Check Out Microsoft HoloLens’ Limited Field of View Yourself

When Microsoft first introduced the production version of HoloLens, the biggest complaint from those who had previously used the prototype was the limited field of view. Microsoft has been loath to address the issue, but the HoloLens is now too far along to leave this issue out. The latest video featuring the HoloLens finally lets the rest of us see just how limited the field of view is and it is simply night and day compared to the marketing material.

Take for instance the following image. It shows a large and expansive view of the human heart. This is pretty much in line with what we’ve seen with past HoloLens material. However, this is once again a third person view.

Once you move into first person view though, you can clearly see the limits of the field of vision. Compared to the third person view, the user sees only a fraction of the virtual space. As those who’ve tried the HoloLens say, the virtual view really is more like a small window or box, rather than something that fills one’s vision.

Given the limited field of vision, it raises the question of how well HoloLens will work for things like Minecraft and other games. Education and other activities like telepresence can deal with the limits, but gaming requires something more. A limited field of vision means gamers won’t be able to take in the whole environment and might get blindsided by enemies. Some gamers already tweak the field of vision in games to get the drop on their opponents. HoloLens, therefore, may only have a niche role in gaming until the field of vision is improved.

Nevertheless, Microsoft’s HoloLens still is really impressive for what it has accomplished and it will be interesting to see more applications for this technology. Be sure to check out the video below and 0:48, 0:58, 1:23, 1:38, and 1:42 for the parts where for the limited field of view is shown.

Images Courtesy of Polygon