Following the pattern established for head-mounted displays (HMDs) by the Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR, Microsoft has now brought the HoloLens to retail channels. Beginning with the online Microsoft Store, consumers in the US and Canada can now purchase up to five HoloLens HMDs without the need to apply or be invited.
Microsoft’s HoloLens was originally announced in January 2015, and since then has changed significantly. A wider field-of-view, higher resolution imagery and a wide variety of tools supporting developers building experiences and applications for the device are now standard. Indeed, with this in mind, it should be noted that the version of HoloLens now available from the online Microsoft Store remains the HoloLens Development Edition.
Available for $3,000 USD, as it has been since pre-orders initially became available, the HoloLens Development Edition is intended solely for software development studios. Those who wish to purchase the HoloLens Development Edition via the online Microsoft Store will still require a (free to register) Microsoft Account. Furthermore, Microsoft is keen to note that support for customers purchasing the HoloLens Development Edition is currently only available in English.
The HoloLens Development Edition is the only version of the HMD currently available, with no information regarding a consumer release yet available. Indeed, the current belief is that a consumer version of the HoloLens is still over a year away. Of course, VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details.
