Augmented Reality in Cars- Volkswagen and Microsoft’s Partnership for Innovation

Volkswagen Group and Microsoft have teamed up to bring augmented reality (AR) into Volkswagen cars. The two companies are working on a new app that will allow drivers to view information about their surroundings, such as traffic conditions and hazards, without having to take their eyes off the road. This is in addition to other features, like integrating Google Maps into the car’s infotainment system.

Augmented Reality is becoming an increasingly important technology; as such, Volkswagen and Microsoft are teaming up to make sure it’s a part of cars. The two companies are working together to create innovative new ways to use AR in vehicles, with the goal.

The All-New Futuristic Moving Platform

The new “Moving Platform” mode for HoloLens 2 overcomes a significant limitation of mixed reality headsets. It results in the potential for augmented reality technology to be used in new ways, such as training drivers to handle challenging road conditions, for instance, or creating unique experiences for autonomous vehicles.

The collaboration between these two teams began around 2018 to develop the moving platform feature for HoloLens 2. This HoloLens uses two sensors that measure its motion, visible lights, which deal with acceleration and rotational speed. Summarizing, these sensors imitate how humans move and see the world.

3D Navigation and Map

This moving platform works by placing 3D models inside and outside the car. Moreover, for navigation, the driver will have a map for the route, virtually set on the dashboard with an arrow. It even will result in the temperature inside the car.

The HoloLens is a unique and innovative device, and its new version will be much more mobile. The new device will have a moving platform that will allow users to walk around and use the HoloLens in more places. This should help increase its popularity and make it more useful for business and personal applications.

Recovering HoloLens

Recently, the HoloLens project has gone through a stormy time. The HoloLens 3 was canceled in Feb 2022. This partnership between Microsoft and Volkswagen for the future adds a hope of innovative digitalization by using HoloLens 2. This device was developed after continuous research. Volkswagen’s study established a two-directional connection between the vehicle and HoloLens, which displays real-time information from the car. The company showed mixed reality climate controls, enabling the climate control system without any button or switch.