Magic Leap admits they have been leapfrogged by HoloLens 2

Given that the Microsoft HoloLens 2 has just been announced, and few people have tried both the HoloLens 2 and the Magic Leap headset, it is at this point not clear which is the better Mixed Reality headset.

It is therefore helpful that the CEO of Magic Leap, Rony Abovitz, has helped clarify the situation by admitting the HoloLens 2 is better than the Magic Leap 1.

Writing on Twitter, he encouraged developers to wait for the next version of the Magic Leap, saying:

(Wait until you see what is brewing for Magic Leap Next) – the game has only just begun ?

— Rony Abovitz (@rabovitz) February 24, 2019

This is a turn based game. When you see what’s next from us, you may change your mind.

— Rony Abovitz (@rabovitz) February 24, 2019

We know what we are building next – and feel good ?

— Rony Abovitz (@rabovitz) February 24, 2019

Of course, the Magic Leap One is more than $1000 cheaper than the Microsoft HoloLens 2 and with numerous entertainment partnerships, are clearly directed at consumers rather than enterprise users.

It is, however, questionable is a consumer market exists for Mixed Reality headsets even at that reduced price point, and for enterprise users, the extra $1250 will likely not make much difference if the HoloLens is better and serves their use case better also.

Given the diverging market however it is good that at least one company is working on increasing consumer access, as that is certainly not Microsoft’s goal.