Microsoft HoloLens SWOT Analysis

Microsoft HoloLens SWOT Analysis

As quickly as technology is advancing, it was only a matter of time before someone tried to directly integrate technology into reality. If you’re confused by this, it’s okay, things will make sense in a moment. Microsoft, through their HoloLens program, has taken the first leap of faith into the new and booming virtual reality sector of the tech industry. HoloLens is a tool which augments reality by embracing technology and specifically, virtual reality, as a way to fully integrate our lives with “real world, digital information.” The holograms which HoloLens uses to display this information blends finite reality with the potentially boundless world of virtual reality. 

Microsoft HoloLens, as hardware, is very much like a pair a snow goggles. Only, the lens is actually a screen which allows for the holograms to be viewed. The headset wraps around the user’s head, ensuring that as the user turns their head, the holograms and “real world” blend and synch perfectly.

The HoloLens is useful both for work, and also leisure applications. It is controlled via voice command so you can look cool and talk to yourself! The promotional video showed how an engineer can actually interact with space, essentially making it easier than ever, both from a monetary and time commitment perspective, to innovate. It synchs with applications like Skype, which allows collaboration to be easier than ever! I don’t want to underplay how much this could help certain industries with high “Research and Development” costs. This technology makes it incredibly easy to build, tear down and rebuild as it is all a hologram and requires no investment or clean up. Sadly, HoloLens is still in its development stages and there is no timeline for its release as of late.

As the picture above suggests, HoloLens will revolutionize how people are able to create and innovate.

At this point I think that it is appropriate to explore some of the more technical features of HoloLens which make it a very useful product. First, as we discussed HoloLens will greatly reduce the capital and time necessary for engineers and other technical workers to innovate. Second, HoloLens is fully backed by Microsoft Windows 10 which means that it will be very easy to integrate into homes as many already have Windows 10. In addition, being supported by a company like Microsoft ensures readily available customer service.

However, the HoloLens is not all awesomeness. For starters it will cost $3000. This will reduce the number of Early Adapters of the product. Additionally, based on initial reviews from beta-users, the HoloLens is reportedly “bulky” and fits poorly as the weight is largely distributed in the front of the headset. Both of these issues with the HoloLens may prevent adaption on a large scale. Microsoft may need to rethink their design to increase comfort for the user. As cool as it may be, if it hurts, people will not use it.

The HoloLens gives the virtual reality market opportunities to grow by making VR a part of everyday life for people. On major opportunity which HoloLens has is in the education system, particularly in technical schools or medical schools where students are doing hands-on learning. In this environment, HoloLens is extremely cost effective. Another opportunity for HoloLens is achieved through its relationship with Microsoft. Because Microsoft is so large and well respected, HoloLens has the opportunity to “partner” with many other companies with varying applications. If HoloLens can continue to add applications like Skype and maintain a marketplace for user app creation, then the opportunities are honestly endless for a device like this.

HoloLens will hopefully not fail like Google Glass did. That is one threat to its success. Essentially, Microsoft must make it more reliable than Google made “Glass” if they want to reach enough people. In addition, Microsoft will be facing a lot of competition and being the first one at market, while often an advantage, could be risky. As augmented reality becomes more and more valuable competition will increase and Microsoft needs to be careful with their technology so as to maintain their advantage. Lastly, I think the main barrier to my purchasing of the device, besides cost, would be the potential for motion sickness that oftentimes accompanies VR devices. Combating that will be a huge test for Microsoft.