BMW AirTouch One Ups Volvo and Microsoft HoloLens - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/bmw-airtouch-one-ups-volvo-and-microsoft-hololens-123/

The new era of technology is taking serious strides in the automobile industry. Recently, Microsoft announced a partnership with Volvo to use the Microsoft HoloLens to introduce the car makers’ future models. BMW has one upped them by announcing the introduction of AirTouch, a gesture-operated infotainment system for their future cars. There will be no need for touchscreens anymore with this new technology.

BMW Announces AirTouch at Consumer Electronics Show 2015

Hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada, the CES show was the first venue for the announcement. The new AirTouch system will use sensors in the car’s dashboard. The ultimate goal is to give users the ability to interact with their cars’ information screen through hand motions.

The BMW 7 series first hinted at a gesture based control system. However, it was on a much smaller scale. That feature was only capable of lowering or raising the sound system’s volume or declining or accepting a phone call. AirTouch will be using 3D control so that the touchscreen can be operated with gestures. This would take the need of touch away from a touchscreen, though it will still be touch-capable for added accessibility.

Touchless Control System Will Be a Game Changer

A touchless interface will allow for contact access and call list access straight from the car. Like something inspired by the Iron Man movies, this new system will let BMW drivers control entertainment and navigation with only the movement of their hands.

How exactly does it work? A driver or a passenger can set a certain movement or gesture, and a physical button will confirm the motion as being equal to the desired action via AirTouch. So just by pressing the button, doing the motion and confirming the motion with the button, drivers and passengers can have a different way to control the information screen of their car. There are two AirTouch buttons for easy accessibility from the drivers and the passengers as well.

The technology was first demoed in a Vision Car at CES 2016 with other new tech gimmicks.

Wouldn’t This Technology Be More Dangerous for Driving?

This new technology could have potential issues when it comes to safety. While it can be convenient at a standstill or for the person in the driver’s seat, it could be a nuisance for the driver. It could take away from their attention on the road, and also force them to lift their hands from the wheel. It’s yet to be seen how this feature will actually be incorporated onto the new BMW cars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DilzwF90vec

BMW AirTouch One Ups Volvo and Microsoft HoloLens

Microsoft HoloLens is For Work, Oculus Rift and HTC VIVE for Entertainment - http://clapway.com/2015/12/17/microsoft-hololens-is-for-work-oculus-rift-isnt-123/

Microsoft is taking the business world by storm to market the Microsoft HoloLens. Microsoft flagship store in NYC was host to an event that took attendees on a journey. The product showcase was split into three parts: HoloLens for gaming, for storytelling and for creating.

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Windows HoloLens Will Join Hands with Windows 10 For Developers

Google and Microsoft have a similar approach when it comes to their VR headsets. They want to put their device in the hands of developers and see what happens. So far, developers have revealed that even though the Microsoft HoloLens was released 11 months ago, it still needs a lot of work.

 

Microsoft Collaborated with NASA, Volvo, Dassault Aviation and Cleveland Clinic

Despite the many collaboration programs the HoloLens is a part of, there are some things that the device needs to enhance to be able to work with businesses. First of all, according to developer testers, Microsoft needs to tune out the gestures that the device picks up.

The HoloLens also needs work with voice commands and an upgrade to its learned vocabulary. After wearing for more than 40 minutes, some developers felt the headset was too heavy, though better than the first generation of the HoloLens. Hopefully, the headset will be more compact and light before its release to the general public.

The Concept of Microsoft HoloLens Augmented Reality PowerPoint is Compelling

The HoloLens storytelling experience caught a lot of attention. The idea of walking through a product while it is being presented should interest many companies. There’s also a feature in this experience that allows users to see what people view in a presentation. This would make life easy for any sales executive. A heat map would identify where the selling point is, and the sales person can adjust accordingly.

Another super plus for the Microsoft HoloLens is that it doesn’t cause headaches. There is the chance of hurting the eyes. However, the Microsoft HoloLens was manageable for the most sensitive developers. This has been a very common complaint of many headsets, as well as dizziness. Developers didn’t share a significant amount of complaints about this.

What About the Playstation VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive?

Sony PlayStation VR will work to its own advantage. Sony would benefit most from creating a headset that is best for gaming. As for the HTC Vive, which was delayed again this year, it will also revolve around gaming and entertainment functionalities. The Oculus Rift might be a surprising take, though. Facebook has revealed intentions to make the Oculus Rift as something that will make you present anywhere. Be it at a business meeting or at a meeting with friends, the Oculus Rift will cover more bases.

Mark Zuckerberg has a lot of ambition when it comes to virtual reality. He may bring the strongest competitor to the Google Glass and Microsoft HoloLens. Facebook’s headset is set to release sometime in 2016, like the HTC Vive.

All Work And No Play or Some Work and Some Play

The new headsets will have many different uses. Microsoft is aiming for business because it is what it knows best. Facebook will target the masses and make their headset social. HTC might work best for the smart device world. All of these businesses will be working to hit their target demographic and basic user profile.

It’s too early to compare these devices in terms of quality. 2016 will be filled with a lot of competition. All of these devices will go head to head. It’s going to be an exciting year for technology, and there will be many upgrades to come. We could even expect the next Avatar movie to come in VR!

Read: AuraVisor Brings the First Wire-Free VR Computer

Read: FLYBi Drone Uses VR to Make You Superman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DilzwF90vec

Microsoft HoloLens is For Work, Oculus Rift and HTC VIVE for Entertainment