RemoteSpark: New Functions for Next-Gen Stability

Considering our clients use RemoteSpark in some of the most remote, challenging, and low-bandwidth environments, we’re happy to announce that we’ve added additional robustness and stability to our AR remote guidance solution.

One of the highlights of this new release (RemoteSpark 1.9.90) is our new auto-reconnect function.

Many digital communications solutions have auto-reconnect capabilities, ensuring that when a call drops, the system will try to re-establish the connection. However, many of these capabilities are inherently impatient and either time out or give up if network conditions don’t improve quickly.

For our customers, that simply won’t do.

With this in mind, we’ve created the Dark Zone Resiliency Protocol (DZRP) which is a reimaging of a traditional auto-reconnect function designed specifically for use in industrial and remote environments with spotty and poor connectivity or with connectivity dead zones.

Think of DZRP as Auto-Reconnect 4.0. We didn’t want to implement a traditional auto-reconnect function, so we looked into the exact conditions that led to dropped RemoteSpark calls.

We found that when customers are using RemoteSpark, they need to jump from network to network during one call. Additionally, many industrial settings have dark zones in which WiFi signal doesn’t reach due to obstructing equipment, barriers, or range issues.

And so, we designed an auto-reconnection protocol that matched the needs of the industrial worker.

With RemoteSpark’s new auto-reconnect functionality, a dropped call will try to reconnect infinitely. 

For example, a RemoteSpark user on the HoloLens could go behind a piece of equipment which suspends the call due to lack of signal. The software on the expert’s computer and worker’s HoloLens will wait for the two sides to gain connectivity and re-establish the call. This can happen over and over again as they go in and out of range or jump from network to network.

A few other highlights of RemoteSpark 1.9.90 include:

1. The holographic network status indicator
   We’ve added a network status indicator that appears on the worker’s palm. This indicator shows the name of the wifi network, signal strength, and if the call is connected.
   

2. Improved photo clarity
   Images captured through RemoteSpark are now significantly higher quality, helping ensure that workers better understand an expert’s instructions by delivering even greater detail.
   

3. Pop-up confirmation for voice commands
   Now, when RemoteSpark users interact with the system via voice command, a small visual confirmation indication will briefly appear and quickly move out of view to confirm to the worker that the voice command was received.

A still image captured through the expert end of RemoteSpark of a technician checking their hand to see network status and quality.

An array of stability improvements are slated for RemoteSpark 1.9.90 coming which will be live on May 5th.

Like to see DZRP in action? Schedule a demo of RemoteSpark today.

If you’re a RemoteSpark user, ensure that both desktop apps and HoloLens’ are updated to 1.9.90. This update will be triggered automatically but can be manually triggered at the Microsoft store