Even though mixed reality headsets are experiencing a new era of growth thanks to companies like Apple or Meta, Microsoft has decided not to move forward in that direction. The Redmond company has announced that they will completely end the production of their headsets, the HoloLens 2. Additionally, there are no plans for a replacement or a next generation.
In a statement released by The Verge, Microsoft clarifies that “it is no longer producing the Microsoft HoloLens 2” and that its support “will end on December 31, 2027.” However, the original HoloLens will not have as much time: they will stop receiving patches on December 10 of this year.
Microsoft introduced the first HoloLens glasses in 2015. Four years later, the HoloLens 2 arrived, which had a much wider field of view and other features such as eye tracking. Similar to the Apple Vision Pro, the HoloLens 2 were aimed at a more professional audience, something that was already hinted at by their high price of $3,500.
Fortunately, if you are a mixed reality enthusiast and want to get your hands on a HoloLens 2, you still have time, at least until stocks run out. Microsoft has committed to resolving any security issues or errors with the glasses until the indicated dates.
On the other hand, the Redmond company announced that it would remain “fully committed to the IVAS program of the United States Department of Defense.” Microsoft joined forces with Anduril Industries, a military technology company created by Palmer Luckey, known for being the founder of Oculus VR. The goal of this partnership is to improve the IVAS mixed reality headsets, based on HoloLens technology and used by the U.S. military.
