HoloLens 2 by Microsoft is a pioneering enterprise-focused headset emphasizing productivity and education. Featuring transparent lenses, enhanced comfort, efficient Qualcomm processor, and solid hand-tracking capabilities.
For those exploring alternatives to HoloLens 2, choices encompass HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition, HoloLens 1, Magic Leap 2, RealWear HMT-1, Quest Pro, Quest 2, Oculus 2, and more.
HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition
Unveiling HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition; a premium, unmatchable augmented reality solution setting new standards in the sector. This powerhouse is backed by stringent certifications and a state-of-the-art computing platform, built on the robust Qualcomm Snapdragon 850.
HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition Top Features
Health Industry Compliance: HIPAA compliance implementation possible, ensuring much-needed trust in sensitive environments.
High-end Tech Specs: Runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 Compute platform, provides 2-3 hours of active use and quick charging via USB-PD.
Exceptional Graphics: See-through holographic lenses boasting 2k 3:2 light engines for superior visual experiences.
Feature
Description
Industrial Certifications
ISO 14644-1 Class 5 clean room approved and UL Class I, Division 2 certified.
Camera & Audio
8-MP stills, 1080p30 video camera and five-channel speakers with a microphone array, enabling voice commands.
Warranty & Support
Comes with a 2-year warranty and Rapid Replacement Program for expedited device replacements.
HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition Disadvantages
Price: Retails at a hefty price of USD $4,950.00 making it a considerable investment for small businesses.
Non-Support for Upgrades: Existing HoloLens 2 cannot be upgraded to the Industrial Edition.
Refurbishments and Replacements: There is non-support for HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition replacements and refurbishments.
HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition Pricing
Setting you back by USD $4,950.00, the HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition is an investment, but offers unbeatable top-tier performance coupled with regulatory accreditations and extensive warranty provisions.
HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition Use Cases
Manufacturing Industry
In the manufacturing sector, the HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition can morph the process of intricate task completion, offering interactive 3D guides and remote access to experts. The stringent standards compliance ensures safe deployment in these controlled environments.
Healthcare Sector
With potential HIPAA compliance, the HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition may revolutionise patient care and data management in healthcare settings, prioritising data privacy protection.
Educational Institutions
Another promising market is in education, with institutions leveraging the HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition’s capabilities to offer immersive, interactive learning experiences.
HoloLens 1
Let us turn the pages of AR history to celebrate HoloLens 1, the world’s first fully untethered holographic computer conquering real-world landscapes with 3D holograms.
HoloLens 1 Top Features
Proclaims the freedom of an untethered device—no cumbersome wires or weighty equipment.
Boasts a visor with cutting edge sensors and displays. A tech armor to guard your vision.
A touch of the familiar via Windows 10 pre-installed, opening the gateway to a world of compatible software.
Safety reminiscent of the medieval armor, complying with stringent ANSI Z87.1, CSA Z94.3, EN 166 impact protection norms.
Memory enough to store an army’s worth of data—64GB flash and 2GB RAM.
Feature
Description
User Interaction
Gaze tracking, gesture input, voice support recognize and respond to user actions
Hardware Specifications
Intel 32-bit architecture, Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit (HPU 1.0)
Battery Life and Charging
2-3 hours active use, upto 2 weeks standby, operational while charging.
HoloLens 1 Limitations
Vertical field of view limited, leaving a dimensional gaping hole.
Compatibility issues evidenced during mixed reality testing—cohabitation proving challenging.
Privacy concerns raise their gnarly heads with eye-tracking technology—Big brother’s watching, perhaps?
HoloLens 1 Pricing
Sound in tech, equitable in pricing—the HoloLens 1 claims a price tag of $3000.
HoloLens 1 Use Cases
Enterprise Sector
HoloLens 1 finds its groove in the high-octane enterprise market offering remote assistance, prototyping, on-site diagnostics applications—a bridge between distances.
Gaming Industry
A playground for the modern gamer—the first-person shooter game, RoboRaid, demonstrates promising gaming capabilities.
Educational Sector
Skype on HoloLens enables interactive doodling on-call, opening doors to a world of virtual, guided tutorials facilitating immersive learning experiences.
Vision Pro
Introducing Vision Pro: an advanced personal electronic device designed to push boundaries in AR and VR technology. Manipulated by eyes, hands, and voice commands, it masterfully simulates real-world experiences.
Vision Pro Top Features
12 high-quality cameras and 6 microphones capture spatial photos and videos.
Furnishes virtual avatars and real-time hand gesture depiction in a digital persona. No need for controllers here!
23 million-pixel micro-OLED display offers top-tier resolution that outclasses even 4K.
Feature
Benefit
23 million-pixel micro-OLED display
Better than 4K resolution
Precise Eye Tracking
No need for controllers
External battery up to 2 hours usage
Extended immersive experience
Vision Pro Limitations
Dangling cable due to usage of an external battery pack.
Light-Seal may lead to discomfort over prolonged periods of use.
High-end cost may pose a challenge for affordability.
Vision Pro Pricing
Vision Pro retails at $3,499, slated to be available from 2024.
Vision Pro Use Cases
Use case 1
For the tech-savvy demanding a powerful, innovative alternative to traditional devices, Vision Pro excels as a highly advanced personal electronic gadget offering potent Spatial Computing abilities. It’s not just a headset; it’s a spatial computer!
Use case 2
Creatives can leverage the Vision Pro to accumulate spatial photos and videos, making the device a unique tool for creating immersive and interactive content.
Use case 3
For professional spaces seeking tools that can add a dimension to collaboration and connectivity, Vision Pro is a boon. It transforms workspaces and brings unparalleled control in terms of voice, eyes, and hands.
Apple Vision Pro
Futuristic and profound, the Apple Vision Pro immerses users in a richly detailed world of augmented reality. This mixed-reality headset is designed to blend digital content and physical space, using advancements in technology to create a more connected and accessible world.
Apple Vision Pro Top Features
“Infinite canvas” within apps allows users to customize layout and arrangement.
The high-quality 3D Camera captures spatial photos and videos.
Compact design brings together Apple’s expertise in high-performance, mobile and wearable devices.
The VisionOS, Apple’s first spatial OS, powers impressive spatial experiences.
Future-Forward Attributes
Functional Benefits
Digital Crown control
Adjusts immersion level, allowing users to fine tune their AR experience
Optic ID
Provides a secure authentication system using unique iris patterns
Apple Vision Pro Limitations
High purchase cost compared with other AR devices.
Two-hour battery life could limit prolonged use.
Apple Vision Pro Pricing
The Apple Vision Pro is priced at $3,499 and is set to go on sale in early 2024. Apple plans future iterations that would potentially be more affordable and incorporate prescription lenses.
Apple Vision Pro Use Cases
Use Case 1: Professional Collaboration
The Apple Vision Pro’s unique connectivity features, such as life-size FaceTime video tiles and simultaneous document work, catalyze cutting-edge remote collaboration, facilitating teamwork across digital and physical boundaries.
Use Case 2: Augmented Creativity
Artists and designers can have revolutionary creative experiences with the ‘infinite canvas’ feature, pushing the limits of their craft and transforming their surroundings with the environment feature.
Use Case 3: Immersive Entertainment
With its extensive entertainment features, the Apple Vision Pro transitions rooms into personal theaters, replete with Spatial Audio and advanced visual capacities, making it an outstanding choice for cinephiles and entertainment enthusiasts.
Oculus
Conceived by Palmer Luckey in 2011, Oculus reanimated the world of VR. Achieving mainstream recognition, Oculus unleashed the Oculus Rift, a sensational VR headset, affordable yet reality-mimicking, using cutting-edge technology for user immersion.
Oculus Best Features
Oculus Rift: Delivered in March 2013, boasted over 90 degrees Field of View (FOV).
Screen Door Effect Suppression: Revolutionized viewing, by making individual pixels less noticeable.
Head Track Technology: Oculus Rift harnessed three-axis gyros, accelerometers, and magnetometers for absolute head orientation.
Feature
Oculus Rift
Field of View
More than 90 degrees horizontal
Resolution
1280×800
Tracking
3-axis gyros, accelerometers, magnetometers
Oculus Limitations
Oculus Rift S Discontinuation: As of April 2021, marking the end of the Oculus Rift line.
VR product saturation: As of 2016, hundreds of companies have launched VR products – a busy market.
Oculus Pricing
Manifesting as an accessible solution, Oculus gained fame for delivering unprecedented VR experience without a hefty price tag.
Oculus Use Cases
Use case 1: Gaming Industry
Oculus disrupted the gaming scene, being compatible with a variety of game genres, taking user experience to uncharted realms with its high-quality VR.
Use case 2: Training Simulations
With its real-world mimicking abilities, Oculus serves as a potent tool for training simulations in industries like healthcare, aviation, and military.
Use case 3: Virtual Tours
Oculus’s lifelike VR capabilities make it an ideal choice for virtual tours – be it real estate showcasing or virtual tourism.
Magic Leap 2
Unleashing the power of advanced AR, the Magic Leap 2 is an innovative device that embodies transformative enterprise solutions with rich, immersive experiences. Step into a world that’s built on extensive research, including 1,500 face scans to assure perfect fit and comfort.
Magic Leap 2 Top Features
Weighs only 260g: Remarkably light and comparable to a pair of headphones, making it great for prolonged use.
Eye-Tracking Cameras: Four of these adjust rendering, reducing strain on your eyes.
AMD Quad-Core Zen 2 SoC Chip: Enables you to enjoy demanding visuals and applications without a glitch.
Industry-Leading Optics: 32-layer lens provides precise visual clarity, enhancing your AR experience.
Varied Input Support: Allows multitasking with hand and eye-tracking, voice command, and Bluetooth devices.
Global and Segmented Dimming
Enables you to use the device in varying lighting conditions without compromising the viewing quality.
Resolution 1440×1760 px
Offers crystal clear image and text clarity.
Adaptive Hardware
Equipped with eye-tracking cameras, sensors, and world cameras, it adjusts to your surroundings to enhance your interaction with the digital world.
Magic Leap 2 Limitations
Its high price point starts from USD $3,692.99, possibly making it unaffordable for some users.
Despite the efforts to custom-fit the device for users, it may not be a comfortable fit for all face shapes and sizes.
The dependency on a Compute Pack relocated to the hip could hinder the user’s mobility and convenience.
Magic Leap 2 Pricing
The Magic Leap 2 comes with a hefty price tag, starting from USD $3,692.99, promising high-end AR experiences.
Magic Leap 2 Use Cases
Use case 1 – Professional Training
The Magic Leap 2 is ideal for educational and training sessions, as it can display complex data and 3D models for detailed study and collaboration.
Use case 2 – Healthcare
In healthcare, doctors can use this AR device for full-body diagnostics, rendering detailed images for better patient care.
Use case 3 – Retail
In the retail sector, it offers customers an immersive shopping experience, showcasing products in a realistic, engaging environment.
Magic Leap 1
The world of augmented reality is richly emboldened by the pioneering vision of the Magic Leap 1; a comprehensive AR system that aims to transform everyday computing into something far more immersive.
Magic Leap 1 Top Features
Lightwear: A headset that offers hologram-like objects in 3D spacing to facilitate mixed reality experiences.
Lightpack: A wearable computing powerhouse with Nvidia Tegra X2 chipset, 8GB of memory, 128GB storage and an impressive 3-hour battery life.
Environmental and eye-tracking cameras for enhancing the overall AR experience.
Lumen OS: A Linux-based operating system shipped with a variety of intriguing applications such as a web browser, Helio, a social suite with holographic chat, and an app store, among others.
Resolution of 1440×1760 px, and a brightness of 2000 nits.
Field of View
70° (50% more than Microsoft’s HoloLens)
Total Funding Raised
$2.3 billion by investors ranging from Google to JPMorgan
Weight
Weighing just 260 grams
Magic Leap 1 Limitations
Limited field of view with images only projected into a moderately sized rectangle.
Occasional visualization problems that include glowing edges and slight transparency.
Lack of mobile data options, currently relying only on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Guaranteed for indoor use only, as opposed to the ultimate vision of wearable glasses for use everywhere.
Magic Leap 1 Pricing
As of now, definitive pricing for the Magic Leap 1 has not been declared.
Magic Leap 1 Use Cases
Entertainment
The Magic Leap 1, through its immersive mixed reality applications including games, art apps, and interactive musical experiences, has the potential to redefine home-based and social entertainment.
Everyday Computing
With its push towards making AR a part of everyday life, Magic Leap 1 can help to significantly transform user experiences of everyday tasks.
Magic Leap
An American tech titan, Magic Leap, founded by Rony Abovitz in 2010 and currently led by CEO Peggy Johnson, has achieved brilliance in the dense forest of AR technology. The company, stationed in Plantation, Florida, delivers breakthroughs in AR via its head-mounted display, the Magic Leap One.
Magic Leap Top Features
Light-field chip development leveraging Silicon Photonics.
Collaborative ventures with iconic brands such as AT&T and Lucasfilm.
Impressive $500 million funding achievement in 2021, resulting in a $2 billion valuation.
Feature
Description
AR Headset
Magic Leap One, a head-mounted AR display launched online in June 2018, and followed by the “industry’s smallest and lightest device”, Magic Leap 2 in September 2022.
AI Assistant
An ambitious project, Mica, was introduced in October 2018, displaying their commitment to enriched AR experiences.
Future Plans
Post a significant funding event in 2021, they have plans for releasing a newer version, Magic Leap 2, in 2022.
Magic Leap Downsides
Substantial company restructuring took place in 2020 due to COVID-19, resulting in a workforce cut by half.
A dramatic drop in company valuation of 93% within 6 months was recorded from June 2020.
Magic Leap Use Cases
Use case 1
The Magic Leap One is a robust tool for businesses seeking to leverage AR to enhance their customer experiences. The device provides immersive and realistic augmented environments, adding value to industries like retail, real estate, and advertising.
Use case 2
Magic Leap has made significant strides in the gaming and entertainment sectors. With partnerships like that with Lucasfilm and Weta Workshop for special effects, they’ve provided players with an unmatched, immersive AR experience.
Use case 3
In education, Magic Leap can provide interactive and engaging learning experiences. Instructors can leverage the Magic Leap One to create real-world simulations for students, thus improving understanding and knowledge retention.
RealWear HMT-1
Distinguished as the first hands-free Android™ tablet-class wearable computer for industrial workers, RealWear HMT-1 is built for the harsh realities of the field. Engineered with the modern frontline workforce in mind, it’s designed to provide optimized assistance in wet, dusty, hot, dangerous, and loud industrial environments.
RealWear HMT-1 Top Features
Voice-based OS: Complete hands-free operation with precise voice control in environments with background noise up to 95 dB.
Rugged design: The HMT-1 is dust tight (IP66), shock-resistant, and operational in extreme temperatures (-20° C to +50° C), making it a formidable choice for industrial use.
High-resolution display: Features a high-resolution micro display that serves as a 7″ tablet-class screen.
Extensive software capabilities: Packed with four core software categories optimized for hands-free voice control.
Functionality
Specifications
Camera
16 megapixels, optional tilt up/down 30 degrees
Memory
32 GB internal memory, 3 GB RAM, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB
OS
Android 10 (AOSP) + WearHF™ Hands-Free Interface
RealWear HMT-1 Limitations
Price: At $1,500, it may be cost-prohibitive for some businesses.
Niche functionality: Highly specialized for industrial application, limiting versatility.
Dependent on voice control: While accurate, presents challenges in extremely noisy environments.
RealWear HMT-1 Pricing
Priced at $1,500.00 USD, the RealWear HMT-1 offers significant bang for your buck with its extensive range of features and capabilities.
RealWear HMT-1 Use Cases
Manufacturing
The HMT-1’s hands-free operation, voice-based OS, and industrial IoT data visualization make it a reliable tool for manufacturing operations.
Oil and Gas
In the oil and gas industry, the HMT-1’s hazard-resistant features and powerful software capabilities can significantly accelerate processes.
Consumer Goods
With its highly effective logistics applications, the HMT-1 can be a game-changer in consumer goods industries.
Quest Pro
Enter the realm of virtual reality with Meta Quest Pro, the sleek and sophisticated VR/AR headset meticulously designed for enterprise users. Its integration with workflows and premium features keep it ahead in the league of immersive and interactive experiences.
Quest Pro Top Features
Design: Flaunts a sleek black frame with a glossy front panel for a professional look.
Comfort: Features a wraparound band with padding. However, the headset might press against the face due to absent padding. Optional full light blocker accessory is available for improved comfort.
Hardware: Boasts of five camera configurations – three on the front and two on the side. Bundled with two charging sets and two headphone jacks. It also includes a power button, volume rocker and angled speakers for easy access.
Motion Controllers: The controller is lighter and less cumbersome than its predecessor, Quest 2, with built-in rechargeable batteries and a charging cradle for ease of use.
Processor:
Snapdragon XR2+ (50% stronger than Quest 2)
Memory & Storage:
12GB of RAM; 256GB onboard storage
Resolution:
1,920 x 1,800 pixels per eye, local dimming backlight system and 130% larger color gamut than Quest 2
Quest Pro Limitations
Presence of limited consumer-focused software leveraging Quest Pro upgrades.
Higher cost making it more suitable for professionals with specific VR/AR needs.
Exposes peripheral vision, potentially leading to distractions during intense AR/VR sessions.
Quest Pro Pricing
The Meta Quest Pro is priced at $1499.99, a notable hike compared to the Meta Quest 2. However, its advanced specifications and features offer justification for the price tag, making it a viable purchase for dedicated professionals
Quest Pro Use Cases
Enterprise Applications
The Quest Pro’s integration with enterprise workflows makes it a compelling choice for professionals in visual development and design-oriented fields.
Virtual Collaboration
With the built-in Meta Horizon Worlds and customizable interfaces, teams can collaborate in immersive virtual environments, enhancing productivity and team synergy.
Gaming and Entertainment
With its robust hardware specs and motion controller advancements, the Meta Quest Pro offers an unrivalled gaming experience, also applicable for users aged 10+.
Quest 2
In the evolving landscape of virtual reality, the Quest 2, developed by Reality Labs, a division of Meta Platforms, holds a primary position. Formerly called Oculus Quest 2, this VR headset experienced a significant rebrand in 2022.
Quest 2 Top Features
An Android-based Quest system software running on the current version, Android 12.1.
Equipped with Qualcomm’s powerful SnapDragon XR2 processor and 6 GB LPDDR4X memory.
Comes with RGB LCD boasting a high resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye and refresh rates between 72-120 Hz.
Inclusion of 6DOF inside-out tracking powered by four in-built cameras and two controllers.
Provides a lighter weight, advanced technical specs, and enhanced Oculus Touch controllers with prolonged battery life.
Storage
Offered in 128GB and 256GB variants, having previously expanded from a 64GB standard.
Stand-alone Functionality
A major shift from PC-based VR strategy allows operation independent of computers.
Quest Store
An associated Quest Store offers dozens of VR games and experiences.
Quest 2 Disadvantages
Despite improved controller specifications, the battery life remains short, lasting between 2-3 hours between charges.
A lack of options for storage expansion with only standard options of 128GB and 256GB available.
Quest 2 Pricing
Attractively priced for its high-ended features, the Quest 2 is available for $299 for the 128 GB model and $399 for the 256 GB variant.
Quest 2 Use Cases
Use case 1: Gaming Experience
Equipped with a high-resolution display, swift refresh rates, and a robust processor, the Quest 2 provides an unparalleled VR gaming experience. With the associated Quest Store, gamers have a wide variety of games to choose from.
Use case 2: Multimedia Consumption
With its high-definition display and immersive sound system, Quest 2 serves as a premium platform for multimedia consumption for content enthusiasts.
Use case 3: Professional Training
Offering a realistic VR experience, Quest 2 can be used in diverse educational and professional training scenarios, promoting a more immersive and interactive learning environment.
Oculus 2
The product of Meta-owned Oculus, Oculus Quest 2 stands as a powerful standalone virtual reality headset. Packed with advanced processors and a superb screen, the device provides a lightweight and cost-effective solution to immersive VR experiences.
Oculus Quest 2 Top Features
Equipped with a Snapdragon XR2 processor and supports display resolution of 1,920-by-1,832 pixels per eye.
Offers a 120Hz refresh rate, significantly outperforming the original’s 72Hz.
Storage options range from 128GB to 256GB without expansion capabilities.
Features a PC tethering option for an all-encompassing VR experience.
Enhanced tracking capabilities with four wide-angle cameras and six-degrees-of-freedom.
Unique Features
Utility
Guardian System
Warns users from exiting the play area, enhancing safety.
Hand-free Voice Controls
Facilitates navigation and commands without the use of controllers.
Oculus Link & Air Link
Allows for a wireless VR experience while also offering tethered gameplay via the Link cable.
Oculus Quest 2 Limitations
Mandatory Facebook account required, leading to possible privacy issues related to the Facebook platform.
Although the headset is priced lower than competitors, the cost can increase with add-ons and accessories.
Limited battery life of 2-3 hours, extendable only with a rather pricey add-on battery pack.
Oculus Quest 2 Pricing
With an aim of providing a more affordable VR experience, the Oculus Quest 2 initiates at a price of $299. The cost, however, varies with the choice of storage. The 128GB headset is priced at $499.99, with a higher storage model also available.
Oculus Quest 2 Use Cases
Virtual Reality Gaming
The inclusion of the powerful Snapdragon XR2 processor coupled with an Android-based operating system, Oculus Quest 2 offers an engaging platform for VR games, supporting a variety of games and also access to Steam titles via tethering.
Social Interactions in VR
Firmly linking VR technology with the Facebook platform, the Oculus Quest 2 fosters social gameplay. The device enables users to engage with online communities and friends in an immersive environment.
Work and Entertainment
Oculus Quest 2 is more than just a gaming tool. It’s a fully equipped VR headset that can be employed for professional tasks, entertainment, and fitness tracking. The support for Bluetooth mouse & keyboard, desk, couch & keyboard tracking, and the built-in browser make it a handy tool for a multitude of activities.
Quest 3
Introducing you to the Meta Quest 3, the world’s first mass-market mixed reality headset paired with impressive features and competitive pricing. As the successor to Quest 2, the device makes an impressive leap with greater visual resolution, improved sound clarity, and enhanced peripheral experience, all in a compact and balanced design.
Quest 3 Top Features
Powered by Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 for superior performance.
30% leap in visual resolution from its predecessor, offering 4K+ Infinite Display.
Immersive and clear audio range with 40% improvement over Quest 2‘s audio.
Comfort coupled with customization makes for an optimized user experience.
Innovative depth sensor and camera upgrades, facilitating an automatic guardian system.
Support for PC VR streaming and lens adjustment functionalities.
Display
Product Dimension
4K+ Infinite Display
Slimmer and lightweight
25 pixels per degree, 1,218 pixels per inch
Balanced weight distribution
Quest 3 Limitations
Limited to Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform.
While improved, the device might still need enhancements for complete spatial awareness.
Quest 3 Pricing
The Quest 3 offers two models: 128GB priced at $499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.99 and 512GB at $649.99 / £619.99 / AU$1,049.99. It provides an attractive incentive, including a free Asgard’s Wrath 2 for early buyers, and a six-month subscription to Meta Quest Plus for buyers of the 512GB model.
Quest 3 Use Cases
Use case 1: Gaming
The improved features of Quest 3, such as superior graphics and spatial awareness, make it a perfect fit for gamers, enhancing their virtual experience like never before.
Use case 2: Fitness Training
In coordination with Xponential+, the headset offers immersive fitness training experiences as well, making workouts more engaging and less monotonous.
Use case 3: Sports Viewing
With Xtadium, Quest 3 can be used for sports-viewing, providing you with an enhanced and immersive viewing experience.
Grant Sullivan
Content writer @ Aircada and self proclaimed board game strategist by day, AI developer by night.
