‘MIXED REALITY’ WITH HOLOLENS
What is real and virtual can be put together using Microsoft’s
HoloLens which overlays holograms and data onto existing
surroundings. The user sees the ‘mixed reality’ via a headset.
Virtual objects appear in the real world in a hologram that offers
more depth than a screen or book. The user is not burdened by
wires or external hardware. Each headset is basically a stand-alone
mini computer running a full version of Windows Holographic and
functioning independently from other devices.
HoloLens opens new ways of creation, collaboration and
exploration as people work with holograms in relation to the real
world. For example, engineers can manipulate 3-D models and
surgeons can follow directions “on” the human body. Already
the HoloLens is being used by NASA to mimic Mars’ terrain in
laboratories and by medical students to dissect virtual bodies.
REUSABLE ROCKETS
At the end of 2015, SpaceX and
Blue Origin demonstrated the
ability to return rockets safely
to earth after use. This is big for
the future of space exploration,
opening up a New Space Age
fuelled by cheaper costs and
reusable rockets.
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