While entertainment and gaming is a given for VR headsets, Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality is also seeking an important role in the workplace. Specifically, the tech giant showcased the device's capabilities in 3D modeling businesses.
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"The company paired HoloLens with the Maya Autodesk 3D modeling software during a demonstration Monday at its Worldwide Partners Conference in Orlando, Fda," according to Computer World.
But as with previous demonstrations, it wasn't shown from the wearer's perspective. Instead, a camera that can show holograms captured the whole thing as a Microsoft employee managed the device and the software.
"Using HoloLens, the Microsoft employee created a hologram of the motorcycle he was designing and rotated the 3D image and changed the bike's color. Any changes made to the motorcycle in the software instantly appeared in the hologram."
Compared to 3D printouts, Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality holograms are cheaper and faster, according to the tech giant.
The same demonstration was seen earlier this year but this time, a specific business application was used. It also showcased its usefulness in the workplace beyond creating and manipulating holograms.
For instance, a voice-activated feature called "real-world mode" would overlay holograms over a real world object. A co-worker supposedly has the ability to make comments which would then be played by HoloLens via a headset.
Microsoft's demonstration is meant to push HoloLens as a productivity tool, beyond its role in gaming and entertainment. The Redmond, Wash.-based company has partnered with NASA on Sidekick for its "mixed reality" headset's use to train astronauts. Recently, it offered research grants up to $500,000 to explore its possible uses.
To that end, former HoloLens Studios team member Michael Hoffman and tech entrepreneur Raven Zachary founded Object Theory. The software development company is meant to give companies a leg up in integrating the technology into their business.
"Our expertise is applying our understanding of this technology to create real value for organizations, whether that be internally facing or public-facing," Zachary told GCN adding, "This technology is so new that organizations do not yet have these skills in-house."
The Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality headset's release date, pricing and other pertinent details have not been revealed so far.
