Why Device Management Platforms are Key to XR Headset Deployments

One of the key features of enterprise XR deployments is maintaining a large number of devices in action

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Mixed RealityInsights

Published: July 5, 2022

XR Today Team

As extended reality (XR) becomes more widely embraced by enterprises, companies are now tasked with developing enterprise-grade solutions that offer a wide range of optimisations for deployable, scalable solutions. One of the key features of enterprise XR is the ability to deploy a large number of devices at scale.

For instance, a telecom operator might employ a fleet of XR headsets for field repair to help onsite personnel receive interactive instructions from remote experts back at the office.

They may also require a separate fleet of headsets for product design and engineering to visualize prototypes in 3D. Managing all of these devices with precision and strict security requirements becomes a rather important challenge due to the high costs of XR headsets and their potential value for organizations.

Legacy Mobile Device Management (MDM) Will Not Work for XR Headsets

XR headsets technically fall under the category of enterprise mobile devices since they are mostly wireless, portable, and meant for field use. However, they are incompatible with most MDM platforms available today for a number of reasons.

  • Popular XR headsets today usually run a version of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), namely devices like the Meta Quest 2, Pico Neo 3, HTC VIVE Focus 3, Vuzix M400, and the RealWare HMT-1. However, AOSP is not compatible with Google Mobile Services (GMS), which is what most Android-based MDM solutions operate on.
  • XR headsets have a far wider range of features, settings, and configurations than a typical mobile device. For example, they may have a more complex battery optimization technique for prolonged working conditions. Conventional MDM software simply does not have room for such configurations.
  • XR still lacks the degree of interoperability seen in typical enterprise MDM, and headsets from different manufacturers may have different needs. If an organization relies on a mixed lineup of headsets, it will prove extremely difficult to manage.
  • Finally, XR headsets consume a large amount of bandwidth and are resource intensive. A legacy MDM platform will find it difficult to adapt, especially in remote management scenarios.

This makes prioritizing device management platforms essential for enterprise XR. Just as internal software will determine how hardware functions, these platforms will help organizations manage their deployments remotely, scale faster, onboard new users, and roll out more innovative applications.

XR Pioneers in the Device Management Space

Several leading companies are rising to the occasion and launching powerful XR device management tools that are purpose-built for today’s enterprises.

1. ArborXR

ArborXR is a major device management platform dedicated to AR and VR hardware, which formerly partnered with tech giant Hewlett-Packard (HP) for the latter’s white-labelled ExtendXR solution.

Following the latter’s discontinuation of ExtendXR, ArborXR is leading the charge for device management, namely for managing large-scale enterprise deployments.

Some of the world’s top firms, including Qualcomm Technologies, HP, Axon, Pixo, and others rely on ArborXR to deploy their products with regular updates, enterprise-grade security, and create bespoke VR experiences easily managed from a single or multiple administrative account.

2. Microsoft Endpoint Manager for RealWear devices

RealWear’s AR headsets are used in industrial environments and are among the first AOSP devices in the industry backed by Microsoft’s device management capabilities.

Endpoint Manager already supports a wide range of on-premise endpoints, servers, and mobile devices, and is now compatible with AR headsets as well. Importantly, the tool includes Microsoft’s Configuration Manager and Intune components, and is one of the first software platforms to manage both XR and non-XR devices.

3. Lenovo ThinkReality

Lenovo’s ThinkReality is a suite of XR devices and solutions which include device management capabilities to support large-scale deployments via the cloud. The ThinkReality platform integrates with conventional MDM software applications like Microsoft Intune, VMware, and AirWatch, providing integrations without forcing IT to uproot their existing investments.

Nathan Pettyjohn, AR/VR Lead at Lenovo, in conversation with XR Today that his company could use its ThinkReality cloud services software for device and application, user, and other mobile management needs.

4. HTC VIVE’s updates for enterprise VR

HTC’s VIVE range of devices, particularly the VIVE Focus Plus, is suitable for enterprise use, and the company announced several new features in 2020 to enhance security and governance. This includes the introduction of XR device management solutions from MobileIron and VMware, which will now be compatible with HTC VIVE, allowing enterprises to control their XR deployment in a more mobile-friendly and secure environment.

The Way Forward

Device management is crucial for the future of XR, as without it, it is challenging to issue regular upgrades, remote provisioning, and bulk configurations. ManageXR, Eden XR Platform, VMWare Workspace ONE XR Hub, and others along with other emerging companies aim to bridge the interoperability divide and build software that can simplify and regulate XR headset deployments for good.

 

 

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