Microsoft teases HoloLens 2 in new video

Microsoft might announce the new generation of its mixed reality headset, the HoloLens, at an event later this month. 

On Monday, Microsoft’s Technical Fellow for AI Perception and Mixed Reality in the Cloud (you gotta love Microsoft’s job titles), Alex Kipman, published a teaser video for the event, and it sure makes it look like HoloLens 2 is coming. 

The video, titled “2.24.19 #MWC19” — the date and tagline for the event held one day before the official start of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona — is quite mysterious. Lumps of silicon are turned into chips, ice cubes melt, optical fibre intertwines — it’s all nice to look at but doesn’t really tell us much about the upcoming device. 

So how do we know the video is about the new HoloLens? Firstly, Kipman invented the original HoloLens, and in the video’s description, he says he’s “excited” for the event. Microsoft’ CEO Satya Nadella will be there as well. 

Also, an update is due; the original HoloLens was launched in March 2016 (for developers only) and hasn’t deceived an update yet. And rumors about the new version of the headset have been flying since mid-2018. Note that back in July 2017, Microsoft also said the next version of HoloLens will have AI capabilities. 

It’s hard to imagine the event being about anything else besides the HoloLens 2, though the company might only be showing the new chip that’s going into the device. Mashable will be there at the event in Barcelona, so stay tuned for updates.