Microsoft has officially ceased production of the HoloLens 2, signaling a significant shift in the company’s approach to augmented reality (AR) and possibly the metaverse itself. This decision was confirmed by a Microsoft representative speaking to UploadVR, indicating that while the company will continue to provide security updates for the HoloLens 2 until the end of 2027, all support will come to an end in 2028.
The discontinuation of the HoloLens 2 aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy as it phases out support for Windows Mixed Reality devices in the upcoming Windows 11 2024 Update. This update, which is currently rolling out, includes a list of deprecated features that specifically advises users of Windows Mixed Reality headsets to avoid the 2024 update if they want to maintain compatibility with services like Valve’s Steam.
Although the original HoloLens was noted for its surprising capabilities, the HoloLens 2 has struggled to find its footing in the enterprise market, where it was initially aimed. The expected adoption from businesses failed to materialize, and efforts to pivot towards the metaverse did not revitalize interest in the product. The departure of Microsoft’s VR chief, Alex Kipman, and subsequent layoffs within the HoloLens division have further contributed to its decline.
Despite these challenges, the U.S. Army is still evaluating the HoloLens IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) as a potential tool for soldiers, though early tests have reportedly faced difficulties. Reflecting on the HoloLens’s ambitious beginnings, one can recall impressive demonstrations, such as the immersive Minecraft experience that allowed users to view a virtual world from above. However, the HoloLens now appears to be a shadow of its former self, a sign of a once-promising innovation that is now heading towards the Microsoft graveyard.
