HoloLens VS Oculus Rift

With the recent announcement from Microsoft, showing off their HoloLens, a new level of innovation is about to happen again. Just only a few years ago, AR (Augmented Reality) came into the scene, everyone was so excited about it. Then there was these 3D TV which came in and the first 3DS came out with AR Technology. Soon after a some guys started a kickstarter campaign to come out with cheap and fantastic VR (Virtual Reality) which it known it as Oculus Rift.

Technology Differences
Oculus Rift uses VR technology and HoloLens uses AR technology. As we know VR uses some kinda of projection that what you see is based from what it project out which makes you feel like you are in another world. AR works differently as work out additionally by capturing the POV (point of view) from the wearer direction and project virtual objects on their glass. So the wearer can see both the real world and the virtual world overlay on its glass.

So how does HoloLens different from the rest of the players?
Well as far as I know, 3DS is on its 2nd generation of AR and its picking up better. From there I have not seen any device (besides camera phone) that utilize as wearable device. Google glass have failed quite badly which I think it should because the technology is just not powerful enough to utilized its capability and people are not comfortable seeing them wearing outside. Unlike HoloLens, its more for home and commercial use for serious work rather than for fashion or gimmick.

How does it compare to Oculus Rift?
Though HoloLens looks far more superior than Oculus Rift but I think there are still places where it is better than HoloLens. Here are my thoughts on how it will be used.

• Oculus Rift runs wires and HoloLens is not. Though Oculus Rift design is still on prototype but this is what I know for this moment.
• Oculus Rift give a better perspective view how the screen would be like and can be projected to watch anything from any angles and positions. HoloLens require a specific area or view to watch something (because its transparent) but I am not sure can it work it out to be totally non-transparent at this point of time.
• HoloLens might need a projector screen which you need to watch something if color is important. Oculus Rift does not as the whole glass is a projector.
• HoloLens does not require additional device to run. That means you can run any future apps that is developed for this. Oculus Rift needs a device as its just a projection device.
• HoloLens has depth of view and hand gesture technology which makes it a nice package to attract more people. Oculus? well, its simply just a projector right on your face.

My Final Thoughts
Depending how far HoloLens goes, if its able to serve me as a projector like what Oculus Rift can do, I will get this! I am still curious how 3D audio will play out on this. Is audio device will be included or its comes separately? If not, I have yet to think of why I should get it.