Microsoft HoloLens 2 will cost $ 3,500 and support Unreal Engine 4.

By Colin Stevens

Microsoft unveiled HoloLens 2, an updated mixed-reality device with a starting price of $ 3,500 that supports Unreal Engine 4.

Announced by Microsoft at MWC Barcelona, ​​HoloLens 2 focuses on three key areas: immersion, comfort and an unmatched time / value ratio.

To improve the immersion of HoloLens, Microsoft allegedly doubled HoloLens' field of view while maintaining a holographic density of 47 pixels per degree of vision. It has a new display system that achieves this low power lens and includes a new depth of flight time sensor for direct manipulation of holograms. In addition to this, HoloLens 2 includes eye tracking sensors and an iris recognition for safety.

The comfort of the aircraft would have been improved thanks to a more balanced center of gravity, a lightweight carbon fiber material and a new mechanism allowing users to equip it without having to readjust it. Steam chamber technology helps improve the thermal management of the device, while the remote adjustment system makes it more comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even for users wearing glasses.

Finally, Microsoft is focusing on "payback period" improvements, aimed at making the device as profitable as possible for buyers. This is done by Microsoft with applications such as the Dynamics 365 Remote Assistant, Layout and Guides. These applications, combined with Microsoft's Azure cloud services, are designed to make the expensive device more accessible in a variety of business environments.

In addition to Microsoft's own support, a more open development ecosystem will include support for Unreal Engine 4. Epic Games' general manager, Tim Sweeney, came on the scene when announcing the device for reveal that.

While Unreal Engine 4 would be in service on the device at Epic, Sweeney said it will be available to all developers using the engine in May. Sweeney has not announced any games that can be integrated into the device, but the software will probably help to create 3D spaces in AR applications, although possible game applications are possible.

HoloLens 2 will be marketed in 2019 at a price of $ 3,500 for the device itself. Bundles with Dynamics 365 Remote Assist start at $ 125 per user per month. HoloLens 2 can be ordered in advance here.

In other HoloLens news, discover how a group of Microsoft employees are protesting against a multi-million dollar deal entered into by the company with the US military.

Colin Stevens is a news writer for IGN. Follow on Twitter.