technologyreseller.co.uk 43 BUSINESS BRIEFING once exclusively used simulators to train, XR now offers new tools to make scenarios more realistic than ever. Other areas of potential are in sports, and in the military. The Metaverse is already showing huge potential for XR technologies, as are Healthcare modelling and training (such as surgery), as well as industrial, and manufacturing environments. Similarly, architecture, engineering, and construction are using XR tech to demonstrate how spaces can be used. And cultural or entertainment scenarios can put XR to good use to bring experiences to life. It’s clear that XR is now firmly ensconced in mainstream tech deployment. Innovation is moving rapidly to meet growing demand. And, here at Ingram Micro, we have teams of specialists, with detailed knowledge of XR and specifically Microsoft HoloLens. So, if you’d like to find out how to make the most of the opportunities in XR, simply get in touch with Brian Windsor – [email protected]. ways to test real-world applications before committing to investment. n MR – also known as Hybrid Reality – is where real and virtual world objects merge and relate to one another in real-time. Imagine placing an object into a space and being able to interact or move around it. MR makes this possible. But it takes much more processing power than either AR or VR, and users will have to wear a dedicated MR headset. Microsoft HoloLens is one of the leading options available in the current market. These devices scan the environment creating a 3D mesh where virtual objects merge smartly with the real world. So, where are the real-world opportunities for XR? Let’s start with hybrid working. XR gives remote workers and colleagues in far-flung places the opportunity to be in the same room together when collaborating – albeit virtually. This inevitably results in better communication and stronger team bonding. Next… sales and marketing. Just because your customer isn’t in the same room (or even on the same continent) as you, needn’t mean your sales pitch or product demo should suffer. XR can, in fact, enhance real-world scenarios by adding an additional layer of reality and intrigue to the process. Users can point out features of a product, whilst estate agents, for example, can take clients on a virtual walk-though of a prospective property. In retail environments, AR apps give customers the chance to test and try before deciding on a purchase. IKEA is already famous for letting customers virtually position furniture in rooms via a smartphone. And, of course, training is a huge area of growth for XR applications. Where pilots
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