By Technology
How are enterprises taking the loss of HoloLens 2?
How are enterprises taking the loss of HoloLens 2? Which XR devices are they currently using? The following is based on the in-app topic discussions and responses started and shared by attendees of the 2024 Augmented Enterprise Summit. Mobile Reigns PTC created a poll during the conference asking attendees which XR device types they’re currently using or expect to use in the next two years. Keeping in mind that users were allowed to check more than one box, mobile devices came out on top with 75% of respondents choosing phones/tablets. Passthrough AR/VR devices like Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro were a close second (65%); while 42% selected see-through AR devices like HoloLens and Magic Leap, and 27% reported using head-mounted tablet devices from the likes of RealWear and Vuzix. Top Headset In another poll, attendees shared their vote for “best overall headset value” out of HTC, Meta, Apple, and “Other.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, most chose Meta Quest (58.3%), followed by HTC with 29.2% of the vote. This may not reveal much given the options, but the results were seemingly confirmed in discussion topics: Users praised Meta Quest devices for their value, versatility, accessibility, and ease of use. Those who prefer […]
4 min read
Top Enterprise XR-Related Developments from CES 2025
Didn’t make it to Vegas? We’ve sifted through the AI companion robots and smart kitchen appliances to bring you the top enterprise-related XR/spatial computing announcements and products from CES 2024: SONY The electronics giant announced a standalone mixed reality headset focused on “spatial content creation.” Developed with Siemens, the headset uses Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset (newer than the one in Quest 3) and boasts 4K resolution per eye, dual OLED microdisplays, a flip-down visor, and unique controllers in the form of a stylus/pointer and a ring. Sony made no mention of gaming; instead it’s targeting content creators, engineers, and other professionals in potential competition with Apple Vision Pro. Users can edit and shape 3D models while wearing the headset, creating a new way to model and explore 3D designs as well as create immersive training environments. The headset is slated for release later this year and will use Siemens’ Xcelerator software tools for enterprise. HTC HTC launched a $200 Full Face Tracker accessory that attaches magnetically to the Vive XR Elite headset to capture eye and mouth movements. Developers can use the eye and mouth tracking capabilities for a number of purposes including animating avatar faces more […]
3 min read
We’re at an Inflection Point for XR: Interview with Campfire CEO Jay Wright
We had the opportunity to sit down with Jay Wright over Zoom. Jay is the CEO of Campfire, an easy-to-use software solution for sharing and reviewing 3D models with anyone, across existing desktop devices and a new generation of headsets. Jay will moderate the panel “Immersive Design & Visualization (Product Design, Prototyping, Asset, and Data Visualization) featuring speakers from Stryker, Walmart, Rolls-Royce, and more at the 2024 Augmented Enterprise Summit. Learn more about Campfire. Campfire’s Origin Story Emily: My first question is about the company name. What is Campfire’s origin story, and where did you come up with the name? Jay: It’s a pretty long origin story, but it came on the heels of a decade spent in immersive tech, running efforts at Qualcomm and then PTC. So, I was very familiar with the need [for XR]. Then, I was approached by some investors that had bought assets of a former immersive tech company called The Meta Company. It was kind of ashes at that point, and I saw an opportunity to take those ashes and turn them into Campfire. When we started, we were actually doing some hardware of our own. Now, because of Quest 3 and other devices, we’ve left […]
9 min read
XR & Enterprise Privacy & Security: Is the Metaverse a Giant Data Grab?
With trust in technology companies at an all-time low and seemingly every Big Tech company working on an XR headset to compete with Apple Vision Pro, it’s a good time to consider the privacy and security ramifications of extended reality in enterprise. Introduction Every new technology introduces new risks to an organization. Any connected device can become a source of real-time data breaches, phishing scams, or invasions of privacy. What makes XR different and potentially scarier are the sophisticated sensors and very nature of the tech: XR devices track highly personal information in order to alter the user’s perception of reality, either by augmenting (adding to) or essentially replacing one’s field of view. Privacy and security experts have expressed concerns about the kinds of company and personal data these devices collect, how that data is used, shared and stored, how to protect IP and personal identity in virtual worlds, how to safeguard augmented spaces, and more. Recently, their worst fears proved possible when researchers at the University of Chicago managed to “crack” a Meta Quest headset. Not only did they hijack users’ headsets and steal sensitive information, but they were even able to use generative AI to manipulate social interactions. […]
7 min read
5 Examples of Immersive Digital Twins in Enterprise
3 min read
5 VR Gloves You Can Buy (or Pre-order) Today
I recently tried the Apple Vision Pro. In one experience, a prehistoric setting opened up in front of me. A butterfly flew out of the scene and, when I put out my hand, landed on my index finger. What surprised me was that I really expected to feel something, some sensation on my fingertips, as the butterfly’s legs touched my skin. The butterfly looked so real and recognized my hand in space. All that was missing was haptics. As the fidelity of XR devices increases, users will find themselves – as I did – craving haptics. It’s just one reason VR gloves are back on our radar. Meta investing in haptic tech (again) is another. Moreover, the most popular XR apps – training, design, and collaboration – are set to mature over the next few years. The addition of haptic gloves could greatly enhance these use cases, improving their efficacy and unlocking greater business value. Why VR gloves? Compared to traditional controllers, VR gloves enable more natural and precise interaction in the virtual world and a deeper sense of immersion. When it comes to training, gloves enable learners to develop muscle memory in the virtual world, which increases retention. VR […]
5 min read
Apple Vision Pro: Already a Hit in Healthcare and Retail
Now that Apple Vision Pro has enterprise device management, more companies will likely buy and experiment with the headset. Business technology leaders should take note because early adopters are already learning critical UX and other lessons. Apple’s first headset launched with an array of familiar work apps like Microsoft Office and Teams. Now, we’re beginning to see branded shopping apps specifically designed for the Vision Pro as well dedicated apps for healthcare and training. Here are some of the first Vision Pro use cases within enterprise: HEALTHCARE CEDARS-SINAI Cedars-Sinai’s Xaia app is a mental health app for the Apple Vision Pro. Xaia, which stands for “eXtended-Reality Artificially Intelligent Ally,” provides AI-enabled, conversational therapy through a “trained digital avatar” in relaxing spatial environments. Users can also opt to remain in their own space for the sessions, and do deep breathing exercises and meditation. BOSTON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL CyranoHealth from Boston Children’s Hospital is a Vision Pro app for training medical personnel, including nursing students and other frontline hospital workers. The experience allows users to familiarize themselves with new medical equipment such as intravenous medical infusion pumps with the goal of improving confidence and reducing anxiety. Users can also review procedures at a […]
4 min read
Applying GenAI to the Challenges of XR Content Creation
Although talk of the metaverse quieted down when generative AI burst on the scene in 2022, proponents of the metaverse view GenAI as the answer to one of their biggest challenges: Developing content to “populate” the metaverse. What is GenAI? Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence capable of producing or generating new (original) content based on a variety of inputs including natural language prompts. ChatGPT, for instance, can generate an essay on any topic from a simple text prompt. The technology can also be used to generate images, audio, video, and even code. For our purposes, the “goal” is to use GenAI to democratize the development of high-quality XR content such as hyper realistic 3D objects, avatars, and environments using only carefully phrased language–no coding required. In addition to improving the accessibility and scalability of XR development, GenAI could help enterprises get even more value from VR. XR Content Challenges A major bottleneck in XR adoption is content: Until now, generating 3D content for immersive experiences has been time-consuming and expensive, typically requiring specialized skills and complex modeling software. Besides the small developer talent pool, the scale of most projects is a challenge. Think about what’s involved in […]
5 min read
Not Another Vision Pro Review
The long-awaited Apple Vision Pro has been available for a week. Here are some early impressions and implications for enterprise end users: TECHNICAL General consensus among early users is that Vision Pro is a technical marvel and incredibly intuitive to use. As one reviewer wrote, “of course” you just look at an app and tap your fingers to open it and “of course” a floating Connect button automatically appears above your MacBook Air or Pro–simply tap your fingers and watch as your desktop pops into your field of view. The eye and hand tracking are accurate and reliable and the gesture controls for scrolling, zooming, etc. quick to master. A clever feature is the dual use of the Digital Crown to adjust both the level of immersion and the volume depending on where you look. The headset looks and feels “premium,” with many saying it’s the best video passthrough yet. But while the dual micro-OLED displays provide higher fidelity, they’re also one of the reasons the Vision Pro is so pricey. Conclusion: A frictionless user experience is what Apple is known for and a ‘definite plus’ over rival headset vendors, especially for existing Apple device users. Apps run seamlessly side […]
6 min read
The 8 Categories of XR or Spatial Computing Accessories
The virtual reality headset market is flourishing. The latest and upcoming devices like Meta Quest 3 and Apple’s Vision Pro have put the metaverse back on the map, which means it’s time to re-evaluate the market for XR accessories, from the currently available to the futuristic and conceptual. XR accessories are devices – wearable or not – designed to increase immersion in the virtual world and/or provide a more seamless VR experience. Controllers Let’s start with the most familiar: As headsets become increasingly compact and lightweight with support for eye and hand tracking, some are shipping without controllers. Vision Pro and HoloLens 2, for example, don’t require hand-held controllers to interact with virtual content but instead utilize hand gestures like air tap, voice commands, and even gaze–more natural input methods. But don’t worry, controllers still have a role to play in VR. Today’s sleek and ergonomic VR controllers incorporate tracking sensors and realistic haptics. Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers, for instance, offer precision pinch motion and realistic haptic feedback. Sony recently showed off prototype haptic VR controllers that can adapt their center of mass to different use cases. Used separately or attached in various configurations, the controllers can act as, […]
6 min read
Top Enterprise XR-Related Developments from CES 2024
Didn’t make it to Vegas? We’ve sifted through the AI companion robots and smart kitchen appliances to bring you the top enterprise-related XR/spatial computing announcements and products from CES 2024: SONY The electronics giant announced a standalone mixed reality headset focused on “spatial content creation.” Developed with Siemens, the headset uses Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset (newer than the one in Quest 3) and boasts 4K resolution per eye, dual OLED microdisplays, a flip-down visor, and unique controllers in the form of a stylus/pointer and a ring. Sony made no mention of gaming; instead it’s targeting content creators, engineers, and other professionals in potential competition with Apple Vision Pro. Users can edit and shape 3D models while wearing the headset, creating a new way to model and explore 3D designs as well as create immersive training environments. The headset is slated for release later this year and will use Siemens’ Xcelerator software tools for enterprise. HTC HTC launched a $200 Full Face Tracker accessory that attaches magnetically to the Vive XR Elite headset to capture eye and mouth movements. Developers can use the eye and mouth tracking capabilities for a number of purposes including animating avatar faces more […]
3 min read
2023 Year in Review: Advanced XR Headsets, AI, and Digital Twins Steal the Show
In 2023, we said goodbye to Google Glass and hello to next-gen XR devices including Vision Pro. Generative AI generated more buzz than the metaverse, though that didn’t stop big brands from exploring new realities in the form of digital twins and immersive marketing. Here are some of the biggest developments in enterprise XR over the past year. XR Hardware Apple & Meta June 2023 gave us both the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro headsets. Just ahead of Apple’s WWDC, Meta unveiled the Quest 3. The official release, however, coincided with its own Connect event in September. At $499 and powered by the brand new Snapdragon XR 2 Gen 2 chip, the Meta Quest 3 is thinner, lighter, and more powerful than its predecessor, with better displays, full-color video passthrough, and new controllers. Meta Quest for Business, a subscription service offering “enterprise-level features and customer support,” launched in the Fall. On June 5, Apple unveiled its first spatial computing device: The highly anticipated Vision Pro runs on visionOS and boasts dual 4K micro-LED displays. The headset will cost $3,499 and hit stores around February with support for nearly all iPhone and iPad apps along with Microsoft productivity apps. […]
5 min read
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