Redmond, Washington – Microsoft has officially halted production of its HoloLens 2 headsets, sparking speculation about the future of the augmented reality technology. While software updates will continue for existing HoloLens 2 devices until the end of 2027, no replacement model has been announced. The original HoloLens, released in 2015, is also set to lose software support on December 10th.
The HoloLens 2, introduced by Microsoft in 2019, boasted improvements such as a wider field of view and eye tracking capabilities. The company had high hopes that these advancements would revolutionize the virtual world experience. Now, Microsoft has shifted its focus to enhancing its IVAS mixed-reality headsets through a partnership with Anduril Industries, a military tech firm founded by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR.
Microsoft’s collaboration with Anduril Industries aims to enhance the IVAS headset used by the US Army, integrating features like thermal and night-vision imaging sensors in a heads-up display. With plans to invest up to $21.9 billion in the IVAS project over the next decade, Microsoft is dedicated to addressing any issues with the headset. Further testing is scheduled for early 2025 to ensure the technology meets the Army’s requirements.
In a recent update on October 1st, Microsoft clarified that software support for the original HoloLens is also nearing its end, confirming that production for the first-generation headset ceased some time ago. As the tech giant continues to innovate in the mixed-reality space, the future of HoloLens technology remains uncertain, leaving users and enthusiasts eager for the next groundbreaking development.