Microsoft Has Sold 300,000 HoloLens Units According to Analysts
Microsoft has reportedly sold around 300,000 units of its HoloLens headset since launch, according to International Data Corp. The Wall Street Journal mentioned the sales figure today in a detailed report about the hardware struggles Microsoft encountered throughout its HoloLens journey.
There have been two generations of HoloLens headsets so far, and Microsoft has reportedly scrapped its HoloLens 3 plans over uncertainty about the platform’s future. The current HoloLens 2 is priced at $3,500, and Microsoft has been targeting developers and enterprise customers from the beginning.
In recent years, the HoloLens conversation has been mostly focused on Microsoft’s deal with the US Army which could be worth as much as $21.88 billion. The project has hit some hurdles along the way, though, with recent tests showing that the custom HoloLens headsets could make US soldiers sick with nausea and headaches.
Unfortunately for Microsoft, the company’s inability to create an affordable version of its HoloLens headset for consumers has allowed competitors like Meta to own the conversation around the “metaverse.” Meta has sold 17 million units of its Quest 2 VR headsets since launch, and the company just launched a high-end Meta Quest Pro priced at $1,500.
Apple is also expected to enter the AR/VR market next year with a lighter headset that could look like a pair of ski goggles. The upcoming headset will reportedly integrate iris scanning technology that will match the functionality of TouchID and Face ID and iPhones and iPads. Apple’s headset is expected to have a $2,000-$3,000 price range, which isn’t exactly affordable. However, the company’s ability to integrate hardware and software together could really make a difference in the AR/VR market.