Patent published on October 5, 2023

Microsoft's Patent: Swap Parts on HoloLens Without Turning it Off

In the bustling metropolis of technology devices, there's a new potential marvel on the horizon. Microsoft has recently revealed a patent (US20230315152A1) that could redefine how we interact with our wearable tech, particularly with the HoloLens.

The problem at heart is the struggle between functionality and comfort. As the new patent states, the more features incorporated into a wearable gadget like their HoloLens, the bigger and heavier it tends to become. This added weight and bulkiness can frustrate users and significantly diminish the overall user experience. Trimming down the size of the battery or reducing hardware components are options, but they come with drawbacks like compromising battery life or hindering the device's utility.

Well, the company seems to have come up with an innovative workaround to quash these issues. They've devised a system that splits up the device's components. So, instead of having one, heavy, feature-stuffed piece of tech on your head, it's proposing a wearable gadget with detachable modules. These modules would allow users to custom-fit their device by attaching or removing various features without powering it down, courtesy of an internal charge storage that keeps the device humming.

Imagine, mid-conference, you could replace a depleted battery module on your HoloLens with a fresh one without interrupting your experience. Or if you need to switch to a more powerful projector to share your 3D designs with colleagues, all you have to do is swap the modules and voila, it’s done. No power downs, reboots or start-ups required. This possibility could keep the device light, versatile, and user-friendly while preserving its full range of capabilities.

However, it can't be overstressed that this novel idea is only a patent at this stage. While it presents a revolutionary concept, it might take time for such features to materialize in actual products, if at all. So, while Microsoft could be paving the way for a new generation of wearable tech, users might have to hold their breath a while longer before this patent turned product sees the light of day. Nevertheless, the promise it holds spells an exciting future for the world of wearable technology.

P.S. While this patent proposes a potential game-changer in the wearable tech landscape, it's crucial to remember that patented ideas don't always make it to market. This concept, as remarkable as it might sound, still has to pass various development stages before becoming a tangible product we can use.

Explore more