Microsoft announces Remote Assist and Layout mixed reality apps

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.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft plans for a future that isn't anchored by Windows

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.

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

---

Featured Video For You

---

Check out Microsoft's latest, sleekest Surface Pro

---