Microsoft unveils HoloLens 2: twice the field of view, eye tracking

Enlarge / Microsoft HoloLens 2. (credit: Microsoft)

As expected, Microsoft today launched HoloLens 2, the company's second-generation augmented reality (AR) headset. The new hardware addresses what were probably the two biggest issues with the first-generation device: the narrow field of view, and the comfort when wearing the device.

Microsoft says that the field of view has been doubled, without any reduction in visual quality. Both first- and second-generation devices aim to produce around 47 pixels per degree. This resolution is around the limit of human visual acuity (the Varjo VR-1 headset also aims at around this level, though it offers 60 pixels per degree), such that individual pixels can't be discerned, and curves look smooth even without extensive anti-aliasing. Each eye has about a 2,000i-1,500 display, so while Microsoft doesn't seem to include an actual field of view measure on its spec sheet, that comes out at around a 53 degree (diagonal) field of view.

HoloLens 2 field of view, with first generation HoloLens field of view represented by the bright rectangle in the center. (credit: Microsoft)

Details of the new display system were lacking, but it appears to be a Microsoft-designed, custom-built MEMS (microelectromechanical system) display, with a tiny little electromechanical mirror used to bounce laser light around.

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