Header Banner
Next Reality Logo
Next Reality
Augmented & Mixed Reality News, Rumors & Dev Guides
nextreality.mark.png
Apple Snap AR Business Google Instagram | Facebook NFT HoloLens Magic Leap Hands-On Smartphone AR The Future of AR Next Reality 30 AR Glossary ARKit Dev 101 What Is AR? Mixed Reality HoloLens Dev 101 Augmented Reality Hololens How-Tos HoloLens v. Magic Leap v. Meta 2 VR v. AR v. MR
Home
HoloLens

Microsoft Brings Chromium-Based Edge Browser, Swipe to Type & More to HoloLens via Windows Holographic Update

May 14, 2021 08:04 PM
May 14, 2021 10:52 PM
Virtual collaboration using augmented reality technology in an office setting.

Since its launch two years ago, the HoloLens 2 has been the best AR headset available, and nothing has come close to touching it since.

So, at first blush, new features arriving for the device via an update to the Windows Holographic operating system might seem a bit...tame.

The top change arriving via version 21H1 is the transition to the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge as the default browser. Yawn? Not so fast. This means better support for WebXR experiences, which is quickly gaining steam as a delivery method for platform-agnostic AR content. This also means support for web apps, such as the Microsoft Office web app.

How about swipe to type? Yeah, you probably have this on your iPhone or Android device already, but, considering that hand gestures are the prime input method for HoloLens, this is kind of a big deal.

We also can't forget that Microsoft has positioned HoloLens as an enterprise device, so the addition of multiple user accounts from the sign-in screen is a godsend for companies where several employees may share the same headset.

In addition, Windows Holographic brings a couple of user experience tweaks, like a new Power menu for quick access to sign out, shut down, and restart actions from the user profile icon and a more robust Settings app with customization options and wider control over device options.

So this update may come off as a bit routine, but the truth is that it's an important update, especially considering the powerful interactions it affords. With Microsoft Mesh on the way, we can expect bigger things on the horizon.

Cover image via Microsoft/YouTube

You already know how to use your phone. With Gadget Hacks' newsletter, we'll show you how to master it. Each week, we explore features, hidden tools, and advanced settings that give you more control over iOS and Android than most users even know exists.

Sign up for Gadget Hacks Weekly and start unlocking your phone's full potential.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!