Is further opening up the Microsoft HoloLens to enterprise a step towards a full commercial launch?

Microsoft had received accolades for their augmented-reality glasses, the Hololens. Now the company wants to do what it does best, taking the platform a step further to the enterprise segment. “I’m pleased to announce that we’re expanding the program, making HoloLens Development Edition available to all developers and business customers in the United States and Canada,” Microsoft’s Alex Kipman said. Microsoft has announced the  Hololens Commercial suite, which comes just a few months after it introduced the first major update to Windows Holographic. He spoke about the progress in the past four months, citing examples of training aircraft mechanics, flight crews and even helping golf pros. This expansion is to help companies build solutions for people and businesses. The Commercial suite is aimed squarely at the enterprise space with features such as kiosk mode to limit apps running on the device, security features like BitLocker data encryption and secure bloating. Easy access and management is taken care of by Azure Active Directory. Now, businesses can own up to 5 units. However, there is no word on the how much business users are expected to pay.

The company has aimed at seamless connection by allowing businesses to manage many Hololens headsets simultaneously and also control the OS. The company’s IT department can set up an enterprise private store, containing only the company’s apps for specific HoloLens usage. The Commercial Suite includes the HoloLens Development Edition, microUSB cable, a clicker, microfiber cloth and case. The company’s expansion to developers and businesses could mean a surge in related apps. However, a lot would depend how these companies or developers try to leverage the platform. We’ve already seen the company work with Japan Airlines and Swedish automotive giant Volvo  to explore the possibilities.  Meanwhile, Microsoft-acquired professional networking website, LinkedIn, has rolled out video-streaming service. Unlike other social sites, and true to its name, the service was rolled out only to select influencers. We saw short format videos lasting 30 seconds as well. “LinkedIn users, for example, could hear start-up evangelist Guy Kawasaki speak about what’s the most important thing founders should avoid doing at a pitch meeting. In another video, Anant Agarwal, chief executive officer of massive open online course (MOOC) platform edX, talks about how colleges should measure their students’ success,” pointed out LiveMint. There is no denying that digital content revenues are expected to grow by manifold next year and will be driven by streaming video services. This time around Microsoft has ensured it isn’t late to the party. Joining the dots, we wouldn’t be surprised if it is exploring ways to marry the video service with Hololens for the professional world. However, it all looks hazy, so far. Maybe in a few months, there would be clarity over where Microsoft is heading with it. After all, the company has been gradually pulling at strings to put Hololens in place. Back in March, the company had made available the HoloLens Development edition priced at $3000 only to select business customers developing showcase apps, and to select developers. Now, it has opened the gateway to businesses as the device has also been spruced up with features. This could also mean, the company is looking at feedback, apps and other possibilities, and eventually working towards a full commercial launch that is probably in the pipeline.