Microsoft Corp. launched the second incarnation of its mixed-reality HoloLens headset at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Sunday and as rumored, it has delivered upgrades across the board.

HoloLens 2 comes four years after Microsoft announced the original device. Since then the technology available has rapidly improved, and that’s apparent in the core of the new headset.

Pitched by Microsoft as being more useful, comfortable and easier to use, the entire headset has been redesigned to embrace the latest technology.

Starting with the visuals, HoloLens 2 has more than doubled the field of view available in the original HoloLens while maintaining a holographic density of 47 pixels per degree of sight. The new display system is claimed to deliver advances in performance at lower levels of power.

The headset comes with a new time-of-flight depth sensor, combined with built-in artificial intelligence and semantic understanding to enable direct manipulation of holograms in a more realistic fashion. This is combined with improvements include two eye-tracking sensors that are claimed to make interaction more natural.

Physically, HoloLens 2 has had a serious makeover, making it look more futuristic than its predecessor.

Described as “enhanced by a more balanced center of gravity,” HoloLens 2 uses carbon-fiber material with a new mechanism for putting on the device that Microsoft says is all about comfort.

One new feature is a flip-up visor that allows users to disengage with the mixed-reality functions while not having to take off the entire HoloLens 2.

Where the HoloLens 2 gets particularly interesting is Microsoft’s cloud services tie-in.

HoloLens 2 offers device integration and support for Azure and Dynamics 365, the latter specifically Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, Dynamics 365 Layout and a new Dynamics 365 Guides. The original HoloLens did offer support for Azure services but as ZDNet points out, HoloLens 2 “is built, from the get-go, to be a cloud- and edge-connected device.”

“Computing is embedded in our world, in every place in every way,” Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said at the HoloLens 2 event. “Computing is in everything from connected cars to connected refrigerators, smart surgical tools and even smart coffee machines.”

Noting the focus on comfort for HoloLens 2, Nadella noted, “It’s no longer about being device first, it’s about putting the human first, and it includes all the devices in their lives. We don’t have to just imagine it. This future is here.”

While the technology in HoloLens 2 has significantly improved, surprisingly so has its price: down.

The original HoloLens sold for $5,000 a unit, but the HoloLens 2 will sell for $3,500. Buyers also have a choice Dynamics 365 Remote Assist bundles starting $125 per month.

Image: Microsoft