Just over three weeks after it first arrived for PCs, the Windows 10 April 2018 Update is now available for HoloLens. Developers who have one of the augmented reality headsets can now manually install the latest feature update using the Windows Device Recovery Tool (WDRT) (via Neowin).
This update marks the first to roll out to HoloLens since the release of the Anniversary Update in 2016. As such, there are plenty of new features to check out. Here's a look at some of what's available with the April 2018 Update for HoloLens:
- Auto-placement of 2D and 3D content on launch - A 2D app launcher or 2D UWP app auto-places in the world at an optimal size and distance when launched instead of requiring the user to place it. If an immersive app uses a 2D app launcher instead of a 3D app launcher, the immersive app will auto-launch from the 2D app launcher same as in RS1. A 3D app launcher from the Start menu also auto-places in the world. Instead of auto-launching the app, users can then click on the launcher to launch the immersive app. 3D content opened from the Holograms app and from Edge also auto-places in the world.
- Fluid app manipulation - Move, resize, and rotate 2D and 3D content without having to enter "Adjust" mode.
- 2D app horizontal resize with reflow - Make a 2D UWP app wider in aspect ratio to see more app content. For example, making the Mail app wide enough to show the Preview Pane.
- Expanded voice command support - You can do more simply using your voice.
- Updated Holograms and Photos apps - Updated Holograms app with new holograms. Updated Photos app.
- Improved mixed reality capture - Hardware shortcut start and end MRC video.
- Consolidated spaces - Simplify space management for holograms into a single space.
- Improved audio immersion - You can now hear HoloLens better in noisy environments, and experience more lifelike sound from applications as their sound will be obscured by real walls detected by the device.
- File Explorer - Move and delete files from within HoloLens.
- MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) support - Enables your desktop PC to access your libraries (photos, videos, documents) on HoloLens for easy transfer.
- Captive portal network support during setup - You can now set up your HoloLens on a guest network at hotels, conference centers, retail shops, or businesses that use captive portal.
There are also lots of new features included specifically for developers and IT pros. For more, you can check out the full release notes.
For now, HoloLens users will have to manually install the update using the WDRT. This will delete any existing data, including personal files and settings, from HoloLens. However, for those who wish to keep this data, Microsoft says the update will be delivered via Windows Update "in the coming weeks."
