Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition can be pre-ordered for $3000, ships March 30

Microsoft back in October, last year announced that the Hololens Developing Kit will be available in Q1 2016 for $3000 (Rs. 2 lakhs), and as promised the Redmond giant has started taking orders for the HoloLens Development editions for developers.

Developers who have already applied and are accepted for the program will start receiving invitations to purchase HoloLens. The augmented reality headset will begin shipping on March 30 to the U.S and Canada. Other interested, developers can apply at hololens.com/developmentedition.

Microsoft also revealed new information about the hardware as well as details about its in-built apps and games. The Development Kit comes bundled with a Bluetooth 4.1 Clicker to interact with the holograms. This accessory enable users to manipulate object and trigger commands. Also included in the box are replacement noise pieces.

Microsoft says that the HoloLens requires you to have a PC running Windows 10 and Visual Studio.

Hardware-wise, the HoloLens Development kit includes Intel 32-bit processor w/ custom-built Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit (HPU), 2GB RAM, 64GB storage, 2-megapixel camera (720p), 4 x microphones, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1.

It also houses a range of sensor that include an ambient sensor, 4 x environment understanding camera and an inertial measurement unit. The HoloLens dosen't weigh more than 579g and promises two to three hours of battery life when in use, and two weeks on standby on a single charge.

Microsoft HoloLens also comes with an assortment of games and apps. There are a total a seven of them, three of which are games - Fragments, Young Coker and RoboRaid, (more details here) and the rest four apps - HolStudio (allows you to make use of hand gestures, voice commands to create 3D objects), Skype (lets you communicate with others as if both the parties were in the same room), HoloTour (offers a 360-degree panoramic view of various places) and Actiongram (available later this year). The apps and games are aimed at enhancing the HoloLens experience and getting you started with the augmented reality world.

Via