What you need to know
- Microsoft's HoloLens division reportedly has internal disagreements regarding the future of HoloLens.
- The reports sparked a discussion about if Microsoft should create a consumer-focused HoloLens in the future.
- Over 85% of participants in our poll on the topic want to see a HoloLens for consumers.
Despite no major announcements or official statements, last week was a busy period for Microsoft's HoloLens division. A report emerged on February 2, 2022 that the HoloLens 3 had been canceled and that the division behind the device was in disarray. Microsoft's Alex Kipmen refuted some of those claims, stating that "HoloLens is doing great." A follow-up report confirmed that the HoloLens 3 was canceled and reiterated that the Microsoft's mixed reality division was in shambles.
The conflicting reports and statements sparked a conversation on the web regarding the future of HoloLens. We ran a poll over the weekend asking if people would like to see a consumer-focused HoloLens, to which 85% of voters said yes.
While the poll voters favored Microsoft creating a consumer version of the HoloLens, those that commented on our article leaned toward sticking with professional users.
"A year ago, I would have answered with a certain yes. Now, as disappointing as it is, I think it's a waste of time and money," said leo74 in the comments section of our poll piece. "Microsoft hasn't really figured out how to work the consumer side of things."
Vincent McLaughlin commented that Microsoft should continue to focus on professional users. "As much as I would like to see this device in consumer hands, there has to be compelling use cases that will prompt the average consumer to purchase it, considering it will not exactly be cheap," they explained. "Microsoft [needs] to focus on military, businesses and education for the [HoloLens]."
Others believed that Microsoft would never go the consumer route when it comes to augmented reality. "I've assumed for some time Hololens and the tech included would be for commercial and military use and not for consumers," said "Monte Constable1."
There was some support for a consumer-focused HoloLens in the comments, though with a caveat. "I would love a more consumer focused Hololens to augment gaming or to compliment Windows 11," said Scovious2. "I would hate a device that required me to buy a Samsung phone. Why would I buy another phone when my last phone lasted 6 years and I just bought a Duo 2?"
