The developer of a new application that allows members of project teams to hold remote, interactive meetings using mixed reality technology has launched a beta programme.
HoloMeeting has been created for the mixed reality device Microsoft HoloLens, which allows the advanced integration of holograms within a real-world environment.
The HoloMeeting application allows individuals to “meet” in a holographic space and interact with both 3D and 2D content – such as BIM models – which was hitherto impossible.
Max Doelle: influential
It has been developed by London-based mixed reality development studio Kazendi, founded three years ago by Max Doelle.
“The three main inputs of HoloMeeting that make it unique are the gaze tracker, spatial sound and the shared workspace, which make meetings much more efficient and effective,” said Doelle.
“When each meeting participant puts on the HoloLens they will see a holographic cube in their view. This is the holographic workspace and allows for every individual within the meeting an immersive collaborative space. Whatever an individual chooses to place in the cube, be it a pdf or a 3D model, it becomes visible and manipulatable to everyone participating in the call.”
He added that in terms of current systems, WebEx and Skype for Business dominate commercial methods of communication between remote teams/individuals. However, HoloMeeting is able to add a new dimension to collaborative working and immersive communication through the use of 3D content and holographic manipulation.
The company claims that the software enhances communication when teams are working in BIM using a one-click Revit integration for HoloMeeting. Architects, for example, can quickly import Revit files into the application to discuss and collaborate with clients or those on site.
BIM models can be viewed full scale. The software links with a number of 3D modelling software including Revit, Maya, Rhino and AutoCad. It is currently being developed for 60 different file types.
Doelle said: “By enabling this core feature early on we aim to showcase how influential, cost-effective and time-saving HoloMeeting can be to architects and, indeed, any industry which uses 3D models such as Revit to build, create and design.”
Kazendi has developed a number of mixed and reality applications for a variety of companies including Segro, Unilever and Highways England. This is its first non-bespoke development.
Partners who come on board for beta testing of HoloMeeting will be invited to take part in a number of workshops.
For details contact Matthew Bumford [email protected]
