LES 2015: Strong partnerships key to HoloLens success, Microsoft says
Strong partnerships with developers are important for the success of devices including the HoloLens, a director from Microsoft told an industry conference.
The HoloLens is a head-mounted device which, according to Microsoft, “is the first fully untethered, holographic computer, enabling high-definition holograms to integrate with your world”.
On its website, Microsoft states: “Using holograms, you can place your digital content, such as apps, information, and even multi-dimensional videos, in the physical space around you, so you can interact with it in the same ways that you interact with other physical objects.”
Microsoft will begin shipping the devices in the first quarter of 2016.
Geoffrey Hoggard, director of intellectual property licensing and acquisitions at the company, was speaking today, October 27, at the LES 2015 Annual Meeting in New York.
Running through the IP considerations concerning the HoloLens, Hoggard said it is critical to protect key innovations, and that Microsoft seeks to “comprehensively” patent the device and assess how it can supplement its current portfolio.
Although the underlying technology is maturing, he said, refinement is still needed to achieve a true immersive experience in the next two to five years.
It is particularly important for Microsoft to find strong partnerships “for devices like these”, he added. “We have to capture developers’ interest.”
One of Microsoft’s partners is NASA, whose scientists will soon be exploring Mars using holograms of images of Mars rover (an automated motor vehicle on the planet), according to Microsoft’s site. “They will work as if they can walk on the surface of Mars, an experience previously impossible,” it adds.
Asked why the company invested in the technology, Hoggard said “we make big bets at Microsoft”, looking five to ten years down the line.
“The next two to three years is going to be very interesting,” he added.
The LES 2015 Annual Meeting takes place from October 25 to 28 at the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York.
