Microsoft’s augmented reality glasses can run for only up to 5 hours before they need to be plugged in.
A recent presentation made by Bruce Harris, the Microsoft technical evangelist, in Tel Aviv, revealed several pieces of insight about the augmented reality Hololens headset, some of which impressed the tech industry and some of which is turning out to be a bit of a disappointment.
Though many details had been revealed back in October, this recent presentation offered more insight.
Back in the original demonstration of HoloLens by Microsoft, last October, there was a great deal revealed about the function of the augmented reality device. However, some key factors were absent in that presentation, including battery life, pricing and other additional functionalities. Now, the recent Tel Aviv presentation from Bruce Harris has shown a great deal more of the finer points surrounding this gadget.
Harris explained that, depending on its usage, HoloLens will last only 2.5 to 5.5 hours before needing to recharge.
This suggests that if anyone were to invest in one of these devices, they may also want to have a good portable charger with them, as well. After all, using the headset for routine activities will give the individual only just over five hours. However, when pushing the device a little bit harder, that battery life can shrink down to 2.5 hours. For that to become a practical device it will need to be used alongside an external battery pack.
Harris also went on to say that HoloLens will be capable of running virtually any Universal app and it is currently operating on Windows 10 out of the box. Also pointed out in the presentation was that when the headset becomes consumer ready, it will be “totally wireless” and will be capable of connecting to any Bluetooth device or WiFi network. Of course, if WiFi drains this device as much as it can take down many smartphones and tablets, this will only reinforce the need for a portable charger that will be able to recharge it a few times each day.
When it comes to field of view, the HoloLens should provide an experience that can be compared to that of a 15 inch monitor. This field of view was selected in order to make it possible for Microsoft to provide optimal production capabilities in order to keep costs manageable.
Upon the initial launch of the wearable technology, three locations opened in the US, but they may closing down.
Back when the first limited release of Google Glass occurred, the company opened up what it called “Basecamps” in three cities in the United States, which were New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
These were, in essence, popup stores that gave Explorers a place to gather and discover the devices.
The Google Glass Basecamps provided a location in which the first users of these devices (nicknamed “Explorers”) could meet, learn more about what they can do with this wearable technology, and obtain other forms of tech support. It also provided Google with the opportunity to create a direct interaction with the users of these mobile devices. These unique store locations were considered to be an important part of the future of the technology.
A recent Phandroid report has stated that Google Glass may no longer have any Basecamps at all.
The post from Phandroid stated that the locations where the Basecamps had previously existed have now been shut down. This comes at a time in which a growing number of reports are beginning to draw attention to the decreasing interest that these wearables seem to be maintaining. While the storefronts were meant to be a central hub for the people who had forked over the hefty $1,500 to become Explorers and become a virtual guinea pig for this new tech, it doesn’t look as though they will be playing much of a role anymore.
That said, at the time of the writing of this article, Google had yet to release a comment with regards to the shuttering of the physical store locations for their augmented reality glasses. Some have speculated that the stores are simply being relocated. No official information is available, as of yet, with regards to the closers.
While it doesn’t necessarily mean that this is the beginning of the end for Google Glass, many are commenting about the timing of this move. Google has recently stated that it is committed to the tech as well as to make sure that it is offered to consumers at a more affordable price. As of yet, it is too early to know whether or not this will actually happen or what form it will take.
