This week, Microsoft took time to talk about some of the products it has in the pipeline. While the event focused primarily on the next generation of its popular Windows operating system, it was the look at HoloLens, a 3D wearable headset, that might have stolen the show.
HoloLens
While the HoloLens and Windows Holographic, the operating system for the device, may sound like some distant future of computing, it’s actually a real device and will coming soon. CNNMoney reported that the HoloLens is itself a computer, equipped with a special chip called a holographic processing unit. It understands where you're looking, recognizes your gestures and voice, and it can map your surroundings.
The interesting part of HoloLens and Windows Holographic is that it's not just some whiz-bang technology for technology's sake. Microsoft presented some actual compelling use cases for it in the manufacturing world. Take a look at this video on how the company imagines using the device:
Windows 10
The upcoming Windows 10 is designed to embrace the way people use technology today and offers a similar experience as they switch between from PCs to tablets, smartphones and other gadgets such as gaming consoles or even holographic projectors — like the HoloLens.
According to a recent Associated Press article, Windows 10 will also come with a new Web browser that will be closely integrated with Cortana, the company's voice-activated answer to Siri. Microsoft is expanding Cortana to serve as a search engine and personal assistant, capable of answering questions and responding to commands such as "Play music" on desktop and laptop computers, as well as mobile devices.
"Windows 10 is built for a world in which there are going to be more devices on the planet than people," CEO Satya Nadella told reporters and industry analysts at Microsoft's headquarters. He said Microsoft wants to "enable that seamless cross-over, across devices as you move around at home and at work."
In an effort to push people to switch to the new operating system, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 will be released later this year as a free upgrade for anyone owning a computer or gadget that's currently running Windows 8.1 or 7, the two previous versions of the software.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Will HoloLens be the future of computing? Do you think Windows 10 is the integrated operating system businesses have been waiting for? Tell us what you think by leaving your comments below.
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