Microsoft HoloLens is now available for pre-order for Irish users with devices expected to ship later in the year.

In January 2015 Microsoft surprised the world by unveiling HoloLens, a self-contained holographic computer that allowed for Mixed Reality or Augmented Reality holograms in any environment. Running Windows 10 and supporting Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform and the new Windows Holographic framework for applications, it made it easier for developers to use their existing skills to develop for the platform without having to start from scratch.

Developer units have been shipping in the United States and Canada from March this year and have been deployed by businesses in varied fields from Automotive to Aerospace, Medical to Home Improvement.

“Since the launch of HoloLens we have seen really passionate developers and world-class companies develop ground breaking computing experiences, experiences only possible on HoloLens” said Alex Kipman, Technical Fellow, Microsoft Windows and Devices Group. “When we set out to pioneer the mixed reality category we knew that many of the best innovations would be discovered when others got their hands on the technology. It has been quite inspiring to see what our partners have built and what individual developers have created. Together, we have only scratched the surface for what mixed reality can do. I can’t wait to see what happens next as we welcome these new countries to our holographic landscape.”

With this announcement, Microsoft have also made the Developer Edition and Commercial Suite of HoloLens available in Ireland, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Australia and New Zealand for €3,299 and €5,489 respectively.