Microsoft will launch its augmented reality headset HoloLens by next year and will be gearing it towards enterprise use in its initial launch. The computerised glasses, which can overlay 2D and 3D images in a user’s field of vision, has recently been marketed more towards a consumer audience and we’re curious to see if there is any enteprise interest in the new gadget.
HoloLens stole the show for Microsoft at E3 Expo this year which gave us the impression that the company was to steer the glasses towards gamers at home. But Microsoft indicated to Computerworld US that it was focusing the product for developers and the enterprise.
“We’re seeing many great ideas coming from developers, and great interest coming from enterprise,” a spokesperson told Computerworld US. “When Microsoft HoloLens launches, we will focus on those audiences.”
Judging from an earlier promo video for the HoloLens, Microsoft already sees potential for the glasses in enterprises that rely on 3D modelling for computer-aided design (CAD). It also shows users accessing productivity tools such as Skype and a weather app, but you’re not going to buy the HoloLens just to video chat and to see if it’s going to rain on the way home from the office (we hope).
Industries that use CAD such as automotives, civil engineering and even computer animation would definitely be interested in the HoloLens, but these companies only make up a portion of the Australian market. What would be interesting to see is how enterprises that don’t reply on 3D modelling adopt HoloLens in innovative ways to increase productivity or to add value to their organisations. Perhaps HoloLens will be used for training simulations to upskill staff for certain tasks or to improve interactions with customers.
Would your organisation be interested in using the HoloLens? If so, how would the product be used in the business? Let us know in the comments.
Comments
2 responses to “Microsoft Launching HoloLens For Enterprise First”
I tell you what. This makes perfect sense. Focussing on the enterprise allows Microsoft to get past so many of the barriers that hold back other AR and VR products. Social stigma and Price are the biggest. 1) No-one* likes wearing a bluetooth headset in their personal time, but wearing one for work is no problem – Hololens will be the same. It’s OK to look a little bit dorky if it helps you be better at your work. 2) This kit is likely going to be pricey. Focussing on enterprise allows Microsoft and its partners to bypass much of the price sensitivity that the regular Joe Schmo user is subject to. Enterprises have deeper pockets, and are much more likely to embrace new value adding and productivity enhancing technology than the general public is – regardless of the ‘cool factor’. Yes there is a value for the consumer too (e.g. gaming), but these customers will be followers rather than leaders. I see this tech as similar to the introduction of mobile phones. It will be the domain of the forward thinkers and early adopters in the enterprise sector first. This is where it will take its foot hold, and the regualr consumer will come later. * – No one I know.
I’m reminded of the movie “Red Dragon”.
The forensic investigator starts reviewing case notes on an airplane ride – the boy next to him sees the photos of the murder scene and is distressed. Can you imagine police taking a series of panoramas instead, and viewing the result with HoloLens? What about the doctors, performing the autopsy?
Further into the movie, the investigator visits the murder scenes, in an attempt to understand how the murderer thinks and feels. Again, I wonder how effective a virtual panorama would be for this.