Earlier this year, Microsoft finally introduced a successor to the three-year-old HoloLens headset, packing some big improvements, such as a Snapdragon 850 chipset, a wider field of view, and finger tracking. After that, there was no clear indication of what would happen to first-generation HoloLens, particularly in terms of software support going forward. As it turns out, the headset won't be getting any new features in the future.
In a support document (via Windows Central) detailing the recent updates to Windows Mixed Reality in the May 2019 Update, Microsoft states that the original HoloLens is now in Long Term Servicing (LTS). That means that the focus for that device will be on fixing any issues and issuing security updates, rather than adding any new features. The last feature update for the device was the October 2018 Update, and it won't even be getting version 1903.
The big new feature for Mixed Reality in version 1903, or the May 2019 Update, is the ability to run Win32 apps in Mixed Reality, so if you were hoping to get that capability in your HoloLens, that won't happen.
If you didn't get into the first HoloLens, but you're still interested in the sequel, the Development Edition was announced in May, and it should be coming later in the year for $3,500.
6 Comments - Add comment