Microsoft HoloLens Preorders in Six Countries - Dispatch Weekly

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October 12, 2016 - Reading time: 4 minutes

Microsoft’s HoloLens, the augmented-reality goggles are being made available to preorder in six new countries today, including: the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France and Germany.

HoloLens: $3,000 and Mainly for Commercial Customers

HoloLens debuted in January 2015 and started to ship to US and Canada in March 2016.

In August, Microsoft offered HoloLens to customers in the US and Canada for a $3,000 price tag. Their main customer focus was on business users and Windows 10 developers.

Ben Reed, HoloLens’ head of strategy, said:

“The focus on commercial customers is about building an ecosystem so if and when we are focusing on the consumer market there will be an exosystem of experiences to support that.”

Uses of HoloLens in the Workplace

Photo Credit: Microsoft
Photo Credit: Microsoft

At a London demonstration the HoloLens that mixes the real with the virtual world, was shown to have the following purposes:

  • Helps engineers repair elevators.
  • An engineer can load Skype on HoloLens and show an expert what he/she sees.
  • An office-based person can draw over the real world, to physically highlight changes that need to be made, showing the engineer.
  • Saves time by multitasking, cutting a 2-hour job to 20 minutes.
  • HoloLens can be used in product development and to sell to consumers.

Making HoloLens More Globally Available

By expanding, Microsoft is allowing a larger range of people to get their hands on the augmented reality goggles. The company is also trying to build apps that run on Windows 10 and HoloLens.

Users no longer have to apply for one of the HoloLens Development Edition units, like they did last year. Instead they can pre-order the headset at any online Microsoft Store.

Only Available in English and Still Expensive

Although Microsoft is widening access to the headset, the expensive price-tag makes it an unlikely purchase for the average consumer. Limited third-party support is another reason most tech enthusiasts might be turned off.

Organizations that already use the technology are: Case Western Reserve University, Volvo and NASA.

The device that runs on Windows 10 is still only available in English and it is not clear if they will start to translate into other languages.

Would you pay $3,000 for a pair of Microsoft HoloLens goggles and what would you mainly use them for? 

DW Staff

David Lintott is the Editor-in-Chief, leading our team of talented freelance journalists. He specializes in covering culture, sport, and society. Originally from the decaying seaside town of Eastbourne, he attributes his insightful world-weariness to his roots in this unique setting.

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