About
The Microsoft HoloLens is an AR (Augmented Reality) device. Augmented reality is basically a way to view computer-generated sensory inputs (audio, graphics other forms of data etc.) in the real world environment. This differs from virtual reality where such sensory inputs are outputted through a headset like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. The HoloLens is a new device which is gaining traction in the tech world. AR isn’t a brand new concept. It’s been utilized in devices like the Nintendo DS and smartphones. What sets the HoloLens apart from other AR capable devices is that it creates a high fidelity experience in which the user can use their whole body and natural range of motion.
Uses
The HoloLens as of today (May 24, 2016) is in it’s development stage. Microsoft is selling the developer kits for developers so that the technology can be utilized and new applications can be created for it. Currently, it can do functions like video calls on Skype, simple games, art/visual design and watching Netflix. All of these functions are done in the real world. Since it is so new like VR, there are many opportunities and potential for using this device for more than just entertainment.
Potential Uses
This technology can be utilized for education. I definitely stand behind it because there’s so much potential. The HoloLens is a step above the VR headsets silly because it takes place in the real world environment. This makes it much more practical when trying to apply it for real world use. For example, a medical simulator on a VR headset would present a generated patient with predetermined conditions. This is very useful for understanding every kind of scenario. On the other hand, the HoloLens could be used for the same training but with a real live person. Anything could happen at this point but (granted the software is very very dynamic) the user would be able to really understand how to tackle a scenario, adapt to any changes, and learn in real time. Both VR and AR have their own advantages, but AR brings it closer to reality.
The HoloLens could be used for health monitoring and fitness. If it had a built-in heart rate monitor, the live stats could be displayed as the user ran on their route. Their heads-up display would of course show the live GPS (granted this feature was built in) position for where to go as well as distance ran/remaining. A generated trainer could be displayed to help motivate the user or even serve as a running companion to aid in their workout. It the HoloLens had these capabilities, issues of comfort must be put to mind. This of course, would call for user testing. I can think of several issues like sweat on the device, comfort, visibility issues if the lens got foggy, and even motion sickness with all of the information being displayed. For the latter issue, a simplified HUD would be advantageous and would be nice if it could be customized based on the user’s preferences and goals.
User Experience
What’s great about this device is that it’s not tethered. The user doesn’t need to be connected to wires in order to use it. This is one of the pitfalls for the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. The advantage of being wireless means that the user would be able to use their full range of motion thus enforcing the natural experience.
Being able to see the real world is a great feature for the user experience. This takes away the issue of motion sickness associated with the VR experience. The user would be able to maintain their spatial awareness while using the device and not have to worry about running or bumping into objects in their path.
Pitfalls
One of the issues with the HoloLens was it’s battery life. It lasts about 5.5 hours under regular use. For power users, they’d need to constantly charge their device and this would break the immersion.
The weight is another issue. Being wireless means that all of the technology is right there on the user’s head. prolonged use could mean pain in the neck or even headaches. Weight distribution would need to be considered so that using the device doesn’t feel like a chore but instead like an extension of the body.
Durability is also brought into question with this device. It seems like the device would be nice inside a home, but how well would it fare against the elements? If users in Seattle were strolling outside with their HoloLens, would they get electrocuted by the inevitable rain? What if dust and dirt got into it? It seems like a very delicate device and the software may be limited if the intention for the HoloLens is just within a safe and controlled environment.
Conclusion
It’s truly an exciting device. It’s even more exciting thinking about the potential in experiences with this new technology. It’s emerging and in it’s early stages just like VR. I can’t really say which experience is better. Not just because I haven’t had extensive experience with the devices but also because their purposes differ. It’s like apples vs. oranges. Both experiences have their advantages and disadvantages and it’s still too early to make any kind of assumptions or verdicts. What I can say is that we’re definitely heading into the future and new rules/laws of user experience have yet to be created with these up and coming technologies.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens/en-us
https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens/en-us/why-hololens
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/wearables/microsoft-hololens-1281834/review
Bryce Villanueva 