Reflecting on 2016 it was an amazing year for virtual, augmented and mixed reality. A record $2.3 billion (yes – with a ‘b’, that is not a typo) was invested into this technology as it is recognized that the application of this technology extends far beyond watching 360 video and shooting zombies in waves.
Companies large and small, profit and nonprofit organizations, different verticals like healthcare, oil and gas, automotive – you name it – have realized that this technology can be effective in their respective environments and have far reaching applications. We have only just started to scratch the surface of what is possible and customers are approaching us for guidance in developing usage models and applications that we have never considered. With that in mind, we decided we would get the best minds in the industry together so that the customer did not have to try and navigate the oceans of VR and AR resources out there on their own.
We have only just started to scratch the surface
of what is possible…
In May 2017 we announced the Dell Technology Partner Program, an avenue for us to help guide and promote the VR/AR solutions developed by our partners on Dell hardware platforms. By leveraging our long experience and position as a leader in the VR space, we made available our vast knowledge for tested and proven hardware and software innovations to create an ecosystem for next-level immersive experiences.
This is a whole different world and to try and grasp a completely different medium that is away from the normal can be intimidating, As a for instance, customers with multiple screens may think that putting the screens into VR is a neat idea. Lots of screens and I can move them forwards and backwards and slide them out the way. Sure, neat, but still thinking that is limited to the physical space. What about presenting the data in new ways? What about moving into a screen and the data and seeing things from a different angle – heck – even seeing the data in whole new dimension.
Dell, by aggregating the creative minds of the customer and partners, can really help bring ideas to life in a more expedient fashion and customers can be assured that they are working with some of the best minds in the industry. Whether it be hardware technology, development tools, content creation or direction then our customers can see that technology showcased in one of our VR Centers of Excellence before taking the plunge into their projects.
Since we announced the program, we’ve already begun helping customers think outside of their normal workflow, speed up the learning curve and dive head first into the world of virtual, augmented and mixed reality. With these tools they aren’t just changing the way people approach learning, training, collaborating and even healing; they’re helping to change how the world will view energy, healthcare, education and more.
Who is in the Dell Technology Partner Program?
We’re excited to have some of our longtime VR/AR customers join the program, including:
3D Live
Experiential technology designers 3D Live are pioneers in new methods of creative communication and entertainment through a mastery of the immersive arts. They combined their talents with Dell Precision technology to create “Cry Out: The Lonely Whale Experience,” a VR expedition that takes viewers deep into the ocean to experience “firsthand” how many species live underwater — and how pollution is negatively impacting their habitat.
PostPanic
Award-winning hybrid film production company PostPanic is a tight-knit team of directors, creatives and producers ranging in specialties from live action direction/production, animation and motion graphics through to high-end VFX and VR/AR development. The team has collaborated with Dell on a number of innovative projects, starting with a Nike demo at Dell World, showcasing the combined power of AR, film and Dell Canvas. They’ve since created additional film/AR experiences that bring to life Dell’s vision of how technology will impact our future.
Meta
To build their headsets, AR technology company Meta has been taking notes on how our brains work. Meta’s latest product, the Meta 2 Augmented Reality Development Kit, allows workers to build 3D workstations, quickly create holographic images and run a variety of apps.
Meta is currently working with Dell customers and content partners to transform and create new opportunities to change the way employees communicate and work.
DAQRI
AR company DAQRI is the world’s leading enterprise augmented reality (AR) technology company. With their DAQRI Smart Glasses™ they enable solutions that increase workforce productivity, efficiency and safety through augmented work instructions, data visualization, and enhanced communications. Dell and DAQRI are working together to devise ways to build AR workplace experiences, particularly for field workers and sales reps, powered by the combination of Dell technology and devices with DAQRI AR software.
What’s next for the Dell Technology Partner Program?
We’re convinced that AR/VR is the next wave of computing, and Dell will be there every step of the way to power whatever projects our customers dream up next.
In the coming months, we will continue to invest and seek new opportunities in this space. Keep an eye out as we release new applications and technologies thanks to our suite of innovative partners, including:
- ESI: ESI Group provides Virtual Prototyping software and services, geared toward helping industrial manufacturers replace physical prototypes with virtual prototypes, and allowing them to virtually manufacture, assemble, test and pre-certify future products.
- Blausen: Blausen is developing educational VR apps, leveraging its extensive library of over 1,800 topics in over 21 languages.
- BioDigital: The BioDigital Human is the world’s first cloud-based 3D Human Visualization Platform, providing a medically accurate virtual body map where users can explore detailed anatomy, physiology and disease.
- NOON Web & IT:io turns two-dimensional CT- and MRI-scan slices into 3D experiences by using virtual reality headsets to enable users to walk around the body, select any tissue, and “cut” in with various, specially designed cutting tools. This software can be used for communication between radiologists and surgeons or between surgeons and patients for clear explanations of their planned operations.
- TechViz: TechViz can display 3D applications on any VR system, making it easier for VR content producers to review projects and collaborate remotely. This is done without arduous data conversion or proprietary code making it a great tool to streamline production cycles, save money and reduce time to market.
- EONReality: EON Reality is focused on enabling collaborative VR- and AR-based training on any device from mobile phones to large, immersive domes.
- Interplay Learning: This software company is focused on delivering the world’s most scalable and effective workforce training for skilled trades.
We’re very excited about the Dell Technology Partner Program – the work we’re doing now and the potential for the future. Momentum is building and our trajectory is straight up. Stay tuned for more partner news and updates on how our customer are leveraging these relationships to get work done.
If you thought today was a great day for VR, then wait until you see tomorrow!
