It's about time we heard about Microsoft getting into the VR/AR game. I mean, let us not forget about Project Neo, Microsoft's Enterprise VR Headset for Xbox announced back in March 2014. But, wait a minute, most of us did forget about Project Neo, considering nothing has been mentioned regarding its release, nor have any updates hit the headlines. So, with that off of our minds, what's this new rumor regarding a holographic headset by Microsoft? Is it going to be AR or VR?

First, it's important to remember the difference between AR and VR. Virtual reality usually refers to an immersive multimedia experience where you are completely put into a virtual environment that can simulate physical presence, and sensory experiences. Augmented reality does this, but blends both the virtual world with the real world. Unlike VR, users can be in touch with their true surroundings.

This new app-developing tech, called Microsoft HoloLens, is a deviation from the VR headsets we've been seeing left and right these days. HoloLens, announced at the company's Windows 10 showcasing event this week, is a see-through headset for experiencing 3D objects inserted into the real world (while the user's natural physical environment stays in tact). It is an AR experience, which is awesome, because unlike the VR space so dominated by Oculus, this is the kind of turf ready to be stomped on.

Now that it's been announced and revealed, Microsoft is ready for creative talent and app developers to explore Hololens and Windows Holographic. Any interested parties are free to use Windows 10 to create an app. Encouraging this is important for Windows right about now, especially because Android and iOS kind of rule the app territory for the time being. Windows is sick of feeling left out.

The headset will be great for both entertainment and productivity; perfect for interacting with holographic images, as well as creating 3D models and playing video games. It is planned to release this year, as Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella points out, “Our industry's progress is punctuated by moments of category creation. Windows and holographic computing is one such moment”. Looks like the time is now.