Mixed Reality Partner Program – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

October 29, 2018

Aerospace Company PACE Joined Microsoft Mixed Reality Program

The Microsoft Mixed Reality Program has been running for some time, with the aim of identifying companies who are involved in the creation of mixed reality (MR) hardware and software with the aim of providing Microsoft development tools, programs and services for promising companies. One of the latest to join the company is aerospace company PACE.

PACE has announced that its parent company TXT E-Solutions is participating in Microsoft’s Mixed Reality Partner Program (MRPP), with the aim of advancing the adoption of MR technology, and the Microsoft HoloLens.

TXT E-Solutions wishes to use the capabilities and technology offered by the MRPP to extend the capabilities of its existing products as well as to develop new software and services. The area of most interest to the company is the configuration of aircraft and passenger cabins, with the company hoping to develop systems to help airline buyers explore the available options.

Another area of interest to PACE and TXT is education and training using MR for pilots, cabin crews and technicians, with the aim of creating environments for engagement and knowledge retention.

“We’ve been implementing virtual and augmented reality capabilities in our training and simulation software for a long time, but the availability of mixed reality devices such as Microsoft HoloLens that are completely untethered and display holograms in your field of view, opens up a whole new world of industrial applications for us to explore,” stated Michele Sesana, mixed reality and digital innovation manager at TXT. “We are privileged to embark on this journey with the support of the Microsoft engineering team, sharing in their know-how and pioneering spirit.”

“TXT’s approach of extending their existing solutions and creating targeted solutions will help aerospace and aviation customers fast-track their journey to industry 4.0 while also driving meaningful cost savings and operational efficiencies,” added Leila Martine, product marketing director, commercial mixed reality at Microsoft.

HoloLens

For future coverage of Microsoft’s Mixed Reality Partner Program, keep checking back with VRFocus.

July 2, 2018

SentiAR Joins Microsoft Mixed Reality Partnership Program

Mixed reality (MR) as an idea is an area that has largely bee led by Microsoft, who has used the designation not only for its HoloLens headset, but also for its line-up of Windows 10-based head-mounted displays (HMDs). As part of the company’s push for MR, Microsoft set up the Mixed Reality Partnership Program, which has now invited SentiAR to take part in the program.

The aim of the program is to identify companies and solution providers who are building MR hardware, software and platforms in a range of targeted industries, including healthcare and education.

HoloLens

Inclusion into the program means that participating companies will be given access to a range of Microsoft development tools, programs and services to ensure the best outcomes for those taking part in the program.

SentiAR are involved in the creation of a 3D augmented reality (AR) visualisation solution that is designed for healthcare use, specifically for procedures involving the ablation and mapping of the heart. The SentiAR system works in real-time to provide 3D images to the clinician conducting the procedure.

The Mixed Reality Partnership Program was launched in 2015 to coincide with the launch of the HoloLens. Microsoft has used the program to identify key areas of business that participating partners can apply their products to in order to ensure success.

To accomplish this, a variety of technical, marketing and training opportunities and offered to provider partners who are involved in the program. Microsoft then provides routes that allow those companies to commercialise their products.

“SentiAR’s use case demonstrates the potential of the technology to improve patient outcomes,” said Simon Kos, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Microsoft. “We look forward to working with and learning from their team of pioneering leaders and together defining the possibilities for Microsoft HoloLens and mixed reality in health.”

For future coverage of how MR and AR technology is being utilised and developed, keep checking back with VRFocus.

July 10, 2017

Microsoft Launches the Mixed Reality Partner Program

Ever since Microsoft launched its enterprise focused mixed reality (MR) head-mounted display (HMD), HoloLens, back in early 2016, its been gradually expanding those companies using the device through the HoloLens Agency Readiness Partner Program. Today, the Redmiond-based company has announced the expansion of the programme, renaming it the Mixed Reality Partner Program.

The programme is designed to provide partners with technical readiness training, so they can create MR solutions, whether that’s for education, healthcare, architecture, engineering, construction, or design. In an announcement on Microsoft’s blog the company states: “Today, we are excited to announce that due to growing demand from partners and customers, we have created the Mixed Reality Partner Program, which expands the agency readiness program to welcome systems integrators (SIs) and digital agencies around the world. All existing HoloLens Agency Readiness Partners will be grandfathered into the Mixed Reality Partner Program.”

direct reality hololens

Welcoming SI’s and digital agencies into the fold will help play a significant role in building a library of 3D and MR experiences for commercial customers. Over 30 HoloLens Agency Readiness Partners are producing results such as proof-of-concepts (POC), for customers like Boeing, Cirque du Soleil, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cylance, Lowe’s, Jabil, Paccar, PGA Tour, Real Madrid, and Stryker.

Microsoft notes that eligible partners will be able to begin a multi-week readiness program to train on MR solutions, sales and marketing. After which they’ll qualify for a wide range of benefits such as direct access to Microsoft engineering support and mentorship. Those partners who are already well versed in MR can choose a fast track option and immediately work with the Microsoft team

Hololens first launched in North America, eventually coming to Europe. But it was only in March this year that the HoloLens Agency Readiness Partner Program expanded further, including countries such as Australia, Ireland, France, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, China, and Japan.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Microsoft HoloLens, reporting back with the latest announcements.