New DLL suggests HoloLens 2 is coming in April 2019

There has been some speculation that Microsoft is planning to launch a HoloLens 2 in 2019. That would be a successor to the current HoloLens mixed reality headset. The Windows tipster WalkingCat has now spotted references in a HologramCompositor.dll DLL that highlights the next Windows 10 build version (19H1 update) will support HoloLens 2.

WalkingCat posted what he has spotted in HologramCompositor.dlls on his Twitter page. There WalkingCat states: “Now this in HologramCompositor.dll in 19H1: Output: Dummy, Output: Indirect, Output: Hololens and Output: Sydney.” Thus, that DLL contains a reference to Sydney, which is reputedly the codename for the upcoming HoloLens 2.

When is HoloLens 2 coming out?

Microsoft HoloLens 2 is slated for release in April 2019. So that might mean Windows 10 build version 1903 will support HoloLens 2 after Microsoft rolls out the 19H1 update. The Windows 10 19H1 Update will roll out sometime in spring 2019. April is the usual starting month for Microsoft’s springtime build updates.

Microsoft launched the original HoloLens headset in 2016. In April 2018, Microsoft stated that the headset had shifted about 50,000 units. That may not sound a lot, but the HoloLens was more of an experimental device for a niche VR market. Microsoft more recently received a $480 million contract from the Department of Defence for HoloLens headsets.

The software giant reaffirmed its commitment to mixed reality by stating: “Mixed reality is the future of computing, and Microsoft HoloLens is the future and present of mixed reality. Our commitment requires no roadmap.”

Now Microsoft is expected to release a HoloLens 2 in 2019. The rumor mill suggests that the HoloLens 2 might be based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU. In addition, Microsoft’s next mixed reality headset could incorporate an enhanced Kinect depth camera and holographic display. Although it will be the second HoloLens released, it is reputedly a third version of the headset as Microsoft skipped the release for version two.

If Windows 10 version 1903 does indeed support HoloLens 2 as the HologramCompositor.dll highlights, Microsoft might release its next mixed reality headset in quarter one of 2019. As such, the software giant could unveil the HoloLens 2 at its Build conference in May 2019.

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