1. Opportunities and Challenges
Categories:
Analysis of Software and Hardware Issues
New Standards Development
Web-Based AR
for the Enterprise
Opportunities and Challenges
Area Members
Participating in projects and development related to topic
Georgia Tech Augmented Environments Lab – exploring frontier of human-centered computing.
Mozilla –browsers, tools, open standards to internet open and accessible
EPRI – leads R&D for electric power, pioneer / leader in exploration practical use of enterprise AR/VR
Brainwaive LLC – PM, active in helping to develop specifications for effective delivery of AR/VR on the web.

2. New App Ecosystem and Distribution Model is Required
Problem this Research Project Will Address
Current barrier to widespread AR adoption
“Native App” paradigm (MS Mixed Reality, ML Lumen, Unity, Vuforia, etc.)
Expensive - software, delivery
Complex - app development, integration
Proprietary - OS/device specific; integration with existing infrastructure
Incompatible - systems, content, delivery
Cumbersome - app store search, download, install, configure, then view
Barriers to widespread adoption of AR include:
Complexity, expense of “Native App” h/w, content development, delivery
Lack of OS-interoperability / device portability for sharing content
No integration with extensive web infrastructure, tools, apps, data
For example:
MS HoloLens and Magic Leap system costs & app development complexity
MS HoloLens / Magic Leap systems, content incompatible
Every app requires search, download, install, configure before viewing
New App Ecosystem and Distribution Model is Required

3. Potentially Huge Cost and Time Savings Impacting Every AREA Member
Enter the game-changing “Immersive Web”
W3C Immersive Web specification will catalyze mass AR/VR adoption
What - interface between browsers and mobile devices
When - all major browser vendors collaborating, 1Q19 release
How - AR on any smartphone, tablet or headset
Why - web based delivery overcomes Native App limitations
Advanced interface between browsers, mobile devices
Overcomes limitations of “native app” approach
Inexpensive content development, delivery
Seamless sharing via hyperlinks, existing web investments
All major browser vendors - 1Q19 draft
2B users will experience AR on any smartphone, tablet, headset
Potentially Huge Cost and Time Savings Impacting Every AREA Member

4. Who benefits from Immersive Web?
AR/VR App Developers, System Integrators
Simple coding - familiar skillsets, tools, frameworks, processes
Single codebase - build once, rapidly deploy to many users/devices
End-Users
Fluid content - bypass app store dependencies: no download or install
Easy to use - familiar hyperlinks on any browser, OS or device, sharing
Enterprise Managers
Familiar tools - web apps, data management, security protocols
Cost, time savings - inexpensive, leveraged investments in teams, tools
WebXR will do for AR/VR what Browser did for internet – democratize, bring it to the masses

5. How this research will be conducted
FOCUS: Compare and contrast Web-based AR vs. Native App methods for enterprise AR applications across the solution lifecycles, detailing approach, requirements, strengths, weaknesses and remaining gaps for widespread adoption.
Collaborate with W3C on Immersive Web specification status & roadmap
Conduct research on prior Web-AR investigations, current initiatives, leadership
Survey AREA members and industry stakeholders for attitudes and vision
Create and demonstrate several working enterprise use-case pilots to determine feasibility, scalability, challenges and gaps for practical adoption
Deliver written report and PowerPoint presentation of findings and next steps
What’s needed?

6. Benefits to AREA Members
Understand Immersive Web vs. Native Apps
Identify benefits, challenges, what is needed
Impact on strategy, spending decisions, operational efficiencies
Mission of AREA is to provide greater operational efficiency
smooth introduction
widespread adoption of interoperable AR-assisted systems.