The company is pushing a technology that will truly show just how immersive HoloLens and MR can be, especially in conferencing situation. Vodafone says it is using Microsoft’s headset to create holographic phone calls through a 5G network. While only at a test phase, a report from Engineering and Technology shows that the technology is functional. Indeed, it was used to create a virtual-world call between a soccer fan with the captain of the Manchester City Women FC team. Despite being nearly 200 miles apart, the 11-year old girl was able to connect to the player through HoloLens. Using mixed reality, the pair could see each other and even interact in a limited way. Using output on HoloLens, the conversation was also viewed by a live audience. “Vodafone has a history of firsts in UK telecoms – we made the nation’s first mobile phone call, sent the first text and now we’ve conducted the UK’s first holographic call using 5G,” said Vodafone UK chief executive Nick Jeffery.
Opening the Future of Communication
Not only did this demonstrate how conference calls in mixed reality can allow users to see each other, it also showcased other abilities. For example, HoloLens can be leveraged for long-distance training, conferencing, and meetings. The power of 5G, which is rolling out globally now and in the UK this month. The new connection standard will propel these kinds of integrations.
