US tech giant Microsoft recently announced Windows Holographic version 21H2, an update that brings key features and new bug fixes to the HoloLens 2 mixed reality (MR) platform.
Windows Holographic, version 21H2 is now available! In this article, we showcase some of the release highlights, including Moving Platform Mode: https://t.co/VgxQf3HJRE pic.twitter.com/PqPhP8sm9f
— Microsoft HoloLens (@HoloLens) November 5, 2021
Along with numerous minor bug fixes to improve stability and device report troubleshooting, Microsoft has also introduced Moving Platform Mode, an experimental beta feature that improves MR experiences for marine vessel workers.
Moving Platform Mode
The new mode is Microsoft’s flagship feature in version 21H2 and allows workers to use HoloLens 2 hardware on low-dynamic motion platforms and moving environments.
The innovative beta feature allows marine vessel and large ship workers to incorporate Microsoft’s MR headset into their workflows.
The Hololens 2 tracks movement and light by utilising the onboard Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and outward facing cameras, respectively.
Previously, using the Hololens 2 on a moving environment was impossible due to conflicting data from the headset’s IMU and outward facing cameras, causing users to experience low-quality holograms or even a complete loss in tracking.
Microsoft has fixed the issue it its latest version, but states the feature is only compatible in low-dynamic motion environments and not with high-dynamic motion or acceleration, including vehicles such as planes, trains, cars, bikes, and buses.
Despite this, Microsoft’s Moving platform solution will facilitate new use cases as the firm continues to develop the platform.
What’s Else is New?
Hololens version 21H2 continues to refine Microsoft’s leading MR solution as the US firm works towards the upcoming release of a consumer-grade Hololens 3.
Further updates that workers and developers can expect from Microsoft’s MR solution include:
- Secure delivery of PFX files via Microsoft Certificate Manager
- Workers can now view diagnostics reports from within Hololens 2 headsets
- New offline diagnostics, update, and restart notifications
- Improved support for low-storage devices
- Smart metries for interrupted application updates
- Increased Microsoft storefront privacy features
Additionally, Microsoft included further updates and bug fixes in version 21H2 to improve MR for a variety of situations.
Users can also access the update by navigating to the Hololens 2 Settings tab and choosing ‘Check for Updates’ under the Update and Security menu.
Microsoft MR Solutions for Enterprise
In early 2019, Microsoft introduced the HoloLens 2 and has deployed the headset across work environments such as battling Covid-19 delays at a Serbian Pharmaceutical firm to assisting remote guidance at LyndonBassel.
#MixedReality is delivering critical value across sectors:
⬆️ 60% increase in training efficiency
⬆️ 30% increase in leadership productivity
⬆️ $1.1 million increase in operating incomeExplore all findings: https://t.co/wLefyMecMm pic.twitter.com/PRJy4zyxjg
— Microsoft HoloLens (@HoloLens) November 8, 2021
The news comes after Redmond, Washington-based tech giant announced it would release the HoloLens 3 in 2024 to compete with rival firms such as HTC VIVE, Apple and Meta.
At the Ignite event in early November, Microsoft also unveiled Mesh for Teams that adds 3D holographic collaboration features to the popular application.
