Metaverse - the hardware solutions explained

There are four types of metaverse hardware. 

Its important to understand the difference as you get a very different experience.

What is Augmented Reality?

This is the Enterprise version with every bell and whistle, that hosts powerful software for resolving enterprise issues often in 3D. We will explain how this allows you to see digital images overlaid on the real world and why that is key. See the educational instances in Industrial, Medical and Educational uses cases here. 

The Meta Quest 3 and similar devices represent a significant leap forward in augmented reality (AR) and metaverse technology, offering users the ability to view and interact with substantial digital information overlaid on the real world. These advancements are crucial as the hardware becomes lighter, making it feasible for all-day use without compromising comfort. This enhanced portability is complemented by robust computing power, which is capable of processing complex software and delivering immersive experiences across both physical and virtual worlds.

As metaverse expansion continues to accelerate, these devices are at the forefront of integrating augmented reality with virtual environments. They facilitate seamless interaction between physical and virtual spaces, enabling users to engage with digital content in ways that blur the lines between the two realms. This capability is particularly valuable for AR work, where real-world tasks can be augmented with virtual elements, enhancing productivity and creativity.

The technology powering the Meta Quest 3 and similar devices is designed to support sophisticated metaverse experiences, including dynamic virtual worlds and interactive environments. This innovation paves the way for future developments in the metaverse, where the integration of AR and virtual reality will become increasingly seamless, offering users richer and more engaging experiences.

In summary, the Meta Quest 3 embodies the cutting-edge of metaverse and augmented reality technology. Its lightweight design and powerful computing capabilities enable users to interact with extensive digital information overlaid on the real world, making it an essential tool for both current and future applications in the metaverse. As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise to redefine how we experience and interact with both physical and virtual worlds.

Magic Leap Download Centre - Case Studies, Use Cases and Insightful videos 

HoloLens Download Centre - Case Studies, Use Cases and insightful videos 

High Level Comparison information:-

Magic Leap 2 V HoloLens 2 Top level headline comparison

Magic Leap Introduction 

HoloLens 2 Introduction

These devices cost between £3-4000 each and therefore the return on investment gains have to be significant. However you will see from the case studies and use cases that 10X productivity gains and 5.7X Returns on Investment are common. Case Studies and Comparisons

Use Case Examples would be in Industrial, Engineering, Design, Medical, Healthcare where complex issues are being dealt with:

In a Handsfree way, Like Lockheed Martin on the Orion spacecraft cutting the time to place 57,000 rivets in the machines hull, by 90%. Completing what did take eight , 8-hour shifts in just 6 hours! Without any mistakes! 

In 3D, like the Neurosurgery example where CAT scans and MRI's are turned into 3D so surgeons, can pre plan the operation and. show the patient, family, colleagues exactly what they are tackling and how they will overcome any likely bumps in the road.  

What is Assisted Reality?

In the realm of augmented reality (AR) and metaverse technology, enterprise use cases and high-specification consumer applications span a broad range of requirements and capabilities. At the top end of the spectrum, enterprise solutions leverage advanced AR technology to deliver complex, interactive digital overlays that enhance professional tasks and industrial applications. These high-end devices often provide a comprehensive digital image within smart glass lenses or display information visible to one eye only, catering to specialised use cases that demand significant computational power and integration with existing systems.

Conversely, high-specification consumer devices offer a more accessible entry point into augmented reality and metaverse experiences. These devices are designed to cater to various consumer needs, from immersive entertainment to interactive learning experiences. They typically present digital information overlaid on the real world, enhancing the user's interaction with both physical and virtual environments.

Leading players in the AR and metaverse market include:

• Vuzix: Known for its advanced smart glasses and AR solutions, Vuzix focuses on delivering enterprise-grade functionality and high-quality visual experiences.

• Realwear: Specialising in wearable AR devices, Realwear provides robust solutions designed for industrial and field use, offering hands-free access to digital information and applications.

These devices are positioned in the $800 to $2,000 price range, making them more affordable compared to high-end consumer or enterprise solutions. They are particularly suited for simpler use cases that require supplementary information, such as hands-free access to data or real-time guidance in various operational contexts.

As the technology continues to evolve, the integration of AR and metaverse capabilities is expected to enhance how users interact with both physical and virtual worlds. Future developments will likely include advanced 3D models and immersive metaverse projects that further bridge the gap between reality and the digital universe, expanding the potential applications and experiences within the metaverse.

What are the Assisted Reality Hardware Use Cases?

Examples being:-

- Picking in Logistics warehouses - where handsfree picking can be achieved realising 20-25% time savings.

- See what I see field audits where a remote expert is seeing the wearers view is another use case that has delivered 10X productivity gains. This requires collaboration software that lets a user bring in colleagues on enterprise tools like Microsoft Teams.

- Medical remote expert is another use case, where a central expert can arrive and see what the surgeon or medical "in field" person is seeing. Again access the glasses and collaborating on Microsoft Teams or Google Meet is a key requirement, so that the expert and end user are using Enterprise collaboration tools, that they are used to. See Simply Video's powershell that enables Vuzix smart glasses to join Teams.   

The SimplyVideo XRConnect product is here

What is Mixed Reality Hardware?

The best example is the MetaQuest device range as seen above. These hardware options show you an image of the real world that is being collected from cameras on the front surface of the smart glasses. Distance perception here is the issue and any uses cases that require distance perception, these options should be ruled out.

 The price point for these type of devices is $£400 and as of January the devices come with Microsoft software, as a result of the new partnership. That makes MetaQuest for Work a real option, and that's been underlined by Accenture buying 65,000 MetaQuest headsets loaded with Meta for Work.

Meta are making a much simpler play for volume, targeting Microsoft's installed Enterprise software customer base. As a market that is huge and the proposition simple, why always look at a PC or Mobile device when you can have your own very personal head located display?

As work display tools these Mixed Reality devices are great for concentration and focus,however they come with Microsoft Teams, so as collaboration devices they are superb options.

Potentially they also address the post Covid Era of a disconnected workforce, working from home or in 2D on Teams, Zoom or Google Meet. Read The Meta and Mesh Blog here that highlights how Microsoft's new 3D Mesh software and Meta could address some very real collaboration issues.   

What are Virtual Reality headsets?

Apple's VisionPro is the market leader here, on the opening pre-order weekend they took 300,000 orders and in one weekend doubled the size of the Metaverse Hardware Market. At $3000 plus these immersive smart goggles are not cheap, however software wise they come with Apple's software and continuity approach which means I can put down the Ipad and there in my VisionPro is the last thing I was working on.  

Ideal for gaming, your completely immersed in your world inside the smart goggles, unable to see the real world, just the game, so concentration and focus are key elements that are delivered.

All of these options make up the hardware market and we'll explain and bring them to life in the following section.