Innovation Spotlight: A closer look at Microsoft HoloLens 2

In this article our resident Microsoft Licensing Specialist, Robert Kershaw takes a closer look at Microsoft HoloLens 2 and where he thinks it will add value for front-line staff in different sectors.

Pushing the boundaries

We are all aware of how technology is developing rapidly and pushing the boundaries of how things can be done and achieved. We have become dependent on more then one device and having instant connectivity and access. And there is increasing awareness of how technology helps us to drive the balance between work, rest and play.

This is no more evident than in the world of Assisted\Mixed Reality.  Different to the world of Virtual Reality, Assisted Reality layers the real world and augmented views together in many ways and its development is growing.

Microsoft has ambitions to be a pioneer in the area. They chose the Mobile World Conference 2019 to launch the Microsoft HoloLens 2.

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Photo credit: Microsoft HoloLens 2

A refreshingly ‘hands-on’ approach

Born from the need to meet customer expectations of the device, Microsoft has targeted the business market initially for the technology instead of the consumer and gaming markets.  Aimed at people who work on the front-line and people who use their hands in their day-to-day roles. These are often the people who are neglected when looking at technology development, as traditionally the desktop worker has been sole focus, so its a refreshing shift of focus.

For the people who assemble, care for, repair and troubleshoot, HoloLens provides the opportunity to put technology in their hands (literally) to achieve the same advances as the traditional computer\device-based worker.  There is now a greater opportunity for a device, software and cloud work solution that can help connect these remote workers and provide the support, training and guidance that is often neglected when looking at what in most organisations is the majority of the workforce and Microsoft see that as the next logical step.

Endless usage applications

I think the scenarios for using the HoloLens 2 and the supporting software (Dynamics 365) are endless and the capabilities of the solution are wide spread;

• Providing the ability for Field Engineers to troubleshoot problems in the field with an online manual
• Helping Architects see how a building will look and fit in a specific 3-D space
• Allowing a Surgeon to view a 3-D image of a human heart they are operating on
• Helping a Mechanical Engineer overlay design plans to a physical engine when installing a critical component.

There will be many more usage applications as the technology develops and the use cases increase.

Tangible benefits

The combined approach of the device, the Dynamics 365 software and the power of the cloud through Azure Reality Services, really take an organisation into the next level of support for the front-line worker. There will also be opportunities for saving time and costs in training, speeding up the value of potentially high salaried people, having a quicker turnaround time on product development and product downtime. The benefits are there and they are real.

Microsoft HoloLens 2 availability

HoloLens 2 will be initially available in the United States, Japan, China, Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia and New Zealand. Customers can preorder HoloLens 2 now directly from Microsoft – visit the Microsoft website. 

Speak with your Trustmarque Account Manager or email [email protected] if you want to look at Microsoft products like HoloLens 2 can work for you and your organisation.