Introduction
Microsoft HoloLens 2 is an untethered holographic computer. It refines the holographic computing journey that HoloLens (1st gen) started to provide a more comfortable and immersive experience paired with more options for collaborating in mixed reality. HoloLens runs on the Windows Holographic OS, which is based on a "flavor" of Windows 10 that provides users, admins, and developers with a robust, performant, secure, and manageable at-scale platform.
The headset is ergonomic; light and untethered, allowing free movement without wires or external packs. Workers using HoloLens can collaborate heads-up and hands-free, making it easy to act with precision and increase productivity, removing any physical restrictions of ordinary computing that prevent or delay completion of common tasks. Users can use voice commands or hand tracking to touch, grasp, and manipulate holograms and digital content, which can persist over time and space.
HoloLens components
HoloLens 2 has four visible light cameras for head tracking, two infrared cameras for eye tracking, a time-of-flight depth sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), an 8MP stills and 1080p30 video camera, plus a five-channel microphone array and built-in spatial sound speakers. The compute platform comprises a Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 chip set, a custom second-generation HPU (holographic processing unit), 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. Connectivity is via Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0.
The following diagram will help you understand the complexity of a HoloLens 2 device. The external headset controls are simple and user-friendly.
You'll find a complete description for each of the components you'll be using to operate the HoloLens 2 device in the following table:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Visor | Contains HoloLens 2 sensors and displays. You can rotate the visor up while wearing the HoloLens. |
| Headband | To put on the HoloLens, use the adjustment wheel to expand the headband. With the HoloLens in place, tighten the adjustment wheel by turning to the right until the headband fits comfortably. |
| Brightness buttons | When you're wearing the HoloLens, the brightness buttons are on the left side of the visor near your temple. |
| Volume buttons | When you're wearing the HoloLens, the volume buttons are on the right side of the visor near your temple. |
| Power button | When you're wearing the HoloLens, the power button is located on the right side of the rear outer cover. |
| USB-C port | When you're wearing the HoloLens, the USB-C port is located on the right side of the rear outer cover below the Power button. |