April 25, 2019
HoloLens
Released on March 30th, 2016, the Microsoft HoloLens is an augmented reality headset which runs on Microsoft’s Mixed Reality software platform based on the Windows 10 operating system. Inspired by the technology seen within Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect, the HoloLens are smart glasses that overlays objects and elements over the players vision. Using AR technology,the Microsoft HoloLens has been marketed towards businesses and enterprise. The HoloLens can impact businesses due to the headsets numerous applications, with the HoloLens able to train individuals, provide on-site guidance, visualise products for training and marketing purposes and allow people to work collaboratively in the same space. Below are some of the industries in which the HoloLens is perfect for.
Automotive and Aeronautical industries
The automotive and aeronautical industries have always used the latest technology to design and test their products. Using the Microsoft HoloLens,the automotive and aeronautical industries can train individuals by presenting visualisations of working parts to train with. This cuts down on costs and time as parts aren’t needing to be made specifically for training as well as site visits no longer being necessary. For those employees that are on-site, using the Microsoft HoloLens allows them to receive onsite instruction and general support. Using the camera on the Microsoft HoloLens, employees can communicate with someone offsite for support with the offsite employee able to highlight elements by overlaying markers on the onsite employees’ vision by interacting with the HoloLens. For the automotive industry, advertising their newest products is a significant part of their business. By using the HoloLens, potential customers can view cars within a real-world space and better visualise the company’s products.
Architectural Industry
The architectural industry has always prioritised visualisation, from the very first stages of development using blueprints and basic visual concepts, up to highly detailed 3D visualisations for the construction of buildings. The HoloLens can be used to present 3D visualisations through a users headset, displaying 3D models within the users vision. Whilst on-site the HoloLens can be used to assist construction workers working to a design by overlaying the design on the real-world site. This gives reassurance to architects that their designs are being kept to.
Product Design
Using the HoloLens, product designers alongside other stakeholders can design collaboratively together. Whilst using the HoloLens, developers and other stakeholders can share the same space and collaboratively work on the same design of a product such as a car with everyone able to see each person’s changes. This allows the design workflow to be more efficient and allow for more effective co-design as multiple stakeholders can contribute to a design at the same time. This real time collaborative effort can be used by designes who operate in a multiple of different industries.
Healthcare
In the healthcare industry, the HoloLens is already being used extensively. Surgeons are using the mixed reality headset both before surgery to review information about a patient’s body as well as during the surgery by accessing real time information about the patient and gaining assistance via the HoloLens’s overlay. Using the same technology, healthcare professionals and students can use the HoloLens AR headset for training as they can interact with anatomy guides within mixed reality.
HoloLens 2
To be released later this year, the HoloLens 2 will be an improved version of the original HoloLens mixed reality headset with Microsoft highlighting the improvements in the design of the hardware itself. The HoloLens 2 will address the issues of its ergonomics, with the headset being designed better for the user’s head and being considerably lighter. The HoloLens 2 has a larger business focus with the HoloLens able to be attached to a hard hat.
As a group of VR and AR developers, Pocket Sized Hands have developed games and experiences using VR and AR platforms. Pocket Sized Hands can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to develop your next HoloLens application.
If you have an idea you want created get in touch with us and we can bring it to life. Whether it’s a quick prototype, a full product or even just to brainstorm, our team will be here to help. From the beginnings of your prototype to the final product we can support you with professional advice and delivery.