Microsoft's commitment to the mixed reality ecosystem has been evident with the launch of the HoloLens and, more recently, the HoloLens 2. After over a year since its release on regular computers, HoloLens is set to receive an upgrade to Windows 11.
In an announcement, Microsoft revealed that HoloLens users and businesses utilizing HoloLens units will receive the Windows 11 upgrade for free. The upgrade will primarily focus on business-related improvements, such as support for Teams, enhanced 3D annotations, and upgraded security features.
The company showcased Dynamics 365 Guides 8.0, which boasts an impressive augmented reality ink feature. While it was previously possible to draw on flat surfaces with a HoloLens, Microsoft has now developed a new annotation system that enables users to draw in 3D.
According to a blog post by Microsoft, "Our introduction of intelligent plane selection and plane caching has resulted in significant improvements in reliability for our remote experts. Remote experts can now confidently draw on highly complex surfaces, such as engine parts and automobile skeletons, knowing that their ink will appear exactly as intended."
Microsoft is not currently working on a third iteration of HoloLens or any similar product for consumers. However, it would be exciting to see HoloLens evolve into a tangible product in the future. It is worth noting that by the time Microsoft does release a consumer version, Windows 12 may already be available. Sources for this information can be found at Microsoft (1, 2).