Microsoft HoloLens, n;

A head-mounted display that uses computer technology to broadcast holographic imagery (i.e., virtual reality) before your eyes. HoloLens is like a cross between the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset and Google Glass.

The goggles are designed to bring computer magic into reality. With them, you can visualize 3D images and use your computer without the computer part. This, yes, involves some looking silly by clicking in mid-air or moving your hands around, Minority Report-style. Overall, though, the goal of the HoloLens is to change the way that people interact with the world around them.

That’s also what separates it from other gaming or VR headsets. Instead of immersing you in a totally different world by closing you in with screens around your eyes, the things you’re viewing, playing or creating settle into your world. HoloLens runs on the new Windows 10 and can recognize objects around the rooms you’re in. You move around the room as usual, and those objects (displayed only to your eyes) stay in their place. If you’re playing a game, it comes to your living room (Jumangi style) rather than taking you to another place.

The headsets are not yet available for purchase.