When comparing Microsoft HoloLens vs Epson Moverio BT-200, the Slant community recommends Microsoft HoloLens for most people. In the question“What are the best smart glasses?” Microsoft HoloLens is ranked 3rd while Epson Moverio BT-200 is ranked 6th. 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 Augmented Reality possibilities
Because these glasses have their displays right in the middle of your vision, they can project digital images ontop of reality (augmented reality - AR for short). This means you can get contextual data about an item right in your field of view. This tech can be used by interior designers to see how a room would look like with different furnishings in different places, as well as more everyday uses like drawing a navigation line ontop of the road when navigating.
Pro You can run any Android apps on the device
While there is no access to the PlayStore, you can sideload apps onto it. The primary interface for Android apps will be the wired controller.
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 Unadjustable
These glasses don't have any ability to be adjusted - this isn't tech you'll be easily be able to share with others while remaining comfortable. It also means that if you normally wear glasses, you will need to wear those under these smart glasses.
Con Clunky controls
Most of the controlling will be done through the wired touchpad. This is a clunky implementation, and requires a wired attachment. It isn't ideal for out-and-about usage, which is what smart glasses excel at.
Con Not meant for consumers
While they could be used for consumers, they haven't been designed for average consumers. These are meant for businesses - possibly museums, engineering firms, or designers. There may not be much non-enterprise software available for the average user.