This is according to a post on Reddit which has since been pulled, but basically the official announcement was made that the HoloLens would be available for pre-order later today on the 29th of February.
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Microsoft today is also releasing HoloLens documentation, guides, and tutorials to build applications that will work on HoloLens. Preorders will start immediately with a price tag of $3,000. Developers can visit www.HoloLens.com to apply for the USD$3,000 kit. Microsoft has emphasized that the Development Edition is for not for consumers, as the goal here is to create a healthy stable of holographic apps across a variety of industries, from health care and design to entertainment.
Of the three the coolest is potentially the holographic version of Skype; although details are not clear, potentially it could allow you to hold a conference call with the device overlaying the people you’re speaking to in seats in a conference or lounge room for example.
The fact that Microsoft is now keen to expand the HoloLens library is an indication of how close the hardware is to realising its aim of producing “the world’s first untethered holographic computer”.
The article also revealed that Microsoft is planning to launch ActionGram its holographic storytelling medium during the summer months of this year, which was also leaked early this year.
What can you actually do with HoloLens?
HoloLens has see-through holographic lenses that use an advanced optical projection system to generate multi-dimensional full-color holograms with very low latency so you can see holographic objects in your world.
Fragments is said to put gamers in the middle of an augmented reality crime drama that unfolds in their living room, allowing them to investigate clues and solve crimes by interacting with characters that sit on their couch and talk directly to them.
RoboRaid – The final game can best be described as a first person shooter which pits you against enemies who tear through your walls to attack you. Microsoft says the HoloLens Development Edition can withstand two to three hours of active use, or last up to two weeks on standby. “Even starting the game from a different position in a single room creates an entirely new gameplay dynamic”.
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For now, HoloLens remains a developer product, but it’s clear from the sophisticated hardware and smart demo apps that the company is serious about making holograms a part of our everyday lives.
