HoloLens has been around long enough and been successful enough that it's easy to forget the device is still in development. Microsoft says it will launch the device fully in 2019 so expect the company to ramp up development and partnerships this year. To that end, Microsoft says it has teamed with display vendor Abcomrents.
The announcement follows Microsoft's wide announcements for HoloLens made this month. In an effort to increase business-use for the headset and Windows Mixed Reality, Microsoft will look to work with more companies.
Abcomrents operates in North America and is a specialist in renting LCD video walls, touch screen displays, kiosks, and other display-centered products. Microsoft says customers in North American will be able to rent HoloLens from Abcomrents, with other markets to launch in coming months.
“Renting HoloLens can be the perfect solution to inspire attendees at your event, develop an app, or for longer term testing and usage. You can rent HoloLens for a short period of time or evaluate before buying through one of our regional partners.”
Renting HoloLens is certainly an interesting prospect considering the device is so expensive to buy. Microsoft sells two suits, a $3,000 development edition and a $5,000 commercial edition. Neither is affordable, so more businesses will be able to access the device through rental means.
Mixed Reality Recap
Yesterday, Microsoft offered a recap detailing HoloLens adoption and the future of mixed reality. The company has expanded availability of the device to two more markets, bringing the total to 41. Singapore and the United Arab Emirates are the latest regions to get HoloLens.
Aside from HoloLens, Microsoft also touted HP's Mixed Reality Pro headset, which was announced this month. The device keeps most of the specs of the original model, but receives some new features.
So, users will still get dual 1440×1440 displays and supports up to 90Hz. The design is also the same, with an adjustment knob on the rear and a front-hinged display. Customers plumping for the pro version will see some important differences
The face cushions are now replaceable, making the device easier to clean and users can replace aging cushions.