Microsoft has delivered on its promise to revitalize its augmented reality (AR) headset, Hololens, by introducing a variant of Windows 11 specifically designed for the device. This move comes shortly after Apple’s announcement of its own AR headset, the Vision Pro. Microsoft’s Windows Holographic version 23H1, based on Windows 11, is now generally available, reaffirming the company’s commitment to the AR platform.
The upgrade addresses longstanding concerns raised by customers about the Hololens, including issues with the operating system’s performance and functionality, as well as the headset’s ergonomics and design. While a new device is not yet on the horizon, the Windows 11 upgrade provides some reassurance that Microsoft remains dedicated to advancing AR technology.
Hololens primarily caters to enterprise customers, and the upgrades in version 23H1 focus on enhancing the administration and management of fleets of Hololens devices. Microsoft has improved reliability and predictability, making it easier for businesses to maintain and administer their Hololens deployments.
Among the upgrades are tweaks to app updating and device resetting processes, designed to streamline operations. The introduction of Microsoft Edge WebView2 control in public preview format enables businesses to embed web technologies such as HTML and CSS into their native apps.
To facilitate smoother management of the 64-user limit, Microsoft has introduced a feature that automatically deletes inactive accounts, improving sign-in processes, privacy, and security by reducing the retention of unused data.
Lola Bryan, a Microsoft employee and author of the announcement, stated, “With this new upgrade, we reinforce our commitment to the platform by upgrading to Windows 11. By making this investment, we have optimized our engineering infrastructure and increased engineering velocity.”
Users can perform the upgrade to 23H1 through the Windows Update section in the Settings menu, and fleet management can be handled through Windows Update for Business (WUfB) and MDM policy. Devices must be running at least version 21H1 to receive the upgrade. Bryan emphasized that the upgrade is not mandatory, allowing administrators to disable the option until they are ready to adopt the Windows 11-powered operating system.
Microsoft’s latest Hololens upgrade signifies its dedication to advancing AR technology and addressing customer concerns. With improved reliability and manageability, the company aims to provide a better experience for enterprise customers utilizing Hololens devices.
