Guest Blog: Mobile Devices vs the HoloLens for AR
This is a guest article written by Alec Pestov, Founder and CEO of vGIS. vGIS is an industry leader in the practical and actionable applications of augmented and mixed reality for the delivery of BIM and GIS data to simplify fieldwork. Learn more about the company at www.vgis.io
In 2016, a new gadget set the stage for an arms race in the technology of extended reality (XR). The gadget was the Microsoft HoloLens, a bulky, futuristic-looking headset that finally provided the capabilities that other devices had promised but had so far failed to deliver.
Now in 2020, the HoloLens is onto its second version (HoloLens 2). The broad support for these devices has provided many opportunities for developers. For instance, vGIS—the leading XR solution in the field for visualizing BIM and GIS data—is designed to work with augmented reality (AR) on tablets and phones as well as with mixed reality (MR) on HoloLens.
At vGIS, we must often deal with the question of HoloLens versus iPad and Android devices in order to provide recommendations about optimal deployment. Many companies are just beginning to explore this technology (AR/MR), and they want to know whether they should use the HoloLens in place of tablets and phones, and, if so, how and where.
The applicability of a given hardware platform will differ from job to job and from app to app. Depending on the desired outcomes, what counts as better may differ even within the same organization. For instance, because of their specialized focus, advanced remote support solutions run exclusively on HoloLens. But simple video chat apps are better executed on mobile devices.
On the basis of purely vGIS experience—experience in deploying BIM and GIS AR or MR solutions for AEC and field services—we have summarized the internal guidelines that we share with clients.
The main question is when to use tablets or phones and when to use HoloLens.
Phones and tablets
Phones and tablets offer a unique combination of market penetration, accessibility, and convenience. They are in everyone’s pocket, easy to use, and always on. Apps can be run within a few seconds of unlocking the phone. Depending on the model and screen size—bigger and newer is always better—AR apps are zippy and offer excellent visuals even in bright light. Moreover, phones and tablets already run the many apps that make up the standard toolkit of any enterprise.
So it is unsurprising that the majority of vGIS app deployments are on mobile devices.
Recent research conducted by the University of New Brunswick, in collaboration with the University of Toronto, found that Mobile AR presents a degree of difficulty for users when they must perform select (or tap) functions. This is due to a number of factors including hand jitter, limited field of view, object occlusion, varying click target sizes.
“All of these factors make target selection in mobile augmented reality slow, cumbersome, and more error-prone,” said Dr. Scott Bateman of the University of New Brunswick’s Human-Computer Interaction Lab. Read Bateman’s synopsis of this research here:
HoloLens
Considering the broad benefits of mobile, the circumstances in which the HoloLens does a better job may not be obvious. But there are several reasons why every organization should consider strategically deploying HoloLens.
Complex visualizations
Complex or busy visualizations are best viewed on HoloLens. These visualizations can range from sophisticated BIM models, structures, multi-layered utility corridors, the subsurface utilities of a busy downtown street, and intertwining fiber-optic cables, and much more. HoloLens delivers the depth perception that helps users to grasp complex 3D objects almost instantly.
Tablets and phones struggle in such situations. In order to approach the same level of understanding that is possible with a HoloLens, when using tablets and phones the user must move around to view objects from different angles. This extra time (and clunky interfacing) translates into higher costs, lost productivity, and mistakes.
The superiority of the stereoscopic 3D visuals exclusive to HoloLens justify deploying at least a few HoloLens units to support advanced construction and engineering jobs, critical utility maintenance (such as may be undertaken by field crew supervisors), utility locate validators, public works, and similar contexts in which speed, deep understanding, and accuracy are crucial.
Hands-free
The HoloLens also shines in a hands-free environment. If users need to remain hands-free to perform their jobs, paper records, and tablet-based or phone-based tools will not suffice. The HoloLens provides a rich and interactive user experience for displaying manuals, guides, and collaboration tools while allowing the user’s hands to remain completely free to do the job itself.
Limited or difficult space
The HoloLens also works best in environments where using phone-based, tablet-based, or paper-based references is difficult or impossible. Jobs that require the worker to follow specific instructions, and where placing paper instructions or tablet and phone within reach is not possible, are the best candidates for the HoloLens. Examples include working in small chambers or at great heights.
Advanced collaboration
Sometimes the user must be guided by a remote specialist. Such guidance may include highlighting areas of concern, displaying objects in 3D, and superimposing schematics on physical objects. The best solutions in such cases are on HoloLens and advanced collaboration apps like RemoteSpark by Kognitiv Spark.
Operational readiness
Finally, being prepared for Industry 4.0 is a significant reason for companies to deploy the HoloLens on at least a modest scale.
Some companies deploying vGIS have done so on mobile devices only. Nevertheless, they have also procured several HoloLens units (to enable socialization of the tech in their organizations).
These companies understand that hands-free MR devices are the future of their industry, so they have begun preparing for that future.
The situation is akin to the massive shift of the workforce toward mobile in the early 2010s. Some companies started preparing for the mobile revolution with the release of iPhone 3G, which gave them a head start and a competitive edge. The same motive inspires investment in preparations for the inevitable mass deployment of wearable XR.
Summary
This article has explained a few of the reasons for deploying Microsoft HoloLens instead of phone-based or tablet-based AR. Our explanation is based entirely on our own experience in deploying the vGIS solution in scores of enterprises and is not meant to be exhaustive. There are also many other reasons for companies to experiment with holographic devices in order to understand their options, the functionality, and operational barriers required to successfully socialize and adopt MR technology.