Microsoft drops big clue about HoloLens release date

Microsoft just launched Windows 10 on Wednesday, but it’s their wireless virtual reality headset, the HoloLens, that people are really excited to get their hands on.

The Microsoft CEO also pointed out that HoloLens is a “five year journey” which basically means that it’s going to take a lot of time before you’re able to walk into your favorite retailer and pick up a HoloLens. But now Microsoft have stated that it expects the HMD to be with developers and enterprise users within the next year. Microsoft has run demos in which HoloLens can be used for everything from architecture to video games and video conferencing.

He continued: “We are looking forward to getting a V1 out which is more around developers and enterprises and you know it’s in the Windows 10 time frame which means that it is within the next year”.

It’s not clear when a personal version will launch, but Nadella describes the overall technology as a “5-year journey” that will eventually branch out to other fields. However, the company seems to be pushing more its enterprise value instead of turning it into a major gaming product for consumers. In general Microsoft’s approach will be always this dual-use focus, or this multi-focus.

The company has offered $500,000 in research grants to encourage researchers to put together and develop use-cases for the HoloLens, although the grants are only available for US-based individuals and organisations. “That’s in our DNA”.