Microsoft's new Remote Assist app will make HoloLens a less lonely experience

Mixed reality just got a whole lot better.
 By 
Raymond Wong
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Microsoft's HoloLens just got a whole lot more useful.

At Build 2018, Microsoft announced a new Remote Assist app that lets users connect with remote experts in mixed reality. In other words, HoloLens is now more collaborative.

With Remote Assist, Microsoft wants workers to be able to solve problems quicker together, even if they're not physically in the same location.

For example, HoloLens users will be able to share photos, video chat, and even annotate what they're seeing with remote experts, and vice versa. Remote users don't need to use a HoloLens to collaborate; they can use laptops, tablets, PCs, phones -- doesn't matter.

Remote Assist is aimed mostly at enterprises (i.e. factories), but we could see it being useful in other scenarios, like in the classroom or even in the office.

Microsoft also announced Layout, another mixed reality app that allows HoloLens users to "import 3D models to easily create and edit room layouts in real-world scale."

With Layout, the idea is to provide more realistic virtual experiences that give users a better sense of how their designs will work in reality.

Both Microsoft Remote Assist and Layout will be released on May 22.

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Raymond Wong

Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.

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