Microsoft's mixed reality headset 'HoloLens 2' production ends

Microsoft has confirmed that it has ended production of the HoloLens 2 and has no plans to announce a successor, VR news site UploadVR reported. The HoloLens 2 is a mixed reality (MR) headset released in 2019, and had held a leading position in the enterprise AR market for many years, but in recent years its competitiveness has declined due to the emergence of competitors' products and new technologies.

Microsoft Is Discontinuing HoloLens 2 As Production Ends
https://www.uploadvr.com/microsoft-discontinuing-hololens-2/

Microsoft Discontinuing Mixed Reality HoloLens 2 Headset - MacRumors
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/10/01/microsoft-discontinues-hololens-2-headset/

The HoloLens 2, released in 2019, has been improved from the first model in terms of field of view, resolution, eye tracking, hand tracking, etc. It also had an innovative feature at the time, such as placing the computing unit at the back of the strap to improve weight balance.

Microsoft announces next-generation MR headset 'HoloLens 2', with major improvements from the first generation such as double the viewing angle and eye tracking - GIGAZINE

HoloLens 2 has maintained its dominance in the enterprise AR market for many years, but in recent years its competitiveness has declined due to the rise of competitors and the emergence of new technologies. In particular, the emergence of high-performance pass-through MR headsets such as Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 has led to the decline of the relative position of HoloLens 2, UploadVR points out.

The end of the HoloLens business reflects strategic uncertainty within Microsoft's mixed reality division, according to UploadVR. In 2022, HoloLens creator Alex Kipman will leave Microsoft, and in 2023 and 2024, the mixed reality division will see large-scale job cuts.

Microsoft fires about 1,000 employees for Azure, HoloLens, etc. - GIGAZINE

However, Microsoft said it will continue to work on a HoloLens derivative called IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) for military use. The U.S. military plans to conduct operational testing of IVAS in early 2025 and decide whether to put it into full-scale production later that year.

Microsoft's 'Military HoloLens' passes combat tests and delivery begins - GIGAZINE

In the enterprise market, Microsoft has moved away from mixed reality hardware manufacturing, instead focusing on a new strategy of partnering with Meta, which will bring Xbox Cloud Gaming and Office web apps to Quest headsets, as well as enhanced features for Windows 11 laptops in the near future.

According to UploadVR, Microsoft will end production of the HoloLens 2, but software support will continue until December 31, 2027. Meanwhile, software support for the original HoloLens will end on December 10, 2024.