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.

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

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

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

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?

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.