HoloLens 2 vs HoloLens 1 – Who Offers More?

Choosing between HoloLens 2 and HoloLens 1? Opt for HoloLens 2 if your key decompositions include better ergonomics, improved resolution, enhanced hand-tracking, and extensive enterprise use support. Consider HoloLens 1 for the budget-conscious, yet want a solid introduction to AR/VR technology.

Key Differences Between HoloLens 2 and HoloLens 1

• HoloLens 2 offers an enhanced resolution of 2048×1080, a significant leap from HoloLens 1’s 1280×720.
• Improvements in field of view, where HoloLens 2 boasts a 52° FoV, contrasting HoloLens 1’s 30° FoV.
• The HoloLens 2 supports a 4GB DDR4 RAM, a step up from the HoloLens 1’s 2GB provision.
• HoloLens 2 advances in comfort aspects with adjustable straps and lenses for prolonged use, over HoloLens 1’s standard ergonomics.
• While both target enterprises, HoloLens 2 delivers meticulous focus on productivity and education.
• The HoloLens 2 is priced higher at $3,500. Compare this to the first generation’s $3,000 tag.

What Is HoloLens 2 and Who’s It For?

HoloLens 2, developed by Microsoft, is a groundbreaking mixed reality headset manufactured with the enterprise market in sight. Enterprises seeking enhanced productivity and enlightened educative techniques consider this device as a ground-breaking tool. Not developed for gaming and tech enthusiasts, the headset focuses more on professional uses, with its target audience being largely industries and business applications.

Pros of HoloLens 2

• Cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 processor
• Comfortable design with adjustable straps and lenses, weighing 566 grams
• Amplified 4GB DDR4 RAM, up from 2GB in Gen 1
• Built-in spatial sound with a 5-mic array
• Offers software evolution & collaborative platform for shared AR experiences

Cons of HoloLens 2

• Lacks in gaming and entertainment applications
• Rigorous use reduces battery life to two hours
• Pricey at $3500, making it unaffordable for individual usage

What Is HoloLens 1 and Who’s It For?

The first of its kind, primarily targeting the enterprise market, HoloLens serves as the world’s first fully untethered holographic computer. It pins 3D holograms to the real world, making it an essential tool for businesses focusing on remote assistance, prototyping, and on-site diagnostics. The device harmonizes the functionalities of optics and sensors, producing an exceptional mixed reality experience.

Pros of HoloLens 1

• Intel 32-bit architecture with a custom-built Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit (HPU 1.0)
• Holographic lenses with automatic pupillary distance calibration
• Feedback-driven product refinement strategy
• RoboRaid gaming demonstration showcases gaming potential

Cons of HoloLens 1

• Limited field of view
• Issues with compatibility in mixed reality testing
• High cost, priced at $3000
• Privacy concerns with eye-tracking

HoloLens 2 vs HoloLens 1: Pricing

Looking at the price points, HoloLens 2 marginally surpasses HoloLens 1 with an increase of $500 in price, targeting a different market.

HoloLens 2

Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 headset, an impressive entry for enterprise solutions, is priced at a hefty $3500. It provides a comprehensive end-to-end mixed reality (MR) enterprise solution, supported by AzureCloud storage. Despite packing a punch with advanced features and improvements such as enhanced comfort, eye & hand tracking abilities, and an exclusive collaborative platform (Microsoft Mesh), the price is significantly higher compared to its predecessor, likely due to its strategic focus on the business market.

HoloLens 1

On the other hand, the first-generation HoloLens stands firm at a slightly lower price of $3000, remaining a groundbreaking pioneer of untethered holographic computing. Despite the limitations in vertical field of view and comfort adjustments, its unique features like 3D holograms and compatibility with Windows 10 allows for a practical AR tool for businesses. A clear step towards operational efficiency, it remains a worthy contender in the field of AR technologies. Still, the fresher HoloLens 2 makes a compelling case for the slightly larger investment.

Code Examples for HoloLens 2 & HoloLens 1

HoloLens 2

Create a simple script to access the microphone sensor on the HoloLens and display if it is working or not. This script uses the Windows.Media namespace, which is part of the Universal Windows Platform APIs required for working with the HoloLens, so ensure they are installed beforehand.

using UnityEngine;
using System.Linq;
using Windows.Media;
using Windows.Media.Devices;

public class MicListener : MonoBehaviour
{
    private AudioSource audioSource;
    private bool isMicAccessible = false;

    // Initialization
    void Start()
    {
        audioSource = gameObject.GetComponent<AudioSource>();
        CheckMicAvailability();
    }

    private void CheckMicAvailability()
    {
        var audioDeviceController = MediaDevice.GetDefaultAudioRenderId(AudioDeviceRole.Default);
        isMicAccessible = audioDeviceController != null;
        Debug.Log("HoloLens mic status: " + isMicAccessible);
    }
}

HoloLens 1

This HoloLens example flips a 3D object when the user focuses gaze on it. Ensure that you have the MixedRealityToolkit imported as it provides the Focuser logic.

using System.Collections;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using UnityEngine;
using HoloToolkit.Unity.InputModule;

public class FlipObject : MonoBehaviour, IFocusable
{
    public bool isFlipped = false;
    private Vector3 flippedScale;

    // Start is called before the first frame update
    void Start()
    {
        flippedScale = new Vector3(-transform.localScale.x, transform.localScale.y, transform.localScale.z);
    }

    public void OnFocusEnter()
    {
        if (!isFlipped)
        {
            Flip();
        }
    }

    public void OnFocusExit()
    {
        if (isFlipped)
        {
            Flip();
        }
    }

    private void Flip()
    {
        isFlipped = !isFlipped;
        transform.localScale = isFlipped ? flippedScale : -flippedScale;
    }
}

Deciding Between HoloLens 2 and HoloLens 1: A Guided Verdict

As we pivot into the final lap of this compelling technological discourse, which of these heavyweights takes the crown: the formidable HoloLens 2 or its pioneering predecessor, the HoloLens 1?

Enterprise and Professional Segment

For the enterprise user centered on productivity and industrial application, HoloLens 2 is the ideal choice. With an enhanced ergonomic design, superior hand-tracking, a colossal 8MP camera, and the notable boost in performance from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 processor and DDR4 4GB RAM, it strives for peak efficiency and outperforms the HoloLens 1.

Mixed Reality Developers Segment

If you’re a developer, seeking to ride on the wave of AR/VR, HoloLens 2 serves as a fertile breeding ground for innovation. Offering extensive developer recourses, it promises an end-to-end MR enterprise solution. The powerful APIs coupled with eye and hand tracking propel it distinctly ahead of HoloLens 1, facilitating a dynamic and rich interaction with 3D hardware-software ecosystems.

Education and Student Segment

Students and education professionals, HoloLens 2 supplies an unparalleled avenue for enriched learning and teaching. Its notable accent on education, powered by transparent lenses and spatial sound for immersive educational experiences, clearly demonstrates its commitment to revolutionize learning beyond the conventional, making it a superior choice over HoloLens 1 for this segment.

On balance, the HoloLens 2 supersedes its precursor, outfitted with a suite of major upgrades in comfort, resolution, and battery life. Catering particularly to enterprise, educational, and developmental applications, it stands as an assertive step towards a promising AR/VR future. A formidable testament to Microsoft’s innovation – HoloLens 2, undoubtedly, is the sounder investment.