Microsoft's 'HoloLens 2' set to be an Always Connected PC with Qualcomm CPU on board

Microsoft is working on a new HoloLens, that much is already known from various leaks and words from Microsoft. While there was talk about the next HoloLens being a standalone PC with its own Qualcomm processor, it has now been confirmed by new sources that this is indeed the case and Microsoft is set to use the Snapdragon 850.

As reported by Neowin, this is the same processor found in the Lenovo Yoga C630 and Samsung Galaxy Book. In our testing of the aforementioned Windows 10 hardware, we found the processor to be speedy enough for casual computing.

Having the HoloLens rock an ARM processor means it'll be an Always Connected PC. You'll be able to turn on the device and carry on where you left off almost instantly, something more powerful (and power-hungry) Intel processors cannot achieve. Then there's the additional X20 4G LTE modem from Qualcomm, which offers true wireless capabilities.

That's pretty much all we know thus far, aside from Windows Core OS being the software that will power everything on the new device. It's expected Microsoft will announce and release the next HoloLens in 2019.

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.