Microsoft HoloLens – The Era of Holographic Computing is Here

This year when Microsoft finally announced the launch of virtual reality compatible Windows 10 we, along with the rest of the world, were struck with awe. The program had been long awaited by fans all over the world. Windows Holographic is a mixed reality operating system that transforms the local environment of the user into a virtual reality. This means that the next time you bring a windows holographic enabled system home; your home can transform into Hogwarts, Disneyland or even a board room.

Along with the Holographic OS, Microsoft also developed its own range of smart glass lens similar to preexisting products on the market like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. The new product, the HoloLens, is a wireless headset without any external cameras. The set has multiple gyroscopes and accelerometers that help it to register the slightest movement made by a user's head - check out the picture to the right.

Windows 10 has a lot of applications designed to be used with the HoloLens, including virtual versions of Skype and the popular game Minecraft, Holostudio, a 3D designing software which can be used in sync with 3D printers and Onsight, a VR application that explores space. 

We're particularly excited by the HoloLens. In the video below, you can see how the system might become an integrated part of our lives, moving all applications from desktops to drawing room halls. As a result, game developers around the world have begun  developing holographic games which we should expect to see in stores sometime next year. 

With Microsoft lending its formidable capabilities to the VR technology trend, we can expect virtual reality to meld into mainstream households sooner than most of us would have imagined.

Now we're eagerly awaiting the day when Cortana (for all those Halo lovers out there) becomes a life-sized holographic assistant!

Virtual Reality...in the Classroom?

What do you think about when you hear the term "virtual reality?" Perhaps virtual gaming consoles, futuristic governmental programs or some type of space tech application? We bet that the last place you'd imagine VR being applied is inside the classroom.

However, whether you knew it or not, many institutions have been making steady progress inserting virtual reality technologies within elementary, high school and even university curriculums. The Medical Virtual Reality group at the University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies has been studying the use of virtual reality simulation technologies' potential implementation in medicine. A project called the World of Comenius last year installed multiple computers connected to the Oculus Rift DK2 Virtual Reality headset (we'll explore this tech in another post soon) in a classroom at a grammar school in Opava City, Czech Republic. The young students were treated to virtual biology and anatomy lessons in which they explored the different organs of their own bodies - virtually, of course. Hypergrid Business, an online publication focusing on the development of virtual reality and "OpenSim" technology, published a great article on the 5 ways virtual reality will change education. We encourage you to check it out!

This trend took another leap forward two days ago with an announcement by Google that made front-page headlines around the world. The technological giant, known for pushing the boundaries of nearly every status quo imaginable, reported the beginning of an initiative that will bring free virtual reality classroom systems to schools around the world. The program, called Google Expeditions, will provide teachers with all of the tools needed to take their students on journeys anywhere, starting by delivering "kits" to the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Brazil.  The official website describes the Expeditions as the following:

 "Guided tours of places schools buses can't go. They are comprised of virtual reality panoramas and are led by a guide or teacher. Using a tablet, teachers can guide up to 50 students wearing virtual reality viewers. Teachers can guide their class and point out highlights while referring to editable notes."

Be sure to watch the goose bump-inspiring video below - and if you're a teacher, sign up to request an Expeditions delivery to your classroom - we are sure it will enhance your students' learning. Enjoy!