Last year Microsoft revealed a brand new mixed reality (MR) head-mounted display (HMD) by the name of HoloLens. The kit consists of an on-board computing system that powers virtual images that can be viewed in the real world through a pair of transparent lenses. The kit made the rounds at events such as E3 throughout 2015 before its creators confirmed that pre-orders would be going live for those that applied to get access in Q1 2016. As last minute leaks suggested, those pre-orders have today gone live.

A blog post from Microsoft’s Alex Kipman confirmed that successful applicants will get the chance to pre-order the kit today, with shipping starting for the US and Canada on 30th March 2016. It’s not yet clear when developers in other countries will be able to get their hands on the device, though this US and Canada date is notable for being in between the launch of the Oculus Rift virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD) on 28th March for $599 USD and the HTC Vive on 5th April for $799. The Development Edition of HoloLens costs some $3,000, but doesn’t require a connection to a computer.

As already revealed in today’s leaks, new titles are being released for the launch of HoloLens’ Development Edition, including Young Conker and RoboRaid.

“I’m really excited to start this journey with you,” Kipman said in the blog that announced pre-orders for the kit. “This platform was created for you, the dreamers, the creators, the Windows developers. As we start this journey into the holographic landscape don’t ever hesitate to reach out with questions you want answered. Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @akipman. The next few months are going to be a journey to remember and I look forward to sharing it with you!

Despite Developer Edition pre-orders launching today, the consumer release of HoloLens is still expected to be a long way off.

Stay tuned to VRFocus for the latest updates on HoloLens.

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The post Microsoft Launches Pre-Orders for HoloLens Development Edition appeared first on VRFocus.

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