Microsoft’s HoloLens headset only lasts a few hours on a full charge

During an event in Tel Aviv, Microsoft Technical Evangelist Bruce Harris said that any universal Windows 10 applications will run natively on HoloLens and that for the HoloLens to reach its full potential, developers will need to make 3D apps to draw people in. The VR glasses will be able to give you 5.5 hours of usage under general use and the usage may drop to 2.5 hours under heavy stress. He also noted that the device is “totally wireless” and can connect to anything, even in separate rooms, provided that the tethered devices support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and are in range. That’s just enough time to watch James Cameron’s “Avatar” on the high end, or type out a short story in low-power mode.

Microsoft hasn’t set a retail date for consumer versions of the HoloLens, but is selling development kits at $3,000 each. The field of view is compared to that of a 15 inch monitor at 2 feet away from your face. Despite some impressive on-stage demos, we still don’t know when users are going to be able to get their hands on it – early editions are shipping to developers later this year.

He did add that things like price and battery life will improve as Microsoft develops the tech, and this could mean that the field of view will improve with future iterations of the hardware. He also revealed that multiple units can be linked together over the internet, allowing several users to simultaneously share an experience together.

This video includes images from Getty Images.