File photo - Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, examines Microsoft's HoloLens device during a tour of Microsoft's main campus in Redmond, Washington Sept. 23, 2015. (REUTERS/Ted S. Warren/Pool)
Developers will be able to get their hands on the Microsoft HoloLens next month.
The software giant announced on Monday that developers can now pre-order its HoloLens Development Edition. The device will start shipping to developers on March 30, but it won't be cheap: $3,000.
The HoloLens Development Edition is specifically designed for developers. Eventually, the wearable will find its way to consumers, but first it needs apps that will make the headset worth the purchase. As such, you'll need to apply to purchase one.
"To build a vibrant community, we are looking for a wide spectrum of developers to create diverse experiences," Microsoft says. "The more you share in your application form, the easier it will be for us to see how you'll help build the future of holographic computing with us, one inspired idea at a time."
For now, Redmond is only accepting applications from developers in the U.S. and Canada; Development Edition hardware and apps will only be available in English. You'll also need to be a Windows Insider to be considered. Those who are accepted will be notified via email; Microsoft will ship the HoloLens in waves, and each wave could take between two to three months, so you might not be playing around with holograms until the summer.
Microsoft announced the HoloLens last year. Unlike virtual-reality headsets that place users in 3D virtual environments, the HoloLens overlays holograms on the real world. It can be used for gaming (like Minecraft), though Microsoft has also been pushing it as a tool for business.
After developers break out the HoloLens, they'll immediately have access to "hundreds" of familiar Windows apps, Microsoft says, but it "also gives developers access to a showcase of holographic app experiences to help get them started. These experiences are designed to demonstrate what the device can do, and how it operates, in order to inspire developers to create incredible things."
"This platform was created for you, the dreamers, the creators, the Windows developers," Microsoft's Alex Kipman said in a statement.
This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
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