Microsoft Corp.’s mixed-reality HoloLens 2 headset is now generally available to the public, with preorders shipped to customers in select markets.

The new headset, announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February includes a complete redesign that not only embraces new technology but is also more comfortable to wear and easier to use.

Hololens 2 has a range of improvements, including double the field of view available in the original HoloLens while maintaining a holographic density of 47 pixels per degree of sight. The headset also offers 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.

Visually, the headset offers a complete do-over from its original incarnation, looking more futuristic while also delivering wearability improvements.

Notably, Hololens 2 is the first device launched by Microsoft to run Windows Core OS, a new version of Windows that has been designed or operate as a single universal operating system for all kinds of devices. The operating system allows Microsoft to use a common operating system across all devices with features added on top for specific devices, such as in the case with the Surface Duo, the only other device to have been shown running the OS.

Whereas the previous version of Hololens was pitched as a business device with support for games, Microsoft has dropped the references to games with the new headset primarily focused on professional users. The specific focus isn’t surprising because it was business and professional users that overwhelming embraced the first version, the headset never gaining any traction in the consumer market.

Despite the professional focus, gaming is supported, including augmented and virtual reality games. The developer edition of Hololens 2, announced in May, includes $500 in Azure credits and a free three-month trial of Unity Pro, the professional edition of the Unity Technologies Inc. gaming platform.

Hololens 2 is now available in the U.S., France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and the U.K. The headset can be purchased outright for $3,500 or on a plan with Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, a communications application, for $125 per month.

Image: Microsoft