Revolutionizing Communication: Is Microsoft Mesh the Future?
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The Future of Meetings
Remember the holographic communication technology featured in Star Wars? It allowed for a 3D representation of someone calling you, creating the illusion that they were right there in your space. While platforms like Skype have brought us closer to that experience, they still lack true 3D projection capabilities. The pandemic highlighted the limitations of traditional video calls, making us realize that while they are useful, a 3D holographic interaction could significantly enhance communication. Microsoft is working towards this goal with Mesh, a platform designed for developers to create applications that utilize Hololens devices for 3D projection.
Mesh: Redefining Remote Work
The pandemic demonstrated that many jobs can be performed remotely, with emails often replacing lengthy meetings and travel for conferences becoming unnecessary. Mesh has the potential to elevate this remote work experience. As shown in the video above, it allows for virtual avatars to gather around you in your own living room, transforming meetings into more engaging experiences. Instead of just viewing charts, users could interact with visually-rendered projects, making collaboration not only more dynamic but also more enjoyable. However, the success of this technology will likely depend on the interest of well-funded businesses eager to be early adopters.
Exploring Broader Applications in Various Fields
If the final version of Mesh lives up to its demonstrations, its applications could extend far beyond just enhanced video calls. In education, for example, students could engage with interactive 3D models, while in healthcare, doctors could visualize treatment options more effectively. Mesh aims to be a comprehensive platform that integrates Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) across various devices, including PCs, smartphones, and VR headsets, allowing users to switch seamlessly between AR and VR experiences.
Microsoft Mesh aims to bring holographic virtual collaboration to all | Engadget
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Will AR/VR Finally Become Mainstream?
The concept of an AR/VR revolution has been around for years, and despite incremental progress, widespread adoption is still lacking. While AR has seen some success in applications like Pokémon Go and furniture shopping on Amazon, VR has struggled to gain traction, with headsets ranging from Google Cardboard to Oculus Rift failing to meet expectations. The Hololens, despite offering a superior AR experience, remains priced at $2000, which limits its accessibility.
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The potential of Mesh lies in its ability to encourage developers to create a variety of applications. A diverse range of applications can attract more users, leading to economies of scale and lower prices. However, this creates a catch-22 situation—without a significant user base, developers may hesitate to invest in the platform, and without compelling applications, users may be reluctant to adopt it. Nevertheless, this could mark a promising beginning; it will be interesting to see how Microsoft's initiative shapes the future of communication.
“Not only are we going to be able to share holograms, but we’ll be able to do so in a way that gives us agency and presence…We can create these experiences, where even though we’re physically separated, it feels like we’re in the same room, sharing in an experience and collaborating on a project.” — Greg Sullivan, Microsoft’s head of Mixed Reality to Engadget
The Impact of Holography on Communication
The second video discusses the implications of advanced holographic technology in our interactions.