Microsoft has decided to end its experience with the HoloLens, its mixed reality glasses. According to UploadVR, the company has stopped manufacturing the HoloLens 2 and will soon discontinue software support for the original model.
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The same media source reported that Microsoft confirmed it has halted production of the HoloLens 2 and has no immediate plans to release a successor. Sales of the device, which is aimed at the business sector, will continue until the existing stock is sold out.
Although Microsoft has discontinued the HoloLens 2, it promises to provide security patches and software updates until December 31, 2027. This model was launched in February 2019 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
For the original HoloLens, which debuted in 2016, Microsoft’s software support will end this year, specifically on December 10. This marks the final farewell for two products that helped Microsoft advance in the mixed reality segment, but that never gained significant traction in the consumer market.
Microsoft Says Goodbye To HoloLens, But Will Continue Military Adaptation
Microsoft’s discontinuation of the HoloLens 2 and the loss of software support for the original HoloLens do not mean the company is leaving the mixed reality market. Redmond told UploadVR that it remains fully committed to the IVAS project for the U.S. Army.
This program involves developing a military helmet with mixed reality features based on HoloLens and has been in progress for several years. The company has conducted some tests, though not all have yielded positive results. Additionally, Microsoft has faced complaints from its own employees who oppose the militarization of the technology.
According to the corporation, a crucial test will be conducted in early 2025 to help determine whether the IVAS project will move forward and if large-scale production will begin. In September, Microsoft partnered with Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus VR, to advance the military headset inspired by HoloLens.
Beyond the IVAS project, it is clear that HoloLens has lost significant attention within Microsoft in recent years. At the beginning of 2022, reports suggested that the company had canceled HoloLens 3, although it later denied this. However, months later, Alex Kipman, the creator of the mixed reality glasses, left the company amid accusations of sexual harassment.
This was followed by significant layoffs at Microsoft in June of this year, which directly impacted the team dedicated to HoloLens. Despite this, it was reported in August that Microsoft might partner with Samsung to develop a new device focused on productivity and gaming to rival the Apple Vision Pro. However, it was noted that this new device may not be ready until 2026.