Ever since the earliest days of science fiction, people have been fascinated with holograms. Thanks in part to the many episodes showcasing the power of virtual reality, the Holodeck entered popular consciousness as a vision of the power that computers could bring. It would be possible to go anywhere and be completely immersed in a virtual reality. 2015 may be the year science fiction becomes reality, thanks to breaking tech news that Microsoft has developed a visor that lets people interact with holograms. Yes, the Windows Holographic HoloLens is a wearable computer that projects three-dimensional virtual objects onto the environment around its user, allowing them to interact utilizing voice and gesture commands. While these aren't, technically, holograms in that they don't use free-standing lasers, they use a stereographic display that fools the eye into seeings things as though they were in the real world. This difference doesn't change most people's response to the product, which can only be described as, "really neat."
The HoloLens works as an augmented reality device , which can allow a user to select buttons projected onto a real-world wall by tapping on a button suspended in mid-air. Potential applications in space are already being looked at, according to Ars Technica, as NASA has expressed interest in using the technology to allow scientists to mark rocks and geological features for the Mars rover to investigate. This visor is a major step forward in terms of being able to bring an entirely new type of immersion and UIs for consumers and businesses alike.
What can a visor do?
Some may have tech fatigue related to head-mounted technology that promises more than it can offer, especially in the wake of the shuttering of Google Glass. However, this visor is significantly different from other types of wearables in that it functions more like a monitor than an accessory. It is only used and looked at when someone is trying to interface directly with the device. Of course, Microsoft doesn't have the best track record when it comes to bringing new products to market. The dubious launch of the Xbox One, Windows 8, and Zune have all shown that the company still has trouble sticking the landing on new products. However, all of those misfires can't quench the enthusiasm many have over holograms. If there's any tech that's going to make waves in the next year that no one would have expected it will be the Hololens.
