Microsoft is holding an event next month during Mobile World Congress, where it might unveil the next HoloLens mixed reality headset.

Microsoft hasn’t been on the Mobile World Congress stage in quite awhile. Since it killed off the Windows Phone (yes, Gen Zers, Microsoft tried smartphones at one point), Microsoft hasn’t really made use of the show. However, the company has just announced it’ll be holding an event on the Sunday before, on 24 February, at 11am ET. That's 5pm in Barcelona, and 4pm in the UK.

The event will feature CEO Satya Nadella, Technical Fellow Alex Kipman, and CVP Julia White. Kipman tends to focus on "AI Perception and mixed reality", and his involvement seems to be the driving force behind the assumption that Microsoft is prepping an update to the HoloLens - unless journalist Tom Warren knows more, as he's claimed the event will be focused on HoloLens 2.

Microsoft image 2
Microsoft/The Verge

To be clear, Microsoft hasn't teased anything specific in its invite sent out to the press, so nothing has been confirmed.

We do know the HoloLens 2 has been in development for the past few years, thanks to several leaks and rumours. The next version of the headset is expected to feature an improved field of view, which will be important for AR-based features. The HoloLens 2 might also sport the latest version of Microsoft’s Kinect sensor, a custom AI chip, a Snapdragon850 processor, and a lighter build compared to its predecessor.

Other than the HoloLens 2, the event might feature some of Microsoft’s plan for cloud-based technology, as White is the lead of product management for Microsoft’s Cloud. Check back on 24 February for live updates of the Microsoft event and the rest of the happenings from Spain.

MWC 2019 is taking place from 25 February to 28 February.