Skip to main content
TechRadar TechRadar the technology experts
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Phones
    • Popular Phone Brands
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
    • Operating Systems
      • Android
      • iOS
    • More from Phones
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
    • PCs
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
    • Popular Computing Brands
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
    • More from Computing
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • TV Insights
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
    • More for your TV
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
    • Watch Brands
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
    • Wellbeing
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
    • More from Fitness
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
    • More from Audio
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • Camera Types
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
    • Camera Brands
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
    • More from Cameras
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
    • Home Brands
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
    • More from Home
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • By Type
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
    • Popular Brands
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
  • Phones
    • View Phones
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
      • Android
      • iOS
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • View Computing
    • Laptops
      • View Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • View Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • View Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • View Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • View Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • View Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • View AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • View TVs
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • View Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • View Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • View Audio
    • Headphones
      • View Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • View Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • View Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • View Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • View VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • View Cameras
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • View Home
    • Smart Home
      • View Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • View Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • View Browse
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • Apple event
  • Best VPN
  • Back to school
  • ChatGPT
  • Nintendo Switch 2
  • NYT Wordle today
  • Best web hosting
  • Best laptop
Don't miss these
The Meta Quest Pro on its charging pad on a desk, in front of a window with the curtain closed
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Meta's mixed reality glasses make my Meta Quest 3 look like a boulder
Magic Bay Tiko Pro
Pro Lenovo confirms that its innovative Magic Bay HUD is getting real - and I wonder whether its designers will free the webcam
Copilot Veja
Pro A Microsoft designer went rogue and single-handedly designed an unofficial Hololens heir - compatible with Copilot but no HUD
The Xiaomi AI glasses being worn by a model
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Finally! These AI smart glasses are giving me a feature I’ve been desperate for the Meta Ray-Bans to get since launch
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox edition
Virtual Reality Gaming Move over ROG Xbox Ally – the real first portable Xbox is here, and it’s a gorgeous VR headset
The Mitchells vs. the Machines key art. Mochi the pug sits on the front of a car as the Mitchell family have smiles on their faces as robots blast at them in the background.
AI Platforms & Assistants 5 things AI does in movies and TV I'm still waiting on
Mark Zuckerberg Meta
AI Platforms & Assistants AI glasses will become your primary computing devices according to Mark Zuckerberg as he ushers in the era of personal superintelligence
The Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses being used by a basketball player
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality I adore my Meta Ray-Bans, but these new Oakley smart glasses are making me jealous
AR glasses resting on a table with a hud on display giving the user the option to call, message, get directions or take a photo
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality I’ve been telling you AR glasses will be awesome, and this real-life ad blocker is yet another reason why I'm right
Meta Quest 3
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality This Meta prototype is a seriously upgraded Meta Quest 3 – and you can try it for yourself
The Halo Glasses
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality These smart glasses promise to remember your life better than you can, and we simply aren’t ready for these next-gen wearables
Hamish wearing the Rokid Glasses
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Smart glasses might soon be everywhere, and based on what I’ve tried that’s no bad thing
Rayneo, Meta, and Xreal glasses next to each other
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality The best smart glasses 2025: the top AI and AR glasses you can find
A woman wearing the Apple Vision Pro next to the silhouette of a man wearing Xiaomi's smart glasses, next to the Meta Ray-ban glasses on a table
Computing Apple could be planning 7 new devices to take on Meta’s Ray-Bans and Quest 3 – here’s what they could be
The Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses different designs all together
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Meta CTO teases ‘big wearables announcements’ for later this year but makes no VR headset promises
  1. Tech

5 things Hololens does that even Iron Man can appreciate

News
By Nick Pino published 8 May 2015

Tony Stark has set the bar sky-high for augmented reality

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Welcome to the future

Welcome to the future

Imagine a world where impressive, immersive eye-candy doesn't stop as soon as you step away from your computer screen. A place where smartphones exist but they're actually considered low-tech compared to the augmented reality-powered goggles you wear from dawn until dusk.

This is the world Avengers' Iron Man, aka Tony Stark, lives in, but more and more his world and our world are converging.

The one technology getting us closer to Iron Man-status? Microsoft HoloLens.

Of course, as exciting as it is, HoloLens can't quite help us live like Tony Stark yet. Microsoft has shown off some nifty use cases for HoloLens, but the reality of the AR viewer is that it's still a work in progress.

So instead of taking this feature as a hard-and-fast "HoloLens is the future, right now!," treat it as a side-by-side comparison of all the eye-candy from the Iron Man and Avengers movies and the best HoloLens demos that left me drooling and buying a ticket on Microsoft's hype train.

So, how is HoloLens going to make us into Iron Man? Here's five ways.

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
By controlling a robot remotely

By controlling a robot remotely

When Microsoft rolled out a two-bit robot as part of its developer conference keynote last week, I had my doubts. How was a rolling stick, encased in LEDs and seemingly useless sensors going to change engineering?

Then, before I could ponder it any further, the robot sprouted a head and said, "Holo World." The head, of course, was a virtual one, only capable of being seen by the presenter wearing the HoloLens.

Using only touch gestures to plot movement paths and adjust settings using a somewhat basic interface that, most likely, would make Tony cringe if he ever saw it, the presenter moved the animated robot around the stage to the audience's delight.

Now, admittedly, a small, motorized stick with sensors isn't as cool as the Iron Man suit, but the idea of controlling a robot using Microsoft's new visor is actually pretty rad.

What did it look like in Iron Man?

Tony Stark controls Iron Man

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
By diagnosing a problem with a human body

By diagnosing a problem with a human body

Evolution has done wonders for the human body. From a highly specialized brain to the feedback mechanisms that dictate the release of hormones and start chemical reactions, the human body is no stranger to enhancements.

That said, at the end of the day we're still bags of meat - systematically flawed and bound by an expiration date. It's good, then, that technology has come a long ways in the past few hundred years and now allows us to diagnose more diseases more readily than ever before.

Microsoft may have shown us the future of the healthcare field at Build when presenters pulled up an anatomically detailed human figures they said could help medical students learn by seeing where organs are, how they function and visualizing broken bones.

Again, not as cool as when Tony Stark pulled up a real-time version of the gold and crimson suit, but still very cool.

What did it look like in Iron Man?

Tony Stark Hologram Iron Man

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
By designing a vehicle

By designing a vehicle

Manufacturing is tricky. Parts need to come together in exactly the right way to produce a working, efficient and ultimately safe product.

The HoloLens demonstrated its ability to help automotive engineers cobble together the motorcycles of the future using augmented reality.

The finished result, a neon-green bike clearly inbound for Neo from The Matrix, may not be the pinnacle of eye-catching design, but it does make for a cool demo for engineers tired of seeing their designs on a computer screen.

What did it look like in Iron Man?

Tony Stark designing a car

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
By making international video calls

By making international video calls

Even the best entrepreneur/playboy/engineer needs to make a phone call every once in a while to keep business afloat.

Using the Windows 10 Universal Skype app, the HoloLens can connect you with friends, family and even potential business partners from around the world while beaming their faces onto any surface in your house.

Whether you use the technology to talk face-to-face with an arch-nemesis hacker who's sworn vengeance against you and your entire corporation, or simply to wish Mom a happy Mother's Day, however, is up to you.

What did it look like in Iron Man?

Tony Stark phone call

OK, imagine this, but as a hologram.
Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
By creating a three-dimensional map

By creating a three-dimensional map

OK, so recreating a map in Minecraft may not have the same kind of impact that saving the city from a gang of auto-piloted kill-droids has, but it's still pretty nifty.

Microsoft clearly set out to show how HoloLens can apply to nearly every field, from enterprise to entertainment. For gamers, we see this in the form of Mojang's loveable, moddable and all-around-brain-building open-world game, Minecraft.

Using the HoloLens you'll be able to walk around the map, creating structures and terraforming the land however you see fit.

Overall, it feels a bit rudimentary to use an insanely powerful machine to display a game as simplistic as Minecraft, but this is only a small window of what gaming could look like with a truly powerful AR device.

What did it look like in Iron Man?

Iron Man 3D Map

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
TOPICS
Microsoft
Nick Pino
Nick Pino
Social Links Navigation

Nick Pino is Managing Editor, TV and AV for TechRadar's sister site, Tom's Guide. Previously, he was the Senior Editor of Home Entertainment at TechRadar, covering TVs, headphones, speakers, video games, VR and streaming devices. He's also written for GamesRadar+, Official Xbox Magazine, PC Gamer and other outlets over the last decade, and he has a degree in computer science he's not using if anyone wants it.

Read more
The Meta Quest Pro on its charging pad on a desk, in front of a window with the curtain closed
Meta's mixed reality glasses make my Meta Quest 3 look like a boulder
 
 
Magic Bay Tiko Pro
Lenovo confirms that its innovative Magic Bay HUD is getting real - and I wonder whether its designers will free the webcam
 
 
Copilot Veja
A Microsoft designer went rogue and single-handedly designed an unofficial Hololens heir - compatible with Copilot but no HUD
 
 
The Xiaomi AI glasses being worn by a model
Finally! These AI smart glasses are giving me a feature I’ve been desperate for the Meta Ray-Bans to get since launch
 
 
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox edition
Move over ROG Xbox Ally – the real first portable Xbox is here, and it’s a gorgeous VR headset
 
 
The Mitchells vs. the Machines key art. Mochi the pug sits on the front of a car as the Mitchell family have smiles on their faces as robots blast at them in the background.
5 things AI does in movies and TV I'm still waiting on
 
 
Latest in Tech
ICYMI
ICYMI: the 8 biggest tech stories of the week, from IFA 2025 to the Hollow Knight: Silksong launch and the iPhone 17
 
 
Apple iPhone 16 in Pink, Teal, and Ultra Marine
Another big Apple event tip has landed: get ready for the iPhone 17, Apple Watch Ultra 3, AirPods Pro 3, and more
 
 
A sign of the IFA logo, with the Messe Berlin complex in the background
Best of IFA 2025 awards – our 15 favorite tech reveals at the show, from next-gen TVs to stair-climbing robo-vacs
 
 
The Flipepr Zero, iPhone 16 Pro, and DJI Mic 3 next to each other.
ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Apple's iPhone event teaser to a possible car theft threat
 
 
Peacemaker, Google Pixel 10, and Hornet next to each other.
ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Google's Pixel 10 release to Gamescom's biggest reveals
 
 
Google Pixel 10 in obsidian black on blue background with TechRadar don't miss sign
T-Mobile is offering the all-new Google Pixel 10 phone for free, yes really – here's how
 
 
Latest in News
Apple AirPods Pro 3 First Look
I tried AirPods Pro 3 and fell in love with these 3 big upgrades
 
 
iPhone 17 First Look
The standard iPhone 17 might just be the best-value iPhone ever – here's why
 
 
Signs for Dolby Vision 2 at IFA
LG updates its stance on Dolby Vision 2 for its TVs, saying it's 'evaluating the opportunity'
 
 
Nintendo Direct Logo
Massive Nintendo Direct confirmed this week - here's where and how to watch live
 
 
Mullvad VPN working on a laptop
Now you see me, now you don’t – Mullvad introduces QUIC to disguise WireGuard traffic
 
 
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's cops standing in a dimly lit room in Netflix's The RIP movie
Netflix drops first explosive trailer for The RIP, but Ben Affleck and Matt Damon fans have got a lengthy wait for the crime thriller's release
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    This portable SSD has a unique anti-theft feature, and you can even track it via Apple's Find My App should it be lost or stolen
  2. 2
    Fujifilm unveils its first ever cinema camera – it’s a mighty medium-format model with 8K video and film simulations
  3. 3
    Nvidia's biggest customers are lining up to take it down using ASICs and Broadcom could be the winner of that battle
  4. 4
    Ultimaker debuts secure 3D printer range without Wi-Fi, cameras but with hacker-proof firmware and chassis
  5. 5
    Only 20% of ransomware is not powered by AI, but expect that number to drop even further in 2025

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...