Your Guide to Comparing XR Collaboration Tech
XR collaboration solutions are quickly becoming a central part of the modern workplace. Whether it’s healthcare companies using VR and AR to train together, or manufacturing companies using extended reality for product development, the era of immersion has arrived.
In the age of flexible work, XR solutions can bridge the gaps between employees more effectively than almost any collaboration app. Organizations are constantly discovering new benefits with this tech, from increased employee engagement to better knowledge retention from training sessions.
The challenge for businesses is figuring out which immersive collaboration solutions they should be investing in. That’s why we created this step-by-step guide to streamline the comparison process.
Step 1: Define Your XR Collaboration Goals
The number of XR solutions designed to support enterprises and collaborative processes is constantly growing. Companies now have the option to experiment with a wide range of immersive technologies and applications. For instance, there’s the Apple Vision Pro for mixed reality, glasses like the XReal Air 2 Ultra specs for AR productivity, and even the Meta Quest 3 for VR.
Before you can start comparing your options, you need to define what you want to accomplish with XR collaboration. For instance, if you’re trying to streamline product development and testing processes, a virtual reality headset and metaverse environment may be the ideal choice.
With digital twin technology and 3D assets, employees can experiment with new product designs and ideas without wasting any physical resources. If you’re trying to connect employees in the field with back-office staff, AR and mixed-reality solutions might be the right choice.
Examine your workplace for signs of collaborative strains and issues, and determine which flavor of extended reality will best suit your needs.
Step 2: Consider Your Hardware Options
Once you know what type of XR collaboration strategy you’re going to implement, the next step is figuring out what sort of hardware you’ll be using. These days, it’s possible to access XR experiences on a range of different tools and devices. There are apps team members can access using their desktop browser or smartphone, like Microsoft Teams Immersive Spaces.
However, investing in wearable devices is usually the best way to unlock the full power of XR collaboration. Based on your team’s needs, ask yourself whether you need a VR headset, a set of AR smart glasses, or a mixed-reality device.
Determine which features you’ll prioritize when sorting through solutions. For instance, what kind of resolution should the VR headset have, and how comfortable does it need to be? Will your AR glasses need a long battery life, or will they have to be connected to a phone or laptop at all times?
If you’re looking for mixed reality solutions, do you want your teams to have the option to control their level of immersion, like they can with the Meta Quest 3?
Step 3: Explore XR Collaboration Software
Headsets and wearables can only accomplish so much on their own. For a truly effective XR collaboration strategy, you need the right applications. Some devices come with built-in access to valuable collaborative tools. Meta’s Horizon library is packed with apps for work, including Meta’s own Horizon workspace solution.
Apple’s Vision Pro headset can work with a range of platforms, from Microsoft Teams, to Zoom, and even specialized CAD applications and tools. Ideally, your chosen headset should work with the apps your teams already use for productivity and collaboration.
However, in some cases, you may need to consider working with an expert to create your own dedicated immersive solutions. There are plenty of software development kits, APIs, and no-code and low-code tools out there that can help you create metaverse environments and training apps.
When exploring software solutions, think about the features you’ll need, such as the ability to work with a range of files, integrate with other apps, and access capabilities like spatial sound.
Step 4: Identify Valuable Accessories
Accessories can be incredibly valuable in the XR collaboration space, enhancing immersion or improving the user experience for your teams. Mixed, augmented, and virtual reality accessories don’t just include various straps for comfort or charging ports.
Increasingly, there’s a wide range of accompanying solutions companies can explore. Haptic accessories, that bring a sense of “touch” to immersive experiences can revolutionize collaborative training sessions. For team members that need to move around freely in a virtual space, you can explore omnidirectional treadmills, or even VR shoes.
Plus, in the AR landscape, add-ons like the XReal Beam Pro can help reduce the need for teams to keep their glasses connected to laptops or smartphones at all times. Based on your use cases, it’s worth exploring the ever-evolving range of accessories available to your teams.
Step 5: Look at XR Collaboration Innovations
Finally, as more companies worldwide continue to embrace XR collaboration solutions, we’re seeing an increase in accompanying technologies and resources to boost immersion. For instance, artificial intelligence is quickly becoming one of the most valuable additions to the XR space. With generative AI companies can design NPCs and virtual coaches for teams.
AI solutions can also help improve the links between distributed employees. Built into XR apps, AI can translate messages and content instantly. It can record information for later sessions or compliance. Plus, it can instantly surface important information and documents during meetings.
Other accompanying technologies you may want to consider include connectivity solutions. For instance, a cloud-based streaming platform for XR applications can reduce the strain on your company’s resources. You can also explore software and subscription options designed for companies, like Meta’s “Meta for Business” plan.
Get Started with XR Collaboration
Bringing extended reality and immersion into collaborative experiences can deliver incredible benefits for businesses in every industry. With the right hardware, software, and solutions, you can strengthen team connections, improve productivity, and reduce costs.
The key to success is analyzing your use cases and needs carefully and choosing the right blend of tools to empower and unify your workers.
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