Redmond, Washington – Microsoft will be laying off employees working on mixed reality projects, as confirmed by a company spokesperson on Monday. This decision will specifically impact the department involved with the development of the HoloLens 2 augmented reality headset, yet Microsoft remains committed to selling the device.
The workforce reduction follows an announcement made by the software giant a year ago, indicating changes to its hardware lineup that led to a round of layoffs affecting 10,000 employees, including those working on mixed reality projects. In light of these cuts, Microsoft discontinued various keyboard models, which led to frustration among some loyal customers.
A spokesperson emphasized Microsoft’s dedication to the Department of Defense’s IVAS program, ensuring continued support for soldiers with cutting-edge technology. The company also expressed its commitment to investing in W365 to expand the mixed reality hardware ecosystem. While Microsoft plans to keep selling the HoloLens 2 and support existing customers and partners, the future of the device remains uncertain.
Despite initial challenges with the HoloLens, Microsoft secured a contract with the U.S. Defense Department for a modified version known as the Integrated Visual Augmentation System. However, users reported experiencing discomfort including nausea, prompting the company to work on an updated model to address these issues.
In recent years, Microsoft has ramped up efforts in artificial intelligence, collaborating with tech giants like Nvidia to integrate AI features into its products. Meanwhile, Apple entered the augmented reality market with its own Vision Pro headset, adding competition to the industry.
While Microsoft continues to support features like Mesh for three-dimensional Teams video calls, the company’s focus on augmented reality and virtual reality has seen a shift. With ongoing developments in the tech landscape, the fate of Microsoft’s mixed reality projects and HoloLens remains uncertain.