At the Windows 10 event in Redmond, Washington on January 21, Microsoft revealed what can only be described as the super awesome future: Windows Holographic glasses and the HoloLens visor .

HoloLens Visor - Photo: ITWorld

And why not? Virtual reality is all the rage these days: Sony has Project Morpheus, and then there's the Oculus Rift . We have to say that Microsoft's HoloLens visor is a lot better looking than either of those VR devices.

Project Morpheus - Photo: Techradar

But aesthetics are not the only thing that makes the HoloLens stand out from the crowd. Unlike the Oculus Rift which is designed primarily to create a virtual world for users, the Hololens is a sleek looking holographic headset designed to blend the digital world with the real one. It works without a screen and without being connected to anything - like magic. According to Microsoft:

Microsoft HoloLens is the first untethered holographic computer — no wires, phones or connection to a PC needed. Microsoft HoloLens features see-through holographic high-definition lenses and spatial sound so you can view and hear holograms in the world around you.

GIF: Giphy

It looks like Microsoft is going against the grain here. While everyone else is working hard at taking us into other worlds and creating them for our entertainment and wonder, the HoloLens is going to superimpose the digital world over the real world. And they do all of this with a camera, colored glass and many, many sensors. Magic. Nick Statt at CNET :

The goggles will track your movements, watch your gaze and transform what you see by blasting light at your eyes (it doesn't hurt). Because the device tracks where you are, you can use hand gestures -- right now it's only a midair click by raising and lowering your finger -- to interact with the 3D images.

Word on the street is that NASA has some interesting plans for the HoloLens . Using data collected from the surface of Mars by their trusty spacebots, NASA will be able to create a holographic simulation of the planet and explore it from the comfort of their offices.

The HoloLens is not yet available to the public and no one has a clue just how much Microsoft is going to make us pay to get our hands on one. But if the video demo is anything to go by though...they can certainly shut up and take my money.