One of Microsoft’s most ambitious projects from the last few years is HoloLens. It is the latest addition to Microsoft’s tech arsenal and is also known as augmented reality. The technology has been used so far for gaming and entertainment purposes, but it is garnering attention from more serious avenues such as space exploration as well.
Microsoft is in serious talks with NASA for calibrating the newly-developed prototype headset to be sent into outer space. NASA and Microsoft have already carried out a number of tests by calibrating the HoloLens in a weightless environment simulation on a plane. The CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, said during the launch of the HoloLens headset, “Our industry’s progress is punctuated by moments of category creation. Windows 10 and holographic computing is one such moment.”
According to Nadella, HoloLens could be responsible for making progress in the entire technology and gaming industry. The launch of HoloLens has started a revolution in the world of computing, making Microsoft the frontrunner in the industry. Several business analysts believe that there is a possibility that the popularity of HoloLens will be disruptive, but it will be a slow rise versus a fast takeover. In the past, Microsoft missed out in the mobile development sector, and due to a series of unfortunate events and several missteps, it failed to gain a dominating position in the smartphone market.
However, Microsoft redeemed itself by launching the Surface line of tablets which generated a massive revenue of $888 million during the fourth financial quarter in 2015. This can prove to be a turning point in the sales and marketing strategy for Microsoft because the same strategy can now be applied to HoloLens. The supply chain, as well as the marketing structure, will remain the same. However, due to the uncertainty of market shares, HoloLens will take a long time to reach the level of success that other Microsoft products enjoy in the market.
In addition to a compelling marketing strategy, Microsoft is planning on engaging a number of assets, both enterprise and consumer-based, to make its new technology a success. Nevertheless, Microsoft is not the only company venturing into holographic technology. Facebook is perusing hologram integration and has spent over $2 billion on Oculus. Sony has also been working on PlayStation VR while Samsung is looking at the opportunity to team up with Oculus to create Gear VR. Both Apple and Google are in advanced stages of research where Holographic technology is concerned as well.
The only advantage Microsoft has over its competitors is Windows. Having said that, the company will have to prevent any imperfections and adverse effects of the device, particularly if it wants to get its customers to agree with and support the idea. The technology itself has massive application possibilities. The power and potential are there, but Microsoft will need to pitch the product to its customers perfectly if it wants its chances to remain favorable in the future.
