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Q2-7 How Can You Use Collaboration Tools to Manage Tasks?

So Augmented Collaboration 97
what?

When was the last time you turned to the Internet for help solving
a problem? Only a decade or two ago, the world was a very different
place. If you wanted to learn something new, you had to make a
considerable effort—like checking out a book from the library or
using a landline phone to call a friend.
Today, there are limitless resources for you to draw from that
are only a mouse click away. These include high-definition videos,
message boards, interactive Web sites, collaboration tools, and
more! Every day people are turning to sites like YouTube to learn
how to do things like change a car tire, write a new programming Source: Corbis News/Corbis
script, or better manage a supply chain.
But you may be wondering, what’s next? Will there ever be a
better approach to learning besides simply reading a message board Within 5 minutes, a number of complicated steps were completed
or watching a video? If you look at new innovations currently and the switch was properly installed and tested. The expert was
under development by Facebook, Google, and Microsoft, the answer then free to move on to the “next call.”
to that question is a resounding “yes!”
How Can HoloLens Change Collaboration
What Is Microsoft HoloLens (aka “Project and Business?
Baraboo”)?
Installing a light switch may be a relatively simple task for some
You may have heard about Oculus Rift or Google Glass, but do people. But what does this basic demonstration mean for the future
you know the difference? Oculus Rift, with its development now of collaboration? HoloLens, and other types of headsets, can create
under Facebook’s control, is a virtual reality headset geared to 3D new interaction and collaboration opportunities for countless
gaming and new forms of social media. Google Glass was designed businesses and industries. Think about the impact of this type of
to provide augmented reality, meaning that the real world is still technology on health care. Suppose complications arise during
visible but with the Glass interface superimposed on top of it. As a surgery and the medical team on hand is struggling to resolve
a new entrant to this market, Microsoft recently announced the them. A specialist across the country can be patched in using an
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HoloLens, which is also an augmented reality headset. Recent augmented reality headset to provide both direction and detailed
reviews of the HoloLens indicate that this innovation may be a instructions that can be superimposed in the field of view of the
game changer for business, productivity, and collaboration. surgeon.
A recent demonstration of the HoloLens pointed to its Similarly, imagine how complex sequences of operations in
usability as a collaboration platform. In a demo conducted at a manufacturing facility or nuclear power plant could be carried
Microsoft corporate headquarters, reporters were allowed to test out by a novice operator who is working under the supervision
the HoloLens for use in a number of applications, including the of a seasoned expert communicating through a HoloLens. These
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installation of a light switch. However, the evaluator would not two examples are only the tip of the iceberg, but like the HoloLens,
receive help from the HoloLens by simply searching the Web or they may help you see the future of collaboration in an entirely
watching a video. new way!
Using HoloLens, the evaluator would receive live instruction
from an expert electrician using its custom Skype application. Questions
When the task began, a video conferencing window was
superimposed in the field of view of the HoloLens user showing 1. This feature provides two examples of possible business uses for
a live feed from the expert. The expert was able to remotely see the HoloLens. Think about the future impact of this innovation
a live feed of the field of view of the user. The expert could draw by identifying other industries that may benefit from the
directions on his or her own device, which would then appear development of augmented reality technology.
superimposed in the field of view of the user wearing the HoloLens.