How to Become a HoloLens Developer: Join the Holographic App Frontier
While Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has stated that the HoloLens could require a 5-year journey to launch, the company has also promised that a developer's edition would be available within about a year of the release of Windows 10.
Back in October, Microsoft started taking applications from developers to determine who will be allowed to purchase the initial round of $3000 HoloLens developer headsets. The first edition of the HoloLens developer's kit is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2016.
With Microsoft aiming to allocate a few years to amassing a sizable content library, now is the time for up and coming developers to start learning how to create HoloLens apps. Augmented and virtual reality devices like the HoloLens will inspire an array of creative and entertaining holographic apps.
If you're brave enough to join the frontier and journey into unknown territories with the goal of inventing brilliant holographic apps, the steps and links below should point you in the right direction:
Step 1 – Become an Insider, Join the Development Community
First, you need to understand that apps for the HoloLens are simply advanced versions of Universal Windows apps (i.e. - the same apps that run in Windows 10). To get started developing holographic apps, you'll need to become a Windows Insider if you haven't already. Here's a screenshot of some of the things you'll be able to do as a Windows Insider:
Step 2 – Visit the Windows Dev Center
Once you're a Windows Insider, head on over to the Windows Development Center and start by clicking “Get a Dev Account” to register as an app developer. At the Windows Dev Center you'll be able to download tools, find code samples, and try out the beta version of the online Microsoft App Studio.
Step 3 – Upgrade and Download Windows 10 Developer Tools
Once you're registered as an app developer, head over to the Downloads and Tools section of the Windows Dev Center. Go ahead and download the Visual Studio Community suite:
Step 4 – Learn About the Windows Holographic Academy
Microsoft has published a few videos to promote the Windows Holographic Academy, an educational platform designed to better equip HoloLens app developers:
Holographic Academy and Project Origami
Ideas Become Reality at Holographic Academy
According to authors on Geekwire and Mashable, developing apps for the HoloLens is surprisingly easy with the help of the Holographic Academy, even for someone who has never developed an app before. If you're really serious about creating high quality holographic apps for the future, you might want check out the Windows Blog's tips for building a holographic development team.
Step 5 – Apply for a HoloLens Developer Kit
As we mentioned in the beginning of this guide, Microsoft is taking applications for the $3000 HoloLens developers kit that will be shipping in early 2016. While you can still develop HoloLens apps without a headset, obtaining the kit is an inevitable next step in bringing an app to the platform, so you might as well try to become one of the first to get the HoloLens Development Edition.
Optional – Submit Your App Ideas to Microsoft in the Share Your Idea Challenge
If you have a great idea for an app that you'd like to see become a reality, but you don't think you'll be following through with the commitment of becoming a HoloLens app developer, consider submitting your idea in the Microsoft Studios 'Share Your Idea' challenge. If your idea is voted the highest out of the selected finalists, Microsoft Studios will develop your app based on your input and feedback. Keep in mind that you'll need to submit it before the deadline of January 11th, 2016.
