Back at the beginning of the year Microsoft announced a brand new mixed reality (MR) head-mounted display (HMD) known as HoloLens. This unique device uses see-through lenses to augment the real world with virtual content for users to work, play and interact with. At its reveal in January Microsoft showcased a number of possible uses for the device, including allowing users to view a virtual rendition of a motorbike. Today, that potential use case has come a step closer to reality as car maker Volvo has announced that it has partnered with the company and is using HoloLens.
The pair has already showcased a demonstration of how HoloLens might be used to give customers their first taste of a new car at Microsoft’s global headquarters in Redmond, USA. They explained how users might configure cars using the HMD, while Volvo also granted a preview of its new S90 premium sedan using the device ahead of its full reveal in January 2016. The companies will continue to with each other going forward, exploring other areas such as autonomous driving technologies and the utilisation of data generated from connected cars to create new services.
“HoloLens offers the freedom to create a bespoke experience which customers can steer themselves. Imagine using mixed reality to choose the type of car you want – to explore the colours, rims, or get a better understanding of the features, services and options available,” said Björn Annwall, Seniro Vice President, Marketing, Sales And Service.
A consumer release date and price for the HoloLens is yet to be revealed, though the developer edition of the device will be available for studios that successfully applied for a kit in January 2016. This early version of the device costs some $3,000 USD and will be delivered within the Q1 2016 window.
VRFocus will continue to follow HoloLens closely, reporting back with the latest updates on the device.
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