Lenovo’s ThinkReality A6 headset takes on Microsoft’s HoloLens

Lenovo has introduced the ThinkReality A6, an augmented reality headset that is mainly developed for business. With the new glasses and the associated software platform, the Chinese manufacturer wants to compete with Microsoft’s HoloLens.

The ThinkReality A6 is the first product in a new line of AR products from the manufacturer, according to Lenovo. The headset runs Android as its operating system and is powered by a mini computer based on the Snapdragon 845 Mobile XR Platform. The hardware also includes an Intel Movidius vision processing unit and waveguide optics from Lumus. Weighing in at 380 grams, the ThinkReality A6 is the lightest AR headset in its class, according to Lenovo.

The glasses have a field of view of forty degrees and an image quality of 1080p per eye. That’s higher than the resolution of the original Microsoft HoloLens, which clocked in at 1268×720 pixels, but less sharp than the HoloLens 2’s 1440p per eye. Also on the front of the headset are a barcode reader, two fisheye cameras and a depth sensor. .

The ThinkReality software platform gives companies the ability to develop their own ar applications, such as training, solutions to streamline workflow or assistance with repairs. The platform is also open, making it compatible with existing AR and VR applications for various operating systems and cloud services, such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services. In addition, the platform is not tied to the headset from Lenovo; for example, it should also be possible to use an Oculus Rift.

The ThinkReality A6 will be released later this year. Lenovo has not yet announced a price.