Internal email: Microsoft splits its HoloLens group as its leader Alex Kipman leaves the company; a recent Insider report described Kipman's “toxic” behavior
Microsoft is splitting its HoloLens mixed reality group and parting ways with Alex Kipman, the leader of the group …
Microsoft must redistribute HoloLens leadership and responsibilities immediately as Kipman exits and the mixed-reality group is divided.
HoloLens employees face a new reporting structure after a period in which the unit had already lost staff and seen its next-device plans change.
Second-order effects
Meta benefits from the earlier flow of HoloLens talent, while Microsoft has greater pressure to retain the remaining specialized mixed-reality staff during the reorganization.
The Samsung-oriented mixed-reality direction becomes more central to Microsoft's near-term hardware plans after the reported cancellation of HoloLens 3.
Third-order effects
If the subsequent pattern of hardware cuts persists, HoloLens is likely to be managed as a budget-constrained part of Microsoft's broader hardware portfolio rather than as a standalone product organization.
The episode reinforces how leadership and retention failures can force product-roadmap consolidation in specialized hardware teams.
The trend: Microsoft's mixed-reality efforts are moving from a dedicated HoloLens organization toward a more consolidated hardware strategy shaped by staffing and roadmap constraints.
With Kipman leaving and the Army contract's future/value uncertain, whether Microsoft will keep making HoloLens hardware is in question. We look at how this may play out and why a lot depends on the Army now. https://www.bloomberg.com/...
@gartenberg
Michael Gartenberg on x
Farewell HoloLens, it was one of the coolest gadgets I ever used, but Microsoft never could get it to consumers. Gartenberg Rule - Vertical markets are where failed mainstream consumer electronics go to die. See also Magic Leap https://www.bloomberg.com/...
@ashannstew
Ashley Stewart on x
Key Microsoft metaverse executive Alex Kipman is resigning following Insider's recent report on allegations he behaved inappropriately toward women employees https://www.businessinsider.com/ ...
@kentbye
Kent Bye VoicesOfVR on x
Looks like @akipman is out of Microsoft: “Over the last several months, Alex Kipman & I have been talking about the team's path going forward. We have mutually decided that this is the right time for him to leave the company to pursue other opportunities.” https://www.geekwire.co…
@robaeprice
Rob Price on x
Microsoft exec and HoloLens co-creator Alex Kipman is resigning after @ashannstew's reporting on multiple misconduct allegations against him — including that he watched “VR porn” in the workplace. https://www.businessinsider.com/ ...
@dinabass
Dina Bass on x
Without the Army deal, or if it gets pared back significantly, Microsoft lacks the scale it needs to justify making the HoloLens hardware. It does also have a partnership with Samsung and so could develop and OEM relationship with that company for the goggles.
@ashannstew
Ashley Stewart on x
Updated with an internal email Microsoft cloud boss Scott Guthrie sent after we reported Kipman's departure, saying Kipman will leave and “pursue other opportunities” + detailing plans for the reorg. https://twitter.com/...