HoloLens
Microsoft has pulled back the curtain on the HoloLens 2. Microsoft Senior Product Marketing Manager Sohana Punithakumar (R) demonstrates Microsoft HoloLens with a colleague (on screen) during the Microsoft Annual Shareholders Meeting at the Meydenbauer Center on Nov. 28, 2018 in Bellevue, Washington. Stephen Brashear/Getty Images

In 2015, Microsoft unveiled the HoloLens as its alternative entry into a VR space. Instead of standard VR, it was one of the first major competitors in the now busy augmented reality space. And looking to improve on the original efforts from four years ago, Microsoft has announced the HoloLens 2, with the first details coming thanks to CNET.

Compared to the original HoloLens, the HoloLens 2 has seen a vast array of improvements made to overall performance and function. To start, the field of view has been doubled compared to the original. Given the original had a fairly limited range, only a few feet, this is the biggest and most notable improvement seen.

Microsoft also made sure to improve tracking on the HoloLens 2 as well. Eye tracking has been added via sensors built by the nose ridge. Hand tracking has also seen a massive improvement from the original, which recognized basic tap and click gestures. The new tracking offers more one-to-one motion by following 21 articulated points per hand. Anyone who wears glasses will be happy to hear that the HoloLens 2 allows glasses to be worn with it.

The HoloLens 2, designed with manufacturing workers, industrial designers and the military in mind, will sell for $3,500. Pre-ordering is available and the device is expected to be available in "the next year or two," according to CNET.

RELATED STORIES
Microsoft Ar