Creating and building better technology not only involves designing a device that is superior but the one that also supports necessary health and safety standards. For Microsoft, safety takes higher precedence. All its products integrate appropriate health and safety practices into its operations. The company’s hybrid reality concept, Windows Mixed Reality too features safety and health messages for Hololens use.
Safety & health messages for Hololens use
HoloLens is head-mounted display used for enabling Windows Mixed Reality experiences to communicate in a more immersive way. It is not intended for use by children under age 13. It has multiple applications like,
- Remote Assist – Collaborating with a remote expert to accomplish real tasks, in real spaces, in real-time.
- 3D in Office – Collaborating with easy 3D content integration.
- Mixed Reality Meetings – Team members can communicate and join others in real-time, bring in 2D and 3D content, with the flexibility to change the location at any time.
All said, is it safe for use? To answer this question, it is first essential to be aware of some inherent risks associated with the HoloLens use and take necessary steps to minimize its living dangers.
Exposing battery to sunlight and heat
Firstly, HoloLens device contains a built-in battery, improper use of which may result in an explosion. So, never heat, open, puncture, mutilate or dispose of the product in a fire once its utility is over. Second, do not leave the device in direct sunlight for an extended period. This too causes battery damage.
It should be noted that the battery in the device is not user replaceable. As such, it should only be replaced by Microsoft or a Microsoft Authorized Service Provider.
Motion sickness
A handful of users may experience discomfort and complain of nausea, motion sickness, dizziness, disorientation, headache, fatigue, eye strain, or dry eyes when using mixed or virtual reality, especially when one is not accustomed to its daily use. Take time to adjust! Typically, motion sickness and related symptoms occur when there is a mismatch between what you see and what your body perceives. If you are prone to motion sickness in other situations or suffering from other health conditions, you may find yourself at an increased risk of discomfort. That said, it is found symptoms of Motion Sickness tend to fade away as your vision system adapts.
Low Peripheral Vision
Certain types of content that require you to track moving objects using HoloLens can make you feel disoriented. So, avoid activities that require balance, coordination, or other capabilities until you recover. Likewise, a completely dark environment that keeps you glued to visuals may alter your peripheral vision. To avoid this, calibrate your display settings properly.
AC adapter Safety
Ignoring AC Adapter Safety may result in severe injury or death from electric shock or fire or damage to the device. So, take proper precaution by only using the power supply unit and AC power cord that came with your device or that you received from an authorized Microsoft retailer.
Do not use non-standard power sources, such as generators or inverters, even if the voltage and frequency appear acceptable. Only use AC power provided by a standard wall outlet.
Lastly, on devices where the AC prongs may be folded for storage, before plugging the AC adapter into a power outlet, make sure its prongs are fully extended. Moreover, viewing 3D or Mixed Reality is not known to cause binocular vision disorders.
For a full read, visit Microsoft.
