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After the MRTK library has been adapted to the Oculus Quest 2 and in the ver. 30 of the Operating system we received a pass-through feature, we decided to check if Oculus 2 could be used as an alternative to expensive HoloLens 2. To validate the idea, we’ve made two applications with the same features on the Oculus Quest 2 and on the HoloLens 2. You can see the result in the video at the end of the article. Short introduction and comparison of headsets OQ2 vs HL2 For those who want to get more information on these devices, we have prepared a small review. Oculus Quest 2 Oculus Quest 2 is a virtual reality (VR) headset created by Oculus, a brand of Facebook. As with its predecessor, the Quest 2 is capable of running both a standalone headset with an internal, Android-based operating system, and with Oculus-compatible VR software running on a desktop computer when connected over USB or Wi-Fi. Hardware. The Quest 2 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 system-on-chip (which is part of a Snapdragon product line designed primarily for VR and augmented reality devices), with 6 GB of RAM — an increase of 2 GB over the first-generation model. Its display is a singular fast-switch LCD panel with a 1832×1920 per eye resolution, which can run at a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz (an increase from 1440×1600 per-eye at 72 Hz). The headset includes physical interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment at 58 mm, 63 mm and 68 mm, adjusted by physically moving the lenses into each position. This is also combined with software adjustment. The included Oculus Touch controllers are slightly bigger, influenced by the original Oculus Rift’s controllers. Their battery life has also been increased four-fold over the controllers included with the first-generation Quest. Hololens 2 The HoloLens 2 is a combination of waveguide and laser-based stereoscopic & full-color mixed reality smart glasses developed and manufactured jointly by Microsoft and MicroVision, Inc. in Redmond, Washington. It is the direct model successor to the pioneering Microsoft HoloLens and the technical successor to the MicroVision stereoscopic and monochromatic laser-based virtual retinal display (VRD) & helmet mounted display (HMD) prototype-in-the-running for the canceled RAH-66 Comanche stealth helicopter and the now-defunct monoscopic and monochromatic MicroVision Nomad Augmented Vision System. Hardware. The HoloLens features an inertial measurement unit (IMU) (which includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, and a magnetometer) four “environment understanding” sensors (two on each side), an energy-efficient depth camera with a 120°×120° angle of view, a 2.4-megapixel photographic video camera, a four-microphone array, and an ambient light sensor. The HoloLens contains an internal rechargeable battery, with average life rated at 2–3 hours of active use, or 2 weeks of standby time. The HoloLens can be operated while charging. HoloLens features IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 Low Energy (LE) wireless connectivity. The headset uses Bluetooth LE to pair with the included Clicker, a thumb-sized finger-operating input device that can be used for interface scrolling and selecting. The Clicker features a clickable surface for selecting, and an orientation sensor which provides scrolling functions via tilting and panning of the unit. The Clicker features an elastic finger loop for holding the device, and a USB 2.0 micro-B plug socket for charging its internal battery. HoloLens 2 and Oculus Quest 2 have different operating systems, provide different user experience and have different types of interaction with the system and world. Development process Developing applications for Oculus Quest 2 is based on the basic rules and best practices with specific oculus Quest side requirements using Unity engine. If we are talking about HoloLens 2, we have to develop an application for the Universal Windows Platform with specific restrictions and additional capabilities provided by Windows 10 Holographic operating system using the MRTK library provided by Microsoft. Some time ago we found that the MRTK library has been adapted to the Oculus Quest 2 and we started using it in our projects. This library has a lot of prepared elements that save time for prototyping and development. In the ver. 30 of the Operating system we received a pass-through feature from Oculus Quest 2 that allows us to step outside your view in VR to see a real-time view of your surroundings. Passthrough uses the sensors on your headset to approximate what you would see if you were able to look directly through the front of your headset and into the real world around you. Taking into account these feature possibilities, we decided to check if Oculus could be used as an alternative to expensive HoloLens 2. To validate the idea, we’ve made two applications with the same features on the Oculus Quest 2 and on the HoloLens 2. The result you can see in the video.   The summary Oculus Quest cannot be used as an alternative to the HoloLens for our purpose. The pass-through feature is not the same as Mix Reality. The possibility to work in the real world with Oculus Quest is limited. Also, Oculus Quest has no camera for recognition of images or objects, Oculus Quest doesn’t have lidar or high resolution cameras because Oculus Quest is a B2C product, not a B2B product. If you have tasks that are suitable for HoloLens 2, use it. Oculus Quest 2 provides some experience of HoloLens 2 usage but these experiences are too limited to make Oculus Quest 2 an alternative to HoloLens 2.

Many companies are beginning to understand the value of virtual reality technology as it caters to a wide variety of learning needs. This is largely due to the fact that VR pushes the boundaries of traditional learning, allowing you to create realistic learning scenarios in a simulated environment. Also, another important factor in the spread of virtual reality training solutions is that the cost of its implementation has fallen drastically. According to PwC, 23 million jobs will be using virtual or augmented reality by 2030. This will have the greatest impact on such large economies as China, the USA, the UK and Germany. This is the time when companies need to be proactive and forward-thinking to get the most out of virtual and augmented reality technologies. The main advantages of VR training: Ability to create a safe learning environment. Involvement of employees in the learning process. Reduced training costs. Development of practical skills. Scalability. Ability to track key learning indicators. Areas of VR training application: Simulation of complex processes in a safe environment, for example, actions in case of an emergency. Working out actions according to certain algorithms, instructions or checklists. Development of soft skills in areas such as customer service and management. Adaptation of personnel to the cultural norms of the company. Learning to work with equipment, machinery or complex processes. When considering how VR can be used to solve learning problems, companies in any case must understand their learning goals and determine which technology will help them achieve those goals.

What is AR and VR? Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that enhances or augments your experience of the world around you, using devices such as smartphones, glasses, projectors etc. Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that makes a person feel like they are somewhere else. It uses software to produce sensations to make users feel like they are apart of this other place. User needs to use devices, such as special glasses with a screen or/and gloves fitted with sensors. Here are 6 Industries where Virtual and Augmented reality is being actively used besides gaming: 1. Sports By putting on a VR headset an athlete can feel like they are located in a real-life game setting. The feeling of “realness” can allow them for more training and simulate exact situations that require additional practice. Demo of our work 2. Supply Chain Warehouse Planning Using Mixed Reality to “field test” modifications Transportation Optimization Capture pallet numbers and volume using object recognition. Automated confirmation of pick-up/delivery by AR after the correct number of parcels is recognized Freight Loading Loader receives a plan and instructions on pallet order and placing directly on their AR device display Parcel Loading & Drop-off Through AR, all parcels are overlaid with custom information such as weight, contents, destination etc. Staff Safety and on-job training 3. Educational industry VR and AR technology helps students concentrate on what is in front of their eyes, they are being ‘forced’ to interact with their studies and exclude any potential side distractions. This is making the books, lectures and exercises more immersive and engaging. That way they are becoming a better solution for seizing students’ focus and attention. Demo of our work 4. Architectural design & construction VR is making solving complex structures more efficient. Now it is possible to determine whether a given structure is practically possible or not, making projects more robust and accurate. Today it has also become common in modern cities to take a tour of homes using VR equipment. VR allows you to step into architectural designs not just by seeing a paper blueprint, now feel the environment in the 3D model. AR in construction allows combining designs with the physical job site. 5. E-commerce and Retail AR allows customers to preview and experience products any time from any environment, before making a purchase. In 2020 retailers are venturing into the virtual world. There, a shopper can walk through a virtual store and look at goods as they would in real life. Businesses can now run shops and ship products to customers without actually owning any physical space. Demo of our work 6. Healthcare AR apps are being used for a variety of tasks, from enabling surgeons to peer inside a patient’s body without making large incisions to helping patients by identifying their symptoms. VR has also proven useful in diagnosing, treating, and easing the symptoms of autism depression dementia, phobias, psychiatric disorders. Mariia Kalashnyk, Qualium Systems, Business Development Manager   Those who adapt to new technologies and take advantage of them earlier are more likely to succeed. Would you like to get ahead of the competitors? Do you need to develop VR or AR-based software?

Recently, more and more companies have started using virtual reality technology for training employees. This is due to the fact that the cost of implementing virtual reality has fallen and the technology itself has become more widespread. In addition, VR has become much more affordable and available thanks to the recent growth in virtual reality (VR) devices. What is virtual reality training? Virtual Reality Training is a digital simulation of learning situations that can occur in real-life conditions. With the help of a special headset and controllers, students operate in a three-dimensional virtual environment, interacting with objects and people. What companies use virtual reality for training? Boeing. UPS. Walmart. Porsche. Henkel. BP. ExxonMobil. UPS. Why is vr training important? We have prepared a small selection of articles that tell about the advantages and disadvantages of using virtual reality for training company employees. How virtual reality is redefining soft skills training Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers Summary: Companies need employees with the right mix of skills, including “soft” skills like leadership and resilience. The prevalence of remote work makes effective digital training approaches more crucial than ever. VR training offers an affordable way to upskill employees faster and with better results. The Growing Impact of Virtual Reality Training Source: HRMagazine Summary: As usage increases and costs drop, the technology is now being used for soft skills, DE&I and leadership training. With in-person learning placed on hold during the pandemic, more organizations turned to VR training because of its increased affordability and proven ability to teach employees working remotely. Learning experts stress that VR training isn’t the right solution for all needs and should be matched to situations that best fit the medium. Why Walmart and other F500 companies are using virtual reality to train the next generation of American workers Source: CNBC Summary: Several F500 companies, such as Boeing, UPS and Walmart, are folding virtual reality into worker education and training programs. Companies have seen retention rates and productivity numbers rise when they use VR as a training tool. Augmented reality is another tech tool companies are opting for to upskill their workforce. Is VR the Future of Corporate Training? Source: Harvard Business Review Summary: VR is increasingly being used to help train employees to do their jobs. VR is being used to train employees in “soft skills” to improve customer service and managerial skills. VR shows a unique balance across experiments — it is immersive enough for people to take the training seriously, but also a safe environment where learners are less self-conscious about speaking frankly compared to talking to real people.

You should already pay attention to AR if you don’t want to miss the overriding future trends.

Figuring out the way to use Unity in the most effective way.

The list can be a good place to start for developers looking to enter the field.

AR becomes a useful part of many fields nowadays. Fintech is one of them.

The untapped potential of AR applicability provides developers with the opportunity to channel creativity into various academic sectors as outlined below.