How serious is Microsoft and their HoloLens project?
Enterprise only? Is there a really big market for HoloLense? $3000?
They seem pretty serious to me. Kipman runs a tight ship. Although, the project is still in its initial phase. I reckon it'll keep getting better in future iterations.
Do employees internally feel like it's going to be a big hit?
I can only speak for myself, I think it's pretty cool and all about expectations. If we think of it as a Halo product (essentially a reference for what augmented reality could be) that will help usher in a financially attainable era then it's got a chance. If we think it's actually for companies to give to their employees en mass we'd be nuts. Most people don't even use a touch screen and stylus let alone an AR head set
Yeah. Once someone else has matured the market with a robust line of products.
High cost, enterprise only is their way of dipping their toes in the water. Currently the effective field of view is narrower than a typical desktop monitor, so it's not going to be great for most consumer purposes, and they know that.
It's definitely going to be an incredible technical achievement when we are ready for a wide release in v3...v2 is rumored to be coming mid next year. The question really becomes do people really want AR? I personally can't find a use for one in my daily life as a software engineer and gadget lover. Cool? Definitely. A serious bet by Microsoft? Absolutely. The right bet? Eh
the original surface was a $8000 computer that didn't really sell much before Steve came along with ipad. you have a similar story for phone. what makes you think hololens is different? it's not a mature market, there aren't many (any?) competitors, no one knows how AR will change our lifestyles/change the world
$8000... inside joke suits you right.
They need to get the experience right out of the gate. Not iterate and squander the opportunity to other clones. Lots of great use cases from training, education, gaming, and with an overlay if you can virtually write/ draw over area opens up lots of possibilities! Get it right Microsoft, greatness awaits...
And virtual porn too.
I think it will be a hit, assuming that they get the first version right and fix some of the issues with the current one (like fov). It does work well and I think is honestly more practical then full VR. Full VR will have the same issues as the Kinect (limited play area, have to get off my ass to play).
How does Hololens compete with what Facebook showed off this week https://youtu.be/s2U9lXEnHns
Microsoft isn't serious about anything unless someone else proved it to be a valid business model.
And there is 28%+ profit margin, and > $1B in revenue, and it succeeds with exactly the same sales formula they have already....