Microsoft Adds Dynamics 365 Guides XR Tools to HoloLens 2

Users of the longstanding mixed reality headset can now receive sequential instruction in virtual environments

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Published: April 11, 2023

Demond Cureton

Microsoft has developed its mixed reality (MR) solutions with fresh updates on its Dynamics 365 Guides platform, the company announced in early April.

The new tools will support deskless and frontline workers worldwide and follow numerous steps Microsoft has taken to promote its Mesh platform for MR experiences.

Dynamics 365 Guides allows workers to receive sequential instructions as holograms to facilitate workflows, repairs, efficiency, and training.

HoloLens 2 Dynamics 365 Guides, Upgraded

The news comes after Microsoft incorporated Teams on the enterprise platform, allowing HoloLens 2 headset users to collaborate with remote workers regardless of physical location.

The solution also provides remote workers real-time views from the headset, live feeds, and spatially-orientated annotations for the MR device user. Microsoft refers to this process as direct inking, where remote assistants can insert arrows, captions, audio and video, and other key data assets in a user’s environment.

Microsoft’s updates feature is available on the Dynamics 365 Guides and Remote Assist platform. Those wearing the head-mounted display (HMD) can receive step-by-step instructions from technicians to navigate troubleshooting and instructional experiences.

HoloLens 2 users can view the annotated information superimposed on their real-world environments, providing them with an immersive guidance system.

The new tool also allows HoloLens users to launch Teams for face-to-face calls, complete with video and audio toggling. Frontline workers can choose whether to use Teams or the HoloLens’ native calling feature to protect sensitive data and boost other security features.

Regarding Guides, users can link guides for increased navigational capabilities to move from asset to asset seamlessly. These can include training materials, files, and others, greatly improving the platform’s interoperability.

Microsoft HoloLens Partnerships

Microsoft’s HoloLens platform has been a mainstay in the remote guidance sector, where global professionals have relied on the headset for a host of collaborative features.

One of the top users of the headset, Kognitiv Spark, has relied on the device for offshore remote troubleshooting of critical infrastructure. The firm has supported engineers and key frontline workers across the world who rely on the platform to receive repair walkthroughs and guides in difficult locations.

Computing giant Hewlett-Packard has also leveraged the HoloLens to resolve issues with enterprise-grade printing systems. The platform offers step-by-step procedures to remotely resolve device malfunctions, significantly reducing downtime for printing services.

Theorem Systems also created a computer-aided design (CAD) platform for the HoloLens 2, Theorem-XR. The advanced system allows CAD designers to leverage Microsoft’s Azure Remote Rendering solution on HoloLens 2 headsets. Azure offers cloud-based streaming for high-volume and quality datasets with optimal security.

The solution provides drag-and-drop data to servers and exporting files right from lifecycle management programmes, among others, across MR devices. The platform also reinforces quality control with Unity and Unreal Engine-based content for digital twins, schematics, and real-time 3D (RT3D) assets.

Integrations with these tools will provide the next step in guidance for professionals seeking to leverage the full potential of their remote workflows. As frontline workers depend on collaborative solutions’ speed, versatility, and functionality, Microsoft aims to upgrade its services to back key workers.

Microsoft Ignite 2022

The news comes after XR Today attended the Microsoft Ignite 2022 last year, where company executives shared key findings and innovations across its family of solutions.

The three-day event featured talks with Infosys, a field service management (FSM) solutions provider, that leverage Dynamics 365 and Teams for remote workers.

Infosys’ Sreeram Lekshminarayanan and Rithika Messiahdas explained how Microsoft played a critical role in facilitating the Internet of Things (IoT) and MR insights. Dynamics 365 also boosted the company’s massive efforts to tackle labour challenges for skilled workforces.

At the time, Lekshminarayanan told audiences,

“Customers also had higher expectations for experiences as well. It’s no longer about ‘Yes, we need to get the task done, I raised a request, and it’s carried out at the technician’s earliest convenience,’ but customers in the digital expect everything to be better, smarter, faster, and when they want it”

Messiahdas also explained how artificial intelligence (AI) and MR could greatly allow energy and utility firms to improve their infrastructure and services. She added that demands for smart grid management services and refrigeration systems prompted Infosys to seek solutions on HoloLens headsets.

 

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