31
Jul

Getting Familiar with Microsoft HOLOLENS

 

 

Ever since the launch of Microsoft Hololens at inception of 2015, it has continued to amaze the world. The proposed capabilities of cool looking device had left people in awe.

What is Hololens?

It is world’s first holographic head mounted display based on the concept of Augment Reality or rather, Mixed Reality. It lets you interact with holograms within an environment such as your room, providing a truly  immersive experience.

Once you wear the device , your visual world will be over laid by a digital one, without loosing sight of original. The device has high-end sensors and trackers that detect your eye position , capture your hand movements , record and respond to your voice. For starters, you can watch videos , check blogs , open documents. It scans your view and objects and marks them as reference whenever required. You can see a new 3D world in front of you.

   

 

According to excerpt from official Microsoft site , Interacting with holograms in mixed reality enables you to visualize and work with your digital content as part of your real world. Realize mixed reality’s promise with Microsoft HoloLens.

 

Launch

Hololens was introduced at Windows 10 launch event earlier in 2015.

Below is a demo video from Build 2015. The demonstration was really interesting and new.

 

At Build 2017 , Hololens got re-introduced as it gets Motion controllers.

Price and availability

Hololens is currently available in developer version only and comes at a whooping price of $3000. A version for the masses is yet to hit the grounds.

Applications of Hololens

1. Remote Instruction

Hololens could be used for Remote Instruction purposes. Visual diagrams or models could be seen in space around the user indicating exactly what you need to do next. 

 

2. Entertainment

 

One of the most fascinating use of Hololens is Gaming. It could provide gaming experience like never before. Having a 3D immersive gaming experience at comforts of your home would be amazing.

 

3. Gaming

Hololens could bring virtual objects into real by overlaying them and hence, makes a great potential for Entertainment business. Users can climb mountains , explore space, go deep-sea diving , host an alien war right at their couch.

 

4. Training

 

NASA is also using Microsoft’s HoloLens to “travel” to Mars.  They hope to be able to use the technology to control future rovers and virtually explore the land around the rovers. 

 

5. Designing

 

Designing is another major area that could make use of Hololens. The device can scan an object, help you design it the way you prefer and you can watch your ideas coming to life.

 

 

HOLOLENS SPECS

 

 

 

Along with the traditional CPU (Central Processing Unit)and GPU (Graphic processing unit), it features Holographic processing unit or HPU, dedicated to immerse holograms in real environment.

Other specificatins include:

  • 2GB RAM
  • 64 GB Flash storage
  • Custom Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit HPU 1.0, Intel 32-bit architecture
  • Multiple environment understanding sensors , ambient light sensor and inertial measurement unit
  • See through holographic lens display with Automatic pupillary distance calibration
  • 2 MP HD camera to capture photos and videos
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Weighs 579g
  • External speakers, 3.5mm audio jack
  • Charges over micro USB giving 2-3 hour active use battery life
  • Runs windows 10

 

HOLOLENS INTERACTION

 

In order to allow the human interaction, 3 features are executed :

  • Tracking Gaze
  • Taking input via Gesture
  • Providing Voice support.

 

 

  • Gaze helps the device to understand the what to give information about.
  • It is equivalent to setting target. Whatever you are looking at via digital screen, Hololens understands  you are paying attention to it at the moment.
  • Once you have your item of interest locked in your gaze , you can now provide input via voice or gestures.
  • For gesture , it could be an action , such as “tap”.
  • For voice, this is done by utilizing array microphones that provides excellent voice recognition.

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31
Jul

Top 9 Augmented Reality Applications

 Top 9 Augmented Reality Android and iOS Applications

 

Theodolite

Theodolite AR App

Theodolite AR App

  • Using this app, an age-old surveying instrument, called Theodolite used to measure angles, distances, directions and locations, is digitized.
  • Theodolite is a multi-function viewfinder that combines a compass, two-axis inclinometer, rangefinder, GPS, map, navigation calculator, tracker, and geo-tag photo/movie camera into one indispensable app.
  • It comes with an optional in-app purchase to enable team tracking, with which you can share location with up to 20 people on Theodolite’s map. This was aimed at helping search and rescue teams.
  • You can download the app from appstore here.

 

Google Translate

Google Translate AR App

Google Translate AR App

  • Users can now point their device, with the app installed, towards text in unknown languages.
  • The text can be a part of newspaper and road signs as well.
  • The letters rearrange themselves on the screen to convert into a language of user’s choice.
  • They can select  from over 30 languages available.
  • You can download this app for iOS here and for android here.

 

 

WikiTude World Browser

WikiTude World Browser AR App

WikiTude World Browser AR App

  • You can now point your camera phone and look around via it to find nearby restaurants,ATMs, landmarks and other significant locations.
  • These are particularly, very helpful when you visit a new city or country.
  • Once, you scan surroundings, a list of categories to browse through is presented.
  • Social networks are also included, so you can find a friend in vicinity.
  • Download the app here.

 

 

LayAR

LayAR AR App

LayAR AR App

  • With LayAR , you can easily find services around you.
  • The app uses their meta data to enable the user to click on the icons which pop up when in AR mode to view more information.
  • If one clicks on a hotel they’ll get a description, customer reviews and prices as well as a link to their booking site.
  • You can download the app for iOS here and for android here.

 

 

Augmented Car Finder

Augmented Car Finder AR App

Augmented Car Finder AR App

  • It uses AR , 3D Google maps and radar to keep track of your parked vehicle.
  • It uses your camera to search for your vehicle and give you directions to it.
  • Not just that, it also has Auto track mode to locate car if it gets stolen.
  • It can manage upto 3 cars.
  • Also, have parking meter alarms.
  • Download here for iOS.

 

SpecTrek

SpecTrek AR App

SpecTrek AR App

  • It is a fun, ghost hunting game, which requires a camera phone and GPS.
  • Using SpecTrek app, you can move your camera around and virtual ghosts will appear nearby.
  • You can then, catch those ghosts by some ghost-busting options that appear on screen.
  • Download here for android and here for iOS.

 

 

Color Grab

Color Grab AR App

Color Grab AR App

 

  • This app is useful for people with artistic bent.
  • You can launch app and point it to desired object.
  • It lets you capture any new color that you witness and store it for later use. It records the RGB and hex values of the color.
  • You can also share them.
  • Graphic designers could put it to good use.
  • Download here for android.

 

 

Science AR apps

Science AR apps

Science AR apps

  • This is a educational app for elementary school kids.
  • This app works in conjunction with Science AR posters. When the screen of device is pointed towards the AR poster, digital contents  like video and graphics is played to make learning fun.
  • The posters have be downloaded separately.
  • Download here for iOS.

 

 

Augment

Augment AR App

Augment AR App

  • Augment app is an enterprise AR platform used by ecommerce sites.
  • It allows their users to test, how a product will look like at their home or desired location visually in actual dimensions.
  • The product could be an almirah , a pair of shoes , a chair or any other complex or simple object.
  • Download here for android and here for iOS.

Comment and share this post if you like it and want us to add more posts like this.

11
Jul

Graphics in Python

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