When comparing Microsoft HoloLens vs Vuzix M300, the Slant community recommends Microsoft HoloLens for most people. In the question“What are the best smart glasses?” Microsoft HoloLens is ranked 3rd while Vuzix M300 is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Microsoft HoloLens is:
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.
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Pros
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.
Pro Hot swappable batteries
If the battery is running low, you can replace it with a fully charged battery without needing to turn off the glasses. Larger extended batteries are also available, which can increase the battery life to up to 12 hours of continuous use. These larger batteries can be mounted on a belt instead of in the frames to be more ergonomic.
Pro Built-in features
While apps are available, some built in features are very welcome. Out of the box it has the ability to record video and take pictures (and scan barcodes), manage your calendar, track events, and connect with your phone for notifications.
There is also built in GPS as well as head tracking. GPS will allow for precise location information, and the head tracking in combination will pinpoint exactly where you are and where you're looking. This allows for augmented reality (AR), which can remind electricians which wires are live, or display other relevant information when looking at an object in the real world.
Pro Multi-platform compatibility
While the Vuzix itself runs Android, it is compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems. This broadens its consumer base, and will allow (businesses especially) more flexibility when using it.
Pro Rugged
These glasses are not only water and dust resistant, but also able to withstand drops of up to 8ft (about 2.5m).
Pro Touchpad controls
On the side of the M300 is a touchpad which is the primary input device, but is accompanied by physical buttons.
Pro Configurable mounting options
The M300 can be mounted to the frames of regular glasses, as well as safety glasses, headbands, hard hats and headsets. This makes it very versatile.
Cons
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.
Con Poor battery life
The default compact battery will only provide a battery life around 2 hours of continuous use.
Con Designed for enterprise
While not inherently bad, these smart glasses aren't designed for consumers. They won't have the same support for apps and other useful features for general consumers, and will likely be more specialized for enterprise.