This past week, like many others, proved once again fruitful for the enterprise XR space. As the reign of smart glasses begins, businesses and vendors are seemingly taking note of the prospects that could lay ahead for those adopting AI-powered smart glasses.
From delivery drivers to healthcare professionals and everyday consumers, smart glasses champions are clearly laying the groundwork to highlight the technology’s potential benefits.
The tipping point is not quite there yet; however, despite the marketing force for smart glasses becoming supercharged for the first time, other firms are struggling to keep legacy devices alive.
Microsoft HoloLens 2 Receives Final Major Update
This week, Microsoft announced the final opportunity to purchase HoloLens 2 before its discontinuation in December. The last major feature update for the device has been released, marking a significant change in its underlying framework. While the device will continue receiving minor security and stability updates until 2027, this most recent update is the final major update.
In an official statement, Microsoft stated:
On behalf of the entire HoloLens team, we thank our dedicated customers, partners, MVPs and developer community for helping to push the boundaries of the world of augmented reality for the past 8+ years.
The latest update for HoloLens 2 includes several enhancements. One notable feature is the introduction of new system text size settings, which allow users to adjust the size of the start menu UI. Users can now scale text up to 200%. Additionally, the update simplifies the initial setup process for first-time users by allowing them to skip the eye calibration setup.
Two new applications have also been added to the headset. The first is WinGet integration, which enables users to download Microsoft Store apps after the storefront’s retirement. The second is the OneDrive PWA application, which enhances cloud-sharing capabilities for HoloLens 2 users.
Along with these significant updates, the release includes various bug fixes and security updates, demonstrating Microsoft’s commitment to maintaining the device’s security for business users, especially following the recent time-to-buy period.
Amazon to Deploy AR Smart Glasses to Delivery Drivers
Amazon is using AR smart glasses to optimize its delivery processes. It plans to deploy tailor-made smart glasses for delivery drivers. These glasses will utilize AR visualizations to guide drivers’ routes, specifically for on-foot navigation to customer delivery points.
Internally codenamed “Amelia,” the smart glasses feature a small AR display, an inward-facing camera to confirm delivered packages, Alexa voice commands, and an integrated AI chatbot.
The report indicates that Amazon’s smart glasses will provide AR turn-by-turn navigation visualizations, assisting drivers in walking toward buildings and identifying obstacles to save time during deliveries. The AR smart glasses will also enable delivery workers to operate hands-free, eliminating the need for handheld GPS devices.
Ultimately, Amazon’s smart glasses aim to enhance delivery efficiency by offering workers hands-free guidance that quickly displays directions and allows them to carry more packages.
Meta Brings VR/MR Headsets and the Metaverse to US/UK Education Institutions
Meta has launched a beta program called Meta for Education, specifically designed for colleges and universities. Announced in April, this initiative aims to provide education-focused XR services to teachers, trainers, and administrators through the Quest line of VR and MR headsets.
The beta launch includes numerous colleges and universities in the US and UK, such as Arizona State University, Houston Community College, Imperial College London, Miami Dade College, Morehouse College, New Mexico State University, San Diego State University, Savannah College of Art & Design, The University of Glasgow, University of Iowa, University of Leeds, University of Miami, and University of Michigan.
Participating institutions will collaborate with Meta by providing feedback on the beta launch. The intention is to refine and enhance the Meta for Education product ahead of a broader release targeting subjects such as science, medicine, history, and language arts.
Like the Meta Quest for Business model introduced last year, these new educational solutions aim to empower educators with XR applications and management features tailored explicitly for academic settings. Updated management features will enable teachers to use multiple Quest devices simultaneously in classrooms. Additionally, advanced device management tools will eliminate teachers needing to update each device individually, streamlining the onboarding process.
Meta emphasized that the education package includes Metaverse capabilities, potentially revitalizing its previously hyped technology promise. Meta explained that Metaverse solutions can enrich classrooms through digital field trips and training experiences.
Following this initial launch and the first round of feedback, Meta plans to scale the solution during the final weeks of 2024, focusing on education and training applications for the Quest portfolio. This development also comes after the launch of the Meta Quest 3S at Connect a few months ago, which aims to serve as an accessible entry point for integrating MR across various sectors.
Sony XR Headset New Communication Features Teased
Recently, Sony filed a request with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for XR hand gesture technology to accompany its upcoming headset. While this request may relate to Sony’s existing PSVR portfolio, it aligns with the new device’s developments.
As is often the case with patent filings, the information may not reflect a final product directly. However, USPTO developments can highlight the direction of future XR devices.
The recent patent, titled “System and Methods for Enabling Communication Between Users,” focuses on a hand-gesture-based communication feature that utilizes sensors in the headset to translate users’ hand and finger movements into nonverbal inputs, commands, and messages. The patent emphasizes multi-user XR communication within a shared experience, citing a gaming example.
Interestingly, earlier reports about the device mention a ring-style controller enabling headset users to interact with the upcoming Sony device. This recent hand-gesture patent supports this innovative concept of XR input.
