Do I need to buy software with my wearable device?
There are many options to choose from when it comes to software for AR wearable devices. In this blog, we will explore the difference, and explain why you may or may not, need to purchase software with your AR smart glasses device.
Below, we will explain The AVR Lab’s “good, better, best” approach to recommending AR software for our customers.
The big question
We are loathed to answer your question with questions of our own, but in this instance, it is the only way to begin. So here we go.
What is your use case?
What are the environmental conditions you will use the AR devices in?
How reliable is your connectivity?
These questions form the basis upon which we will make an assessment on which AR software is most suitable for you. As a hardware/software agnostic, full solution provider, The AVR Lab will take this information and provide you with a gold standard AR, VR or MR solution that is fit for purpose.
use case
Your use case is a primary driver in which software you need. For instance, if you simply wish to connect a video call between two parties with little to no need for onscreen annotation, control of the device or backend reporting, then Microsoft Teams will suit your use case. The great news here is that Teams is free and easy to use on all AR wearable devices.
If your use case is more complex i.e. installing a complex, custom piece of machinery then you may require multi-party collaboration with annotation, the ability to zoom in, alter brightness settings, share detailed schematics and create a fully detailed automated report at the completion of a call then we would recommend using the likes of TeamViewer or Librestream AR software.
environmental conditions
As above, if your conditions are optimal and the requirements are fairly straight forward i.e. in a well lit factory with little to no hazards. Teams will do just fine.
If you are in a dimly lit factory with hazardous conditions, then you may want to have the extra functionality afforded you by Librestream or TeamViewer. These AR software platforms provide the remote expert the ability to fully control the device. They can operate the flash light, zoom in and out, alter the contrast of the image and use a pointer on screen to ensure communication is precise and efficient. This in turn avoids the need for the worker to put their head in dangerous positions or lose their focus.
connectivity
This is arguably the most important question which we have intentionally left to last. What is your internet connectivity like?
If you have fast and reliable internet, Teams will do the job for you
If you have slow or intermittently unreliable internet, then you may want to leverage the low bandwidth capabilities of a Librestream or TeamViewer AR software.
Teams is generally geared towards streaming the best picture possible at all times. This is at the expense of the reliable connection and you will notice more buffering and drop outs as a result.
Librestream and TeamViewer have low bandwidth options as native features. This means that if your connection isn’t great, you can simply turn down the resolution and frame rate to keep the conversation going without interruption. You can still share HD images taken by the device and therefore your work can continue effectively and efficiently while using all the functionality offered.
summary
As you can see above, the answer to if you “need” to buy AR software is a resounding no. Teams will work straight out of the box and enable you to connect to a hands free video call with limited functionaility. If you don’t need the functionaility, then you are good to go!
The answer to if you “should” buy AR software requires a more nuanced and experienced perspective.
How much time/money/errors can you save by investing in a superior piece of AR software?
If this blog has left you with more questions than answers, use the link below to book in a demo with one of our team members.