Though widely associated with gaming and the consumer sphere, we are now seeing virtual reality (or augmented reality) headsets make their way over the borderline and establishing themselves as promising tools for the future of business.
As shown in the Ford demonstration during the Microsoft Ignite 2017 keynote (shown below), we can see how virtual headsets are playing an important role in helping businesses collaborate in new ways that are safer, more efficient, universally accessible and seemingly limitless in their possibility.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKLXVePZb78
In this demonstration, we see how Hololens headsets are used in conjunction with Microsoft Teams to create a mixed reality environment where groups of individuals can work together on a design a project from any location in the world whilst retaining that “same room” feel.
As well as enabling a globalised workspace in the cloud that removes the limitations placed on creativity by time and distance, the demonstration also shows how the Hololens headset (when paired with Microsoft Teams) successfully manages to tackle data theft and leaks by creating a secure collaborative environment where only those with valid access can view the information.
Unlike virtual reality headsets such as Oculus Rift, the Hololens is a mixed reality or augmented reality headset that is able to blend spaces together by projecting the virtual world onto the real one and creating a wealth of opportunity for both individuals and groups to work, create and share information in new and exciting ways.
Known for their innovation and encouragement for users to go forth and develop ideas of their own, at the conclusion of their demonstration, Microsoft announced they were to begin taking preorders for a new line of Mixed Reality development kits “for the masses” that are likely to be considerably more affordable than their Hololens (RRP £2,719) cousins.
