8 AR glasses for a new (work) experience

Holograms with the Hololens 2

The Hololens is an AR headset from Microsoft. Unlike many other AR glasses, the Hololens does not project a 2D image into space, but instead uses a 3D holographic projection and positional determination.

This means that the Hololens projects dynamic and interactive content, which we believe is a prerequisite for the success of Augmented Reality. It is the successor to the Hololens 1.

With the improved version, Microsoft focuses entirely on the business market. The field of view of the Hololens 2 is about twice as wide as that of the Hololens 1.

In addition, the ease of use has been improved, including full hand and eye tracking. The lens follows the natural movements of the user's hands and eyes, making it much easier and more natural to operate.

Goal 2

Somewhat similar to the Hololens is the Meta 2. The glasses use SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) to map your position and the environment you are in, including objects. This ensures that interaction between the Augmented Reality and the environment is also possible with these glasses.

Yet there is a price difference between the Hololens and the Meta and this is easily explained. Not only does the Meta 2 have much less computing power than the Hololens, the Meta needs to be controlled by a computer, while the Hololens can function independently. In addition, the image of the Meta 2 is more transparent, making it more difficult to focus.

Magic Leap One

An intermediate option is the Magic Leap One which shares characteristics with both the Hololens and the Meta. Here too, a connection to a computer is required, although in a different way than with the Meta 2. The headset is connected via a cable to a computer that can be hung on your belt and that processes the primary data and graphics.

The Magic Leap's sensors are similar to those of the Hololens. Eye-tracking and hand-tracking allow interaction with the environment, just like with the Hololens.

However, the Magic Leap One also has features that are unique. Firstly, this is the size: these AR glasses are much more comparable in size to normal glasses than the aforementioned options.

Due to the use of waveguides, the Magic Leap also has an optical advantage over the Hololens and the Meta. In the real world, the sharpness of objects depends on what you focus on. The Magic Leap takes this into account in the AR objects, which gives a more realistic image.

The new Google Glass

After the Glass Explorer Edition disappeared from the market in 2015, Google will launch a new version of the . in early 2020. Google Glass came, this time intended for the business market.

There are some improvements, such as a better battery and better sound quality compared to the previous version and more sensors have been built in such as a digital compass, a barometer and a blink sensor, so that you can perform actions by blinking your eyes.

The Glass Enterprise Edition, also known as Google Glass 2, promises to reduce assembly production time by 25%.

For hobbyists and professionals: Epson Moverio

Epson has been marketing AR glasses or mobile multimedia glasses as they call them since 2011. In the meantime there are different versions ranging from compact versions for personal use to variants for industrial use. All versions of the glasses project onto the environment, but do not interact with it like the Hololens.

For example, the Moverio BT-300 is a lightweight AR glasses for hobbyists and developers that work without additional hardware. It is also suitable for use with drones.

The Moverio BT-350 works on the basis of Android and is suitable for situations where multiple users simultaneously use the same headset through the supplied admin software. It is suitable for 360 degree presentations, among other things.

Finally, the Moverio Pro BT-200 is for professional use. The glasses are equipped with safety glass (ANSI Z87.1 standard), resistant to water and dust and can take a beating. For industrial use there is also the Moverio Pro BT-2200.

Voice-activated mini tablet: RealWear

A relatively simple solution is the RealWear HMT-1† This headset, which has been on the market since 2017, has a small tablet at the height of your eye, the so-called Head Mounted Tablet. This tablet can be controlled by voice, so you don't need your hands to operate it.

It is a wearable intended for use in industry and is therefore robust. It is waterproof and dustproof, can withstand extreme temperatures and can even survive a two-meter drop. The headset is mainly used for digital or remote assistance. The RealWear is also used in logistics, for example for order picking.

Furthermore, the RealWear HMT-1 is the only AR wearable that can be equipped with an Atex zone 1 certification. This version can be taken along in areas where there is a high risk of the presence of an explosive gas mixture.

Nice gadget: the 'cardboard'

Not suitable for the workplace, but a nice gadget for consumers are cardboard holders for your smartphone. By tying this holder in front of your eyes with the smartphone in it, you can still get an AR experience easily and on a low budget.

There are several versions of it on the market, including aryzon† For 15 euros you can already have your own AR glasses. By means of a cardboard casing, a mirror and your smartphone, you project holograms onto your environment.

With a headband you can also do this with your hands free for other things. The accompanying apps give you instant access to thousands of 3D models and various AR mini-games.

The 'cardboard' 2.0: Occipital Bridge & Structure Sensor

Structure SDK expands the possibilities of 'the cardboard' with the Occipital Bridge in combination with the Structure Sensor† With this you can turn your iPhone into AR glasses (or even VR glasses).

However, by combining this with the Structure Sensor, the possibilities are greater than with the standard AR cardboard. The Structure Sensor is a 3D scanner that makes 3D scans of your environment. In this way, the 3D image can be anchored in the environment and interaction with that environment is possible.

Unfortunately, there is little content for these glasses and there probably will not be. Do you need a 3D scanner? Then the structure sensor is a good choice. With the cardboard Occipital Bridge you have a nice gimmick, but not full-fledged AR glasses.

Want to know more?

Apple is also developing AR glasses, which will reportedly be called Apple Glass and may appear as early as 2021. Curious about Social Brothers' expectations of the Apple Glass? Read our blog about the expected developments in the field of Augmented Reality.

Do you want to know what AR can do for your company? Then make an appointment.

Also check out us complete handbook on AR for more information.