Of course Microsoft will be doing its own implementation of its Edge browser for its HoloLens 2 augmented-reality headset. But Mozilla is all in, too, and has committed to doing a native implementation of its browser for the HoloLens 2 device.
Microsoft Technical Fellow and HoloLens founder Alex Kipman made that announcement during the debut of the HoloLens2 at Mobile World Congress[1] on February 24. HoloLens apps are available from the Microsoft Store, just as they are on other Windows 10-based devices.
Microsoft didn't reveal specific timing for the HoloLens 2 prototype of the Firefox Reality browser (nor for the updated version of the Edge browser based on Chromium for the device). But developers can preorder HoloLens 2 devices[2] today. Standalone devices cost $3,500; subscription plans also are available for those who want to rent them. HoloLens 2 will ship later this year, officials said.
During the HoloLens 2 reveal, Microsoft officials also got Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic who isn't known to be Microsoft's biggest fa[3]n, to make an appearance. Sweeney didn't make any specific application announcements but did commit to supporting the HoloLens 2 platform at some point with its Unreal Engine 4. Sweeney credited Microsoft's decision to commit to open app stores, web browsing, APIs and drivers on HoloLens 2 convinced him to back the device.
The new Azure Spatial Anchors service[4], also announced at Mobile World Congress, allows iOS, Android and HoloLens devices to share "anchored" holograms across platforms. This service could be how/where Microsoft extends its holographic platform into gaming territory. The Game Developers Conference (GDC) in March could be a potential launchpad for something like this, sources said.
Microsoft is positioning