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takyon [soylentnews.org] writes:

A talk by Bruce Harris from Microsoft [youtube.com] (duration: 22:22) has revealed some additional details about the company's augmented reality product, HoloLens. Initial versions of the product may face disappointing limitations [telegraph.co.uk]:

Microsoft's HoloLens headset lasts just five and a half hours on a single charge, dropping to just two and a half hours following intensive use. The augmented reality headset, unveiled last January [telegraph.co.uk], will be completely wireless, depending only on its inbuilt battery for power, the company's Bruce Harris said at an event in Tel Aviv [petri.com]. The news is reminiscent of Google Glass, which was plagued by poor battery life during its few years of availability. Google's smart glasses were only capable of lasting around half an hour while shooting video before needing recharging, or three hours of general active use [telegraph.co.uk].

[...] Other details Harris revealed include that every HoloLens will have WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing wearers to connect with and play against others free from a laptop or smartphone connection.

Another slight niggle may be the headset's currently limited field of view. Harris said the company planned to expand its scope later in the developmental process, but that at present, its view is comparable to watching a 15-inch monitor from two feet away. Concrete details around HoloLens are hard to come by; a definite sale date and price have yet to be announced, though developers kits will start shipping within the next two months priced at $3,000.

More coverage at The Verge [theverge.com], PC World [pcworld.com].

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