Microsoft Corporation (MSFT, Financial) has had its critics after being left behind during the technological shift to mobile devices and cloud services that took place over the last decade or so. The likes of Apple (AAPL, Financial), Google (GOOG, Financial) (GOOGL, Financial) and Samsung Electronics (SSNLF, Financial) appeared to have taken the lead in mobile technology. Other tech stalwarts like Amazon (AMZN, Financial) have dominated in the cloud services business.
However, with the change in leadership, Microsoft has reinvented itself by focusing on being a cloud and productivity platform company, and it is positioning its technologies and platforms at the forefront of innovation. In January this year, the software giant revealed that it would be launching a device dubbed HoloLens, which could drastically change the way people interact with the environment. True enough, while other virtual and augmented reality technologies came ahead of Microsoft – such as Google Glass and Oculus Rift – the Redmond firm may be the brand that can finally take AR and VR mainstream.
At the recently concluded BUILD conference, Microsoft revealed further refinements to the HoloLens as a device and as a development platform, and particularly how it is part of the planned convergence across desktop, mobile and even wearable devices, with Windows 10.
This could be huge news for the enterprise market, especially given the potential uses of the technology, which can bring about enhancements in productivity. Imagine how an entire desk, an entire room or even a large space can replace the traditional user interface of mouse and keyboard, and even touchscreens. Augmented reality can drastically revolutionize workflow management and resource utilization.
What HoloLens really means for enterprises
HoloLens allows users to interact with virtual imagery without affecting their visibility of the actual world. With its augmented reality engine, it is possible to integrate the virtual images generated by the system with real world objects. For example, spreadsheets can appear on thin air, or a user can work on designs on top of a desk or coffee table.
Due to this capability, technologists already envision a workplace wherein people will be able to use HoloLens to enhance operations by remotely interacting with information shared through various sources via an interface such as Microsoft’s own Skype. Such activities would include aided medical operations, machine operations, education and, of course, video games, among others.
The beauty of HoloLens is that it will run Windows 10, just like personal computers and smartphones. This means developers and software publishers can easily deploy business applications on a common codebase. In addition, it is not tethered by wired or wireless connections, which means it’s a standalone wearable device. The workplace benefits are numerous: it can be used by anyone from an executive visualizing business trends and data, to a professional working on designs, to a warehouse employee tracking materials and shipments.
Businesses already utilize various enterprise resource planning tools, like cloud-based platform Panaya which utilizes big data for testing automation. Connecting enterprise solutions with wearable devices and augmented-reality based interfaces will further improve efficiency by increasing the interactivity of the user experience. Thus, there are high expectations of improvement in the workplace, especially in workflow management and IT resource utilization, if indeed, Microsoft’s plans come into fruition.
A challenge for developers
The launch of HoloLens certainly presupposes an interesting future for the corporate world, as enterprises move to integrate immersive user experiences in their operations. This will not happen in an instance, though. It is a long process toward greater adoption, which will also create several business opportunities especially for developers.
It is both an opportunity and a challenge for developers to come up with various AR applications. The business (meaning, monetary) potential is huge, due to the potential to integrate with real-world operations. Microsoft seems set to bridge the gap between virtual reality and real-life applications, which means it could succeed where Google failed with its Glass.
On the other hand, Facebook (FB, Financial) acquired virtual-reality firm Oculus VR in 2015 year. While it has interesting applications in gaming, the Oculus Rift has one limitation: it does not allow people to see what is around them – rather, it takes them into a completely new world. While it does have its uses, it might not be as useful in an enterprise setting. In addition, it needs to be tethered to a computer to work. Microsoft’s HoloLens is designed as a standalone device.
Conclusion
After facing criticism over its ambition with regard to shifting technological tastes, Microsoft seems set to answer critics with a disruptive product that connects all that has been introduced in the computing world over the last couple of decades.
These are indeed exciting times for Redmond, and with Windows 10 previews now being made for developers in several platform types, this could be a real lease on life for Microsoft. On the other hand, this could also prove to be a marvelous development for enterprises as they seek to improve productivity and cut operating costs.
