Microsoft Working On Improved HoloLens 2 Codenamed “Hanami”

Microsoft and Qualcomm may be working on an updated version of the Microsoft HoloLens 2 augmented reality headset. This at least suggests that we have information that new developer boards are in the works.

Specifically, there are several references to a Microsoft “Hanami” developer board, which is apparently currently under development, in databases available online. Since there are no further mentions of the board before January or February 2021, it seems to be a new development.

According to the databases, the “Hanami” developer board should have the same functionality as the HoloLens 2 developer headset offered by Microsoft. However, the HoloLens 2 is based on the Snapdragon 850, an older system-on-chip design that is a kind of further development of the Snapdragon 845 used in smartphones two years ago.

Switching To A Newer Hardware Platform Is Conceivable

Of course, the information leaves a lot of leeway for interpretation. Among other things, one can assume that Qualcomm and Microsoft are working with “Hanami” on an updated and therefore probably more powerful platform for the HoloLens augmented reality headset. It is doubtful whether this is a completely new variant of the Microsoft product.

The Microsoft HoloLens 2 was introduced just a little over two years ago. It has been a good six years since the first version was presented. If you consider how long it took Microsoft to develop a new version of the HoloLens in the past, it is unlikely that you are already working on a completely new version with “Hanami“.

A hardware refresh based on a younger Qualcomm SoC would be more conceivable. Of course, a code name in an online database does not mean that the assumptions made here are actually correct. It will probably be some time before Microsoft announces any planned innovations for HoloLens.