Microsoft announces preorders for the HoloLens augmented reality (AR) headset are now open-- if only for qualified developers an invite from the company allowing purchase of a Developer Edition of the headset.

The announcement is still relevant to consumers, since it represents a "monumental step" towards a commercial version of the device. It also provides some hardware details, such as the fact HoloLens carries a 32-bit Intel CPU and a Microsoft "Holographic Processing Unit," allowing it to run independently of a PC.

Customers wanting to write, but are too distracted by the online offerings of current laptops to actually do so? The FreeWrite might be a solution, being a single-purpose computer designed only for writing.

Originally introduced to the world via 2014 Kickstarter as the "Hemingrite," the FreeWrite is an update of the traditional typewriter. It features an eInk display (no actual paper required!), mechanical keyboard, onboard storage and wifi connectivity, allowing users to store documents on the cloud.

Gesture control specialist Leap Motion focuses its attentions on virtual reality as it presents Orion-- a hardware and software solution for the addition of tracker-free gesture control to VR headsets.

The hardware side of Orion is a small device users clip on VR headsets. It packs an array of 3D motion sensors and promises to track the wearer's entire body (including arms and legs) as well as hands and fingers faster, farther and with less latency.

The other half of the solution is software the maker claims can work out accurate hand tracking even in case of distorted angle, occlusion, backgrounds and lighting conditions.

Microsoft evangelist Bruce Harris gives a few details on the HoloLens augmented reality headset at a Tel Aviv event-- including the fact the device battery lasts for 5.5 hours of regular use.

As reported by Petri, "heavy loads" slash battery life to just 2.5 hours. The power issue also limits the display capabilities of the headset, leading to a field of view "similar" to a 15-inch monitor close to the viewer's face.