professionals, and commercial customers.
In order to install the new update, you'll have to do a bit of work. First, you need to enroll in the Windows Insider Program by going to Settings -> Update & security -> Get Insider Preview builds -> Get started. Then, you'll need to sideload the build with the Windows Device Recovery Tool using the 'Manual package selection' option. After that, you'll need to go through the out-of-box experience.
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