Tech giant Microsoft first unveiled its mixed reality (MR) head-mounted display (HMD), HoloLens back in January 2015 to the surprise of many. Aimed purely at the enterprise market pre-orders went live in February this year for US and Canadian developers, with the first shipments beginning in March. The rest of the world had to wait until last month, with pre-orders opening up for developers in Australia, France, Germany Ireland, New Zealand and the UK. And for those in the UK at least the wait is almost over.
Both versions of HoloLens will begin shipping next week, on Wednesday 30th November. So whether you’ve ordered the Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition at £2,719.00 incl. VAT or the Microsoft HoloLens Commercial Suite at £4,529.00 incl. VAT, those should be arriving very soon.
In terms of hardware both version are exactly the same. In the box they each include: Clicker, Carrying case, Charger and cable, Microfiber cloth, Nose pads and Overhead strap. It’s on the software side that the extra cost comes into play. The Commercial Suite comes with the following additions:
Kiosk Mode
• With HoloLens kiosk mode, you can limit which apps to run to enable demo or showcase experiences.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) for HoloLens
• You will be able to manage settings, select apps to install and set security configurations tailored to your organisation’s need.
Identity
• Azure Active Directory integration and next generation credentials with PIN unlock.
Windows Update for Business
• Controlled operating system updates to devices and support for long term servicing branch.
Data Security
• BitLocker data encryption and secure boot is enabled on HoloLens to provide the same level of security protection as any other Windows device.
Work Access
• Anyone in your organisation can remotely connect to the corporate network through a virtual private network on a HoloLens. HoloLens can also access Wi-Fi networks that require credentials.
Windows Store For Business
• Securely distribute your enterprise software to selected group of enterprise users.
As yet Microsoft has made no mention of possible plans for a consumer version. While it might be working on one, the current cost would have to be drastically reduced to be viable.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of HoloLens, reporting back with any further announcements.