Data Recovery Digest

The race for 5G wireless technology is heating up. Although service providers started deploying 5G in 2019, it will still be some time before it becomes commonplace. Nonetheless, this hasn't stopped optimistic and enthusiastic developers from making big plans for the future.

5G Meets Augmented Reality

Some of the latest and most innovative plans unveiled thus far involve the pairing of 5G with the most sophisticated augmented reality (AR) technology available today. Not only does this allow for the real-time manipulation of virtualized, 3D objects in real-time, but it also allows for enhanced collaboration across the board.

Known as the Nreal Light smartglasses, the device – which is the brainchild of developers at Spatial and Nreal – is lauded as an incredibly lightweight, user-friendly, and affordable design. With a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $499, the glasses are expected to hit store shelves in 2020.

From a technical standpoint, the team at Nreal is responsible for designing and creating the device itself. Spatial, their partner, serves solely as a software developer. If you've been paying attention the AR space over the past few years, you might recognize the Spatial name; they previously worked with Microsoft on the HoloLens device and are widely considered as one of the most prominent and successful AR software developers to date.

Anand Agarawala, co-founder and CEO of Spatial, spoke about the integration of 5G and AR by saying, in part: "Consumers will be able to work or interact with anyone, anywhere as if sitting next to each other. I believe that 5G will be important for removing some of the connectivity barriers that exist today and reducing the need for as many layers of security in order to collaborate."

'''What's the Big Deal?'''

As you can see, much of the buzz around the Nreal Light smartglasses focused on their ability to revolutionize the workplace. However, the 21st century has already brought us many innovations that are designed specifically for workplace communications. From telephone-based conference calls to online video conferences, text messages, and even private user networks, it seems the workplace already has its fair share of technology. So how is this any different?

For starters, there are still some serious obstacles when it comes to collaboration in the workplace – both virtually and physically. Not only are the Nreal Light smartglasses expected to overcome some of these obstacles, but it's expected to reduce security needs on behalf of the average business.

But that's just what the smartglasses have to offer. Don't forget about the improved speed, accessibility, and reliability of 5G technology. While 4G suffices for many consumer needs, it still leaves a little to be desired when operating on a larger scale. That's where the true benefit of 5G really comes into play.

It's also important to note that the Nreal Light smartglasses have yet to reach the hands of consumers. In fact, an exact timeline for release has yet to be announced. Nreal hasn't even unveiled pricing details at the time of this writing, so it's anybody's guess as to when we'll all have a chance to use the Nreal Light smartglasses for ourselves.