When comparing Sony SmartEyeglass vs Microsoft HoloLens, the Slant community recommends Sony SmartEyeglass for most people. In the question“What are the best smart glasses?” Sony SmartEyeglass is ranked 1st while Microsoft HoloLens is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Sony SmartEyeglass is:
The device uses a see-through screen allowing information to be displayed in the wearers general view instead of on the side. Currently the display is capable of displaying information in a monochrome green color at 419x138 pixels, 15 frames per second and up to 1000cd/m2 brightness.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Uses a see-through screen to display information in general view
The device uses a see-through screen allowing information to be displayed in the wearers general view instead of on the side. Currently the display is capable of displaying information in a monochrome green color at 419x138 pixels, 15 frames per second and up to 1000cd/m2 brightness.
Pro Ambient light sensor adjusts brightness
Pro Built-in 3MP camera w/ video support
It's possible to take 3MP still photos and videos at 15fps without sound.
Pro Wired external battery pack has a microphone, a touchpad and power, navigation and camera buttons
Pro Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
The device is capable of Bluetooth v3.0 and WiFi 802.11b/g/n connectivity.
Pro Embedded 3 megapixel camera
Pro Built-in accelerometer, gyroscope & electronic compass
Pro Stand-alone device
The HoloLens is a completely stand-alone device. You can use it without a PC or phone, and there are no external wires meaning you have completely unrestricted movement.
Pro Active development
This is a current product, and is in active development. Developer devices are shipping now (as of June 2016 they are shipping wave 4). This isn't a past project - it's here and now.
Pro Recognizes speech, gestures and eye movement
Pro Comfortable to wear
Instead of putting all the weight around one ear, the HoloLens balances the weight out around your entire head with its full band. The tightness can be adjusted to make sure the best fit is attained, and the front visor tilts up and down so it can be used in even more ways.
Cons
Con Bulky frame
Makes the wearable obtrusive.
Con External battery pack is a hassle
Con Limited use-case scenarios
While not specifically marketed for industry, it looks like HoloLens will be most useful to businesses as opposed to consumers. This is a full fledged headset, not a small screen in the corner of your vision.
Con Weighs more than many other headsets
Although comfortable on the head, the HoloLens weighs 1.5 lbs as compared to Google Glass, Vuzix, Epson Moverio, etc. which weigh in between 1.5 and 3 oz. Even if the HoloLens battery lasted longer than 2-3 hours, it would be difficult to imagine wearing the HoloLens for an entire day of work.
Con Developers only right now
To order the HoloLens, you need to be a developer in USA or Canada, and also a Windows Insider. Regular people can't order this yet - even if they had the $3000 required.