Here are some major Red Flags to XR adoption:

Technical Complexity: XR implementations involve integrating hardware, software, and network infrastructure, which can be daunting for in-house IT teams. Often, the tools available for XR solutions are immature, unstable, unproven, or simply do not exist.

Capacity Planning: Accurately assessing XR hardware and software requirements is crucial for optimal performance and user experience. Yet, there are no capacity planning tools available. The capacity planning industry is still catching up.

Systems Configuration: Configuring XR devices and software to align with corporate standards and security policies is essential. Yet, until recently, there were no viable options for enterprise deployments and mass customization without significant trade-offs.

User Training: Effectively onboarding and training employees to use XR technologies is critical for adoption success. Most corporate employees over the age of 25 have no experience using XR technology and need significant training and onboarding support.

Enterprise Integration: Integrating XR solutions with existing enterprise back-office systems is necessary for seamless deployments. Yet, there are no meaningful purpose-built solutions for network integration, data backup, system security, MDM, etc.

The Role of an Integration Partner

Partnering with an experienced XR integration partner like Bernoullium can help organizations overcome these barriers and successfully implement XR solutions.

Bernoullium brings deep expertise in XR technology, enabling organizations to:

Navigate Technical Complexities: Bernoullium’s team of XR specialists can guide organizations through the intricacies of hardware, software, and network integration.

Assist with and Optimize Capacity Planning: Bernoullium’s experience in XR deployment ensures accurate capacity planning for optimal performance and scalability.

Streamline Systems Configuration: Bernoullium can configure XR devices and software to meet corporate standards and security requirements.

Facilitate User Adoption: Bernoullium provides comprehensive user training programs to maximize employee adoption and utilization of XR technologies.

Integrate with Enterprise Systems: Bernoullium can seamlessly integrate XR solutions with existing enterprise systems, ensuring data consistency and accessibility.

Implement Robust Backup and Security: Bernoullium prioritizes data protection by implementing robust backup and security measures for XR applications.

XR technologies offer a transformative path for enterprise innovation, but overcoming implementation hurdles is crucial. By partnering with an experienced integration partner like Bernoullium, organizations can harness the power of XR while mitigating the challenges associated with large-scale deployment. Give us a call to talk about your XR plans.

Bernoullium has recently partnered with MagicLeap as a Authorized Reseller and Technology Partner.

In this blog post, I discuss the technical intricacies of MagicLeap 2’s cameras, explores the remarkable capabilities of the human eye, and examines the symbiotic relationship between augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.

The Human Eye: Nature’s Masterpiece:

The human eye, with its intricate design and unparalleled ability to perceive the world in rich detail, serves as the inspiration for cutting-edge technologies like MagicLeap 2. Unlike traditional displays, the human eye is a dynamic organ that constantly adjusts focus, adapts to varying light conditions, and perceives depth with incredible precision.

MagicLeap 2’s Camera Technology:

MagicLeap 2 features advanced camera technology designed to mimic the natural capabilities of the human eye. Equipped with high-resolution sensors, these cameras capture the visual information necessary for an immersive AR experience. Additionally, the inclusion of Lidar cameras enhances spatial awareness, enabling the device to accurately map and interact with the user’s environment.

Lidar and Human Vision: Bridging the Gap:

Lidar technology, inspired by the human eye’s ability to gauge distances and perceive depth, allows MagicLeap 2 to create detailed three-dimensional maps of the user’s surroundings. This not only enhances the accuracy of virtual overlays but also enables more realistic interactions with the physical environment.

Pixel Processing and Field of View:

MagicLeap 2’s cameras process pixels and information within the user’s field of view, providing a seamless blend

of virtual and real-world elements. The human eye, in comparison, has an extraordinary ability to process vast amounts of visual data in real-time, leading to a natural and immersive viewing experience.

Harmony Between Virtual Reality and Human Sight:

The convergence of virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) and human sight represents a powerful synergy. MagicLeap 2 leverages this relationship to create experiences that go beyond mere visual stimulation, incorporating spatial awareness and depth perception to enhance overall understanding. VR, when harmoniously integrated with the human eye, can provide training simulations, educational experiences, and entertainment that feel remarkably lifelike.

Applications in Solving Business Problems:

The fusion of MagicLeap 2′s AR capabilities with the power of the human eye holds significant promise for solving complex business problems. From enhanced productivity through immersive collaborative environments to more effective training programs, businesses can leverage this technology to streamline processes and foster innovation.

AI Integration for a Smarter Future:

As we explore the possibilities of MagicLeap 2 and the human eye, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be overlooked. AI algorithms can optimize AR content, tailor experiences based on user behavior, and enhance real-time data processing, further enriching the user’s interaction with the augmented environment.

Conclusion:

MagicLeap 2, with its state-of-the-art camera technology and a deep understanding of the human eye, marks a significant leap forward in the realm of augmented reality. The seamless integration of virtual and real-world elements opens up a myriad of possibilities, from entertainment and education to solving complex business challenges. As we navigate this augmented future, the powerful combination of human sight, innovative technology, and artificial intelligence promises a transformative and immersive experience for users worldwide.

Together MagicLeap and Bernoullium can help you leverage these technologies for your business. Give us a call to discuss your next XR project or pilot.

The Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 both have front-facing cameras, but there are some key differences between the two. The Meta Quest 2 has two monochrome cameras, while the Meta Quest 3 has three high-resolution color cameras. This difference in camera technology has a significant impact on the pass-through experience for users.

Meta Quest 2 Front-Facing Cameras

The Meta Quest 2’s front-facing cameras are monochrome, which means they only capture black and white images. This is because monochrome cameras are less expensive and more efficient than color cameras. However, monochrome images lack detail and color, which can make it difficult to see your surroundings clearly.

The Meta Quest 2’s pass-through experience is also limited by the fact that it only has two front-facing cameras. This means that the headset has to stitch together the images from the two cameras to create a single view of your surroundings. This stitching process can introduce lag and distortion, making it difficult to use the pass-through feature for tasks such as walking around your room or avoiding obstacles.

Meta Quest 3 Front-Facing Cameras

The Meta Quest 3’s front-facing cameras are high-resolution RGB color cameras. This means that they capture more detail and color than the monochrome cameras on the Meta Quest 2. This results in a much sharper and more realistic pass-through experience.

The Meta Quest 3 also has three front-facing cameras, which allows it to create a stereoscopic view of your surroundings. This means that the headset can track the movement of your head and update the pass-through view in real time. This results in a much more immersive and realistic pass-through experience.

Effect on the Pass-Through Experience for Users

The differences in camera technology between the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 have a significant impact on the pass-through experience for users. The Meta Quest 2’s pass-through experience is blurry, low-resolution, and laggy. This makes it difficult to use for tasks such as walking around your room or avoiding obstacles, and can often lead to nausea or motion sickness.

The Meta Quest 3’s pass-through experience, on the other hand, is sharp, high-resolution, and responsive. This makes it much more usable and immersive. You can use it to walk around your room without bumping into things, and you can even use it for mixed reality experiences and applications.

Conclusion

The Meta Quest 3’s front-facing cameras are a significant improvement over the Meta Quest 2’s front-facing cameras. The higher resolution, color cameras, and stereoscopic view result in a much sharper, more realistic, and more responsive pass-through experience. This makes the Meta Quest 3 a much more versatile and enjoyable VR headset to use, especially for business users.

At Bernoullium, we are helping clients get the maximum benefits from these new technologies and innovations in VR. Give us a call to talk about your next project or pilot.

Having said that, I was super excited to get my hands on the ML2. Kudos to Magic Leap as they sent us a demo unit right away so we could start putting together solutions.

Have to say I did not expect a brand new one as a demo unit but that’s what they sent – awesome (thanks to Shane Rochester for getting it done!).

So what’s in the box vs. what I expected? Short story is it’s what I expected plus a couple things, and there were some “that’s nice” moments.

I expected the ML2 glasses and the drive of course. On closer inspection, the glasses are quite a feat of technology, with the optics being center stage. Even to someone new to the AR (Augmented Reality) field, I could tell there’s a lot of tech packed into the eyepieces. If you look closely you can see multiple layers of optical material (waveguides, to be more precise) sandwiched together along with lots of inward and outward-looking sensors (cameras to us regular people). This is what gives the ML2 the precise spatial awareness it needs to overlay virtual reality on real reality so you can see Augmented Reality.

On closer inspection, the glasses are quite a feat of technology, with the optics being center stage. Even to someone new to the AR (Augmented Reality) field, I could tell there’s a lot of tech packed into the eyepieces. If you look closely you can see multiple layers of optical material (waveguides, to be more precise) sandwiched together along with lots of inward and outward-looking sensors (cameras to us regular people). This is what gives the ML2 the precise spatial awareness it needs to overlay virtual reality on real reality so you can see Augmented Reality.

The other really important part, and you don’t see this until you turn the ML2 on, is the dynamic dimming feature. This dims or brightens the virtual content according to the conditions of the physical environment. As you can imagine, being in a really bright environment could easily wash out the virtual content being projected in front of you. Being a guy who lives in Florida, I looked out the window and to nobody’s surprise, it was super bright and sunny. So………what the heck, let’s go outside. What I found out standing on my pool deck in 100% sunshine was the virtual content in the ML2 appears just as bright outside as it does inside. It was a “that’s nice” moment.

I like that the drive only has a power button and a volume up/down button. Just push the power button and watch the lights come on………no instructions necessary – I like that. I noted that the fan is on continually. The drive was easy to clip into the belt. To my surprise, the drive and the headset are hardwired together, no connectors. Not that it bothers me either way.

The drive itself looks like a sandwich, with space in the middle of it. I’m sure there’s a good engineering reason for it – I’ll go dig it out eventually – but it has an interesting look. Again, not something I have a strong opinion on.

The single hand controller is the last major piece of hardware. Totally reminds me of the Meta Quest Pro hand controller, which I like very much.

The ML2 controller fits very comfortably in your hand and it has a nice, smooth rubberized grip – another “that’s nice” moment. In use, it is very precise, which I expected and is a minimum requirement for the kinds of things we anticipate doing with the ML2. Expectations met.

Other than that, there are miscellaneous bits and bobs in the box. Some fitment pieces you can put on to get a better fit, a micro fiber cloth to clean the glasses, a tether for the glasses so they don’t fall off as well as a tether for the hand controller.

And there are cables for the two power supplies – one for the controller and one for the drive. Why two? No idea – we’ll have to ask one of the ML engineers. The case itself is really nice. Neoprene form-fitted cutouts for the headset and drive. And the Magic Leap wording on top of the case has that smooth, rubberized feel to it……..yep, another “that’s nice” moment.

The last thing of note is heat dissipation. That turns out to be a major challenge for AR glasses and it’s always instructive to see how manufacturers address the issue. I did notice when I was outside in the sunshine, about the time my feet got too hot to stand on my pool deck, the glasses were getting too hot to be on my head. Even inside, they get noticeably warm. I noted that the design ensures the heat is mostly at the top of the glasses and so radiates out into space rather than onto your face. And I suspect the odd drive arrangement is a way of separating and cooling the main CPU and GPU chips. Magic Leap has done well with the heat challenge, and I expect will do better still in the future.

I’ll finish by saying these AR glasses are state of the art, incorporating the leading technology in the field. Everything about them, everything about the components and associated carrying case says “quality”. And………they have that “I live in the future” look to them.

Can’t wait to put them to work.

Abstract:

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a comprehensive technology that enables the management and security of mobile devices used in an organization. MDM platforms provide a centralized console for administrators to remotely manage, monitor, and secure mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and now even VR headsets. This technology is becoming increasingly important in the business world as companies adopt mobile and VR technologies in their operations. With MDM, organizations can ensure that their mobile devices and VR headsets are being used efficiently and securely, preventing cyber threats and data breaches. MDM also helps in the deployment and configuration of mobile and VR applications, ensuring that they are compatible with the existing systems.

Now there’s a greater need for efficient administration and security of mobile devices due to their broad usage in the workplace. This issue may be resolved thanks to a technology called mobile device management (MDM), which enables businesses to protect and control their mobile devices from a single dashboard. MDM solutions offer several functions, such as remote management, monitoring, and security, that enable businesses to guarantee the effective and secure usage of their mobile devices. MDM has grown more important in controlling and safeguarding VR headsets as VR technology has become more prevalent in the workplace. In this context, MDM platforms can provide a streamlined way to manage a VR system in a business environment, ensuring that the devices are secure, up-to-date, and used efficiently.

MDM can be used to manage and secure almost any VR gear at the office by providing a centralized console that enables administrators to manage, monitor, and secure VR devices remotely. MDM enables businesses to remotely install and set up VR apps across various devices, ensuring that they are compatible with current infrastructure and adhere to security guidelines. MDM can also be used to update the VR software and firmware, configure network settings, and monitor headset usage to ensure the devices are being used efficiently. Furthermore, MDM platforms can enforce policies such as requiring strong passwords, encryption, and two-factor authentication to protect sensitive business data that may be accessed through the VR system. Additionally, MDM can provide the ability to wipe the data from a lost or stolen VR headset remotely, ensuring that sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands. MDM can offer an all-encompassing solution to manage and protect VR equipment at work, ensuring that the equipment is utilized effectively, safely, and in accordance with the company’s rules.

When administering a VR system in an office setting, Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms might be crucial, especially when managing many VR headsets that are dispersed globally. The organisation can manage and secure VR headsets remotely with the aid of an MDM platform, doing away with the need for manual interaction. With the use of VR devices becoming more prevalent in the workplace, companies need to have a way to manage and secure these devices. MDM can provide companies with the ability to remotely manage, monitor, and secure their VR devices, ensuring they are being used appropriately and are not at risk of cyber threats or data breaches. MDM can also help with the deployment and configuration of VR applications and ensure that they are compatible with existing systems.

1. An MDM platform provides a centralized console that allows administrators to manage multiple devices from a single interface which includes tasks such as updating software, configuring settings, monitoring usage, and troubleshooting issues. In the case of a VR system, this could include tasks such as updating the VR software, configuring network settings, and monitoring headset usage to ensure that the devices are being used efficiently.

2. MDM platforms can also ensure device security by providing features such as remote wipe, which allows administrators to wipe the data from a device if it is lost or stolen. They can also enforce policies such as requiring strong passwords or encryption, which can help protect sensitive business data that may be accessed through the VR system.

3. MDM platform can provide analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing the company to monitor usage and identify trends that can inform decision-making. For example, if the data shows that certain VR applications are being used more frequently than others, the company may decide to invest more resources in developing or acquiring similar applications.

Even Meta has an MDM of its own. It’s called Quest for Business. It is a service that provides enterprise-grade features and support for the Quest VR headset. This includes features such as MDM for managing multiple headsets, remote device management and control, device kiosk mode, support for custom enterprise applications, and more. Meta Quest for Business is designed to meet the needs of businesses and organizations that want to use VR for training, collaboration, or other purposes but need additional support and features beyond what is provided in the standard Quest headset.

There are several MDM software available for VR devices. Some of them are:

1. ArborXR: ArborXR is an AR & VR device management platform that allows you to manage your devices, deploy content, and monitor usage.

2. Radix VISO: Radix VISO is a comprehensive cloud-based device management platform (MDM) equipped with a unique set of tools to manage your VR/AR devices.

3. VISO VR Command Center: VISO VR Command Center enables centralized IT management, group management, collaboration across your VR/AR device fleet, and above all taking coordination and training to the next level.

4. HP ExtendXR: HP ExtendXR is an MDM platform offering from HP that is based upon and built in.

5. ManageXR: ManageXR is another option for managing VR devices.

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based MDM and mobile application management (MAM) solution that is designed to manage a wide range of mobile devices, including VR headsets. Organisations can protect and manage their mobile devices, apps, and data thanks to the tools it offers for device and application management. Intune supports a range of VR headsets, including the HoloLens 2. With Intune, organizations can manage device settings, enforce policies, deploy apps, and secure data on their VR headsets.

Conclusion and Recommendations

MDM platforms are becoming increasingly essential for managing and securing mobile and VR devices in the workplace. With the rise in use of VR technology in various industries, businesses need to ensure that their VR systems are being managed efficiently, securely, and in line with their policies. MDM platforms provide a centralized console that allows administrators to manage, monitor, and secure multiple devices from a single interface, ensuring that they are updated, configured correctly, and being used appropriately. MDM can also enforce policies and security measures to protect sensitive business data that may be accessed through the VR system, such as two-factor authentication and encryption. Additionally , MDM platforms can provide analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing the company to monitor usage and identify trends that can improve decision-making.

Let me just admit this right now. I have lost all perspective and you should be suspicious about listening to my thoughts on Virtual Reality (VR) for business. The reason is I have changed from being deeply skeptical of the value of VR in a business setting to being a huge advocate of VR in a business setting. To me, it seems almost limitless what can be accomplished with VR for business and I lay out why I think that below.

With a strategic use of VR for business in combination with traditional meeting methods, you can literally run circles around any competitor who is tied to a face-to-face and/or a Zoom-like business model for their sales revenue. (Want to skip my pithy commentary and go right to the pro’s? Click here.)

Tell me if this sounds familiar. The day starts at 6am when you pile out of bed, clean up, brush your teeth, and grab a cup of coffee before your first meeting at 8am. The first meeting is a call – a Zoom call – with a handful of people talking about some internal company issue or an external customer challenge. Everybody takes notes, has ideas, and promises to do things. After an hour it wraps up. You immediately get onto the next Zoom call which also takes about an hour. Followed by yet another call. And on it goes until the day is over. You finish the day in total Zoom fatigue having had no meaningful human contact. Furthermore, it’s all been entirely about business: no sidebar conversations, no hallway conversations with colleagues, no just catching up with somebody on what’s going on with them – none of that. Just business on a 2-D screen. And if you’re doing it on a laptop like I do, it’s not even a nice 2D screen…….it’s a tiny 2D screen.

As pandemic travel restrictions fade around the world, we are faced once again with the prospect of traveling near and far to attend meetings……which at this point almost sounds like a breath of fresh air. But do you remember what those days were like? Get on a plane Sunday to be ready for meetings or a conference Monday thru Thursday morning. Fly home Thursday evening. Catch your breath on Friday. And while the customer or the team you are there to conduct business with is well served while you’re there in person, it’s frustratingly difficult to keep other projects and sales moving ahead with the rest of your customer base or team members. So you end up desperately making short calls on bathroom breaks during the days to keep up with the rest of your business, and you blast out volleys of email late at night and early in the morning. That way you’re only half out of the loop by the end of the week.

VR for Business holds tremendous promise to mitigate the challenges of distance and time, while simultaneously accelerating the velocity of business. All without increasing the insanity that often accompanies increased business activity. Do I think VR for business replaces the need for face-to-face meetings? No, I don’t. Do I think there are downsides to VR for business? There are some. Do I think strategic use of face-to-face meetings combined with copious use of VR meetings can have you running circles around your competitors? Absolutely.

Here’s why I think VR for business is a tremendous competitive advantage for whoever embraces it.

1. VR for business dramatically reduces the number of face-to-face meetings necessary to successfully achieve a given business objective. Firstly, on philosophical grounds, is replacing face-to-face meetings with VR meetings even a good idea? In my opinion it is, SO LONG AS VR for business can provide a reasonable approximation of a face-to-face experience, which means there is a sense of being “in” a meeting room with other people, natural (spatial) audio, natural gestures and facial expressions. (I wrote a more detailed description about the VR for business face-to-face “experience” here). VR is capable of this today. This mean VR has the capacity to convey a sense of being “with” others in a meeting room. You are able to build on existing relationships and dramatically reduce the number of in-person meetings. This has tremendous advantages in that it multiplies the time you have available for transacting business. Throwback: when I was working for a fast-moving startup, I found that if I traveled during off-business hours I was far more productive than my competitors were who traveled during business hours. I wasn’t necessarily far better then they were, I was just more available to do business than they were. And so I was more successful. This is the same advantage VR for business gives someone who utilizes VR to hold meetings. They are less frequently on planes, in cars, or just plain exhausted than their competitors. They are more available to do business. And in my view, they will be more successful simply because they’ve figured out how to have more business hours. Their greater success will be in direct proportion to their greater availability.

2. There is a significant reduction in the cost of doing business by utilizing VR for business. This is a major benefit to using VR for business that usually is the first reason mentioned. I think it only becomes a consideration if VR for business can provide a reasonable replacement for some of the in-person meetings. Case in point. Zoom-like meetings are a huge cost savings over in-person meetings, but are they a realistic long-term replacement for face-to-face meetings? I believe the recent uptick in business travel now that pandemic restrictions are fading would suggest a resounding “No!”. In my opinion, VR for business actually has the potential to permanently replace a subset of in-person meetings because of the sense of being “with” others that it conveys. So it’s reasonable to look at how much of a cost reduction can be realized by an organization utilizing a hybrid VR/in-person meeting approach. I’ve calculated that cost reduction to be 70%, detailed in a blog post here. That’s based on the cost of one person making an international trip for one week of in-person meetings vs. the cost of having that same one person hold those meetings in VR. To be entirely fair, I believe the real cost reduction is more in the neighborhood of 50%-60% because I don’t think it’s productive to entirely eliminate face-to-face meetings. Even still, consider what you could do with 50% of your Travel and Entertainment budget money still in your pocket at the end of every quarter.

3. All participants remain fully focused throughout a VR meeting, thereby substantially increasing the effectiveness of time spent. Wait….what? You mean people in a VR meeting are actually paying attention? Yes, they are. And the reason why goes to the heart of why you have in-person meetings to start with. Remember VR for business meetings have an in-person feel. But why not just use email to conduct business? After all, it only takes milliseconds to get an email to your intended recipient. It’s because people aren’t focused on email. They are distracted by a million other things……, phone calls, reading docs, planning presentations, sending texts. Bottom line is we all know it takes way too long to try to do business with a group of people over email.

What about a Zoom call? Same reason. People mute audio, turn off video, and are texting, answering email, and doing other things when they’re not talking. You may get 25% of someone’s attention. And that translates directly into the quality, or lack thereof, you get from Zoom-like meetings. So instead, you have everyone get together physically in a meeting room. That way you get the most focus from attendees and the highest quality participation. VR for business meetings are similar because there is a similar sense of being “with” someone, sitting “next” to someone, and looking “at” someone. For the same reason you’re not likely to get up and leave while someone is speaking to you during an in-person meeting, you’re not likely to do that in a VR meeting either. Now do people sneak peeks at their laptops and get distracted in VR meetings? Yes…….just like they do at in-person meetings. All that said, out of all the collaboration methods available, in-person and VR meetings are still the most efficient ways to collaborate and the quickest way to achieve a business goal. That’s why people do them……and that’s why you’ll consider VR meetings as a reasonable replacement for some of those face-to-face meetings.

4. The main conference room tools can be used intuitively and effectively in a VR for business meeting. Standing at the front of a VR meeting room and giving a presentation is natural and effective. It feels a lot like you’re in a physical conference room giving a presentation. A laser pointer is available to all participants for presentations. Physical laptops/computers can be easily and quickly projected into the VR meeting room, thereby enabling sharing of information the same way as in a physical meeting room. VR meeting room whiteboard sessions are natural. Multiple people can stand at the front of the room and in addition to the whiteboard at the front of the room, each participant has a whiteboard at their desk where they can add to the whiteboard content. All of these are standard, but indispensable meeting room tools that are as simple and effective to use in a VR for business meeting as they are in a physical business meeting.

I’ve listed four of what I consider the most important “pro’s” to VR for business meetings but there are many others. For instance you can customize VR meeting spaces to fit a meeting theme, or with company logos & pictures. You can even change the room arrangement to meet different meeting needs – boardroom style for excellent bi-directional discussions, or classroom style for trainings.

The point is VR for business meetings are a tremendous tool and you should be building a meeting model which takes advantage of this new and effective way to accelerate your business velocity.