HoloLens is an augmented reality headset developed by Microsoft. Unlike VR headsets like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, this device is not obscuring. Its screen does not cover the user’s field of vision but adds virtual elements to reality through a transparent visor. Still reserved for developers and professionals, the HoloLens already has more than 150 applications, just over a year after its launch. Discover today the top of the best games and apps of Microsoft HoloLens.
The best Microsoft HoloLens applications
The Microsoft HoloLens helmet, which celebrated its first anniversary a few weeks ago, is intended primarily for professionals. Therefore, it offers applications dedicated to productivity or creation that video games. Find out what are the best apps available right now on HoloLens.
Actiongram, an application for creating holographic videos for HoloLens
This mixed reality application allows users to add holographic content to reality, then make a mixed reality video. Actiongram has excellent potential for augmented reality storytelling, AR experience creation, and special effects. Filmmakers can use it to reduce the costs and experience required to create the impact. Creatives can be shared across social networks with ease.
Skype, the holographic version of Microsoft’s popular video conferencing software
The HoloLens version of Skype allows users to communicate remotely as if they were physically present in the same room. Thus, the holograms of the interlocutors are face to face and see the environment of the other as if they were there. This application facilitates collaboration for professionals, also allowing to draw or integrate virtual elements in the conversation. This application demonstrates the full potential of augmented reality and HoloLens.
HoloStudio, HoloLens hologram creation application
HoloStudio is an application developed by Microsoft, allowing users to create holograms in 3D and then share them on the internet or print them using a 3D printer. Very easy to use, this software can stimulate the creativity of users. You can use your hands or your voice, and even create videos using different holograms.
HoloTour, a virtual tourism application for HoloLens
The HoloTour app allows users to explore the world. The opportunity to visit dream destinations from your living room thanks to the magic of augmented reality. 3D sound, 360-degree video and the holographic arrangement of the elements ensure maximum immersion. The user can zoom in on any item for a better overview.
Galaxy Explorer Project, a space exploration application for HoloLens
With Galaxy Explorer Project, Microsoft HoloLens users can transform their living room into a galaxy. The audio narration to learn fascinating information about the sun, planets, and even dwarf stars that make up our Milky Way. The user can observe the stars in all their seams and zoom to contemplate each detail.
HoloFlight, an application dedicated to aviation on HoloLens
With HoloFlight, the user can explore the airspace by moving freely in his living room. Just look at a plane to learn a lot of information about different gear or airports around the world. An ideal application for aviation enthusiasts or for the curious who want to know more about this fascinating universe.
Land of Dinosaurs, an app for dinosaur enthusiasts on HoloLens
With the Land of Dinosaurs app, Hololens users can visit our beautiful planet as it was 65 million years ago. Discover the giant creatures that used to inhabit the Earth, from Titanosaurus to T-Rex to Pterodactyl. A fascinating experience for Jurassic enthusiasts.
Hololens Zooo: discovering the animals of the world
Hololens Zooo is an application for the Microsoft augmented reality headset that allows you to transform your living room into a zoo . Playful, the app will let you discover the wildlife of the savannah, the jungle and even jump into the past with dinosaurs. Note that animals interact with your environment. The only downside, the little interactivity possible also if the information on the different animals is very useful. The Zooo app is priced at $ 4.99 on the Microsoft store.
Legion: an impressive experience from Marvel’s film
It has become common for high-budget films to offer virtual reality experiences at the film’s release to promote it. Some tests were conducted in augmented reality on a smartphone but nothing extraordinary. The version of the movie Legion, when it was marked by an unusually intense Hololens experience. This experience allows you to immerse yourself in the world and the spirit of David Haller. The Hololens experience, however, is not available in the Microsoft Store and can only be experienced at specific shows such as San Diego’s “Comic Con.”
SketchUp: a Hololens compatible software for architects
SketchUp is an architecture software well known to architects. It allows modeling and animation in 3D. Now compatible with Hololens, the software will enable architects to visualize in 3D on their workspace the building they are working on. Two modes are proposed, one of which is particularly immersive and allows to display on a real scale.
The best video games available on Microsoft HoloLens
Although HoloLens mainly offers applications, some developers have been inspired by this technology and have created some exciting video games. Check out the best games available right now on Microsoft HoloLens.
Fragments, an investigative game about HoloLens
In Fragments, the player embodies a private investigator who investigates a crime. Holograms of life-size characters appear in the user’s living room, and the user must interact with them to conduct the investigation. Clues are also hidden in the room, and the player must explore the surroundings to progress in the adventure.
RoboRaid, an augmented reality shooter
Formerly named Project X-Ray, RoboRaid is an augmented reality shooter. The player must shoot the robots that invade his living room. The title combines voice commands and gesture controls, and 3D audio and stunning graphics ensure an immersive experience.
HoloTankz, a tank simulator on HoloLens
The game HoloTankz turns the user’s living room into a battlefield. The player controls a tank with his or her voice and has to confront other tanks. This immersive experience promises a lot of fun and will captivate war enthusiasts.
BattleBrain, a memory game on HoloLens
BattleBrain allows the user to improve their memory and concentration while having fun. The player must memorize different cards and associate them, and earn extra points for each completed game without an error. Many bonuses can be unlocked.
YoungConker, a platform game in augmented reality on HoloLens
YoungConker transforms the entire player’s room into a platform game in mixed reality. If the player changes the layout of the furniture or goes to another place, the level changes completely. The main character speaks directly to the player to give him advice.
Super Mario Bros now life-sized in augmented reality
In addition, the famous mustache, Super Mario Bros, now has an augmented reality version running on Hololens in which you are the plumber and play in the first person. However, this is a demonstration much more than a real game. Its developer does not consider marketing even if the demo is nice.
Cybersnake: the classic Snake now in 3D and AR on Hololens
Snake is a very classic video game. Released more than 40 years ago, its addictive but straightforward principle has delighted generations of players. So, the snake that has to eat pixels without biting its tail now exists in 3 dimensions and augmented reality. Also, it is a young developer who has developed the concept, and it is possible to play in his living room. No more white squares to devour this time but hamburgers and ice creams. Cybersnake is available for free from the Microsoft Store.
Hololems: when lemmings land in AR in your living room
Lemming is a great classic of video games. These little creatures that follow each other in line have delighted generations of players since 1991, date of release of the first game Lemmings. So, there is an application, Hololems, that will allow you to play in your living room. So, you will have to avoid collective suicides in augmented reality. You can find Hololems for free at the Microsoft Store.