In 2017, Microsoft announced the full consumer version of HoloLens will be launched in 2019. Since then, rumors have swirled around HoloLens 2, which will be an updated headset to replace the current Developer Edition. One area of speculation is about which processor it will run. The latest rumor points to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 850 running the show.
You may remember earlier this year, we reported on the possibility of the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 running the HoloLens 2. That rumor now has a contesting report as sources say it will actually be the Snapdragon 850 in the device.
So, either way, Qualcomm seems to be the chipmaker of choice for HoloLens 2. You may know the Snapdragon 850 as an update chipset that levels some of the compromises made by the Snapdragon 835.
In terms of Always Connected PCs (Windows 10 on ARM), the Snapdragon 835 failed to provide enough power. The concept of Always Connected PCs is they can have long battery life like mobile devices, but with the power of a laptop.
The Snapdragon 850 is specifically designed to handle both those aspects. Yes, that means if it is included in HoloLens 2, the device will be an Always Connected PC supporting headset. We have already see laptop manufacturer embrace the Snapdragon 850, such as the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 and Lenovo Yoga C630.
Recent Patents
In recent months, Microsoft has filed patents that could solve several issues with HoloLens through its second iteration. A Microsoft patent shows the company is improving the optic capabilities of HoloLens. The filing titled “MEMS LASER SCANNER HAVING ENLARGED FOV” points to an improved mirroring and light system to achieve better FOV.
Another patent shows an eye relief mechanism for the device. The patent shows the headset features a mechanism for automatically moving the eyepiece. This is important because it could extend the field of vision, which is among the biggest problem with the current HoloLens.
