Object Theory uses HoloLens to enable remote collaboration in mixed reality

We're starting to see more real-world examples of how people will use Microsoft HoloLens surface, and the latest is mixed reality collaboration tool from Microsoft partner Object Theory. The service, which lets users remotely collaborate using 3D avatars projected in real space, is currently being presented at Build 2016.

The tool's main features include:

  • Shared, remote experiences – Multiple users of the Microsoft HoloLens, regardless of location, can have a shared holographic experience with additional participants possible from a PC, tablet, or mobile phone.
  • Customized avatars – Each participant is represented in physical space by a full sized avatar that is uniquely differentiated, with support for gaze, gesture, and voice interaction.
  • Display of 3D models – Import and display 3D content at any size, from tabletop to full scale for shared review and discussion, with the ability to navigate to points of interest in full scale models.
  • Annotations – Ability to add text, drawing, and voice annotations that can be attached in 3D space.

Object Theory was founded by former Microsoft HoloLens Studios Principal Engineering Lead Michael Hoffman and mobile developer Raven Zachary. The company says it will contribute portions of the mixed reality collaboration service to Microsoft's open source collection of code for holographic developers, HoloToolkit.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl