Microsoft HoloLens Review - Bridging The Gap Between AR And VR

Microsoft has a long tradition of spicing up relatively dull product announcements with compelling tech demos, and the Windows 10 announcement was no exception. The software giant used the opportunity to create a fair amount of buzz about the HoloLens, a futuristic headset that offers a glimpse into the future of Augmented Reality (AR). However, Microsoft also has a tradition of spectacular hardware flops, which peaked under the Ballmer regime. Remember the Kin phone? Neither do I.

The introduction of HoloLens probably won’t be such a flop for a number of reasons. First of all, the HoloLens still has a long way to go before it becomes a commercially viable device - it could be about a few quarters, or a couple of years. Secondly, the concept behind it is sound, and builds on a few promising emerging industry trends, such as wearable tech and Virtual Reality (VR) headsets. The HoloLens is trying to be somewhat different by bundling a lot of functionality into a single device, but in this Microsoft HoloLens review we will take a look at what’s already out there and what is in the works.

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Making great 3D warehouse model? Look the video

For years now, SketchUp users of all skill levels have provided 3D models to the world through 3D Warehouse. We’re continually surprised by the breadth of 3D Warehouse contributions, but for a while now, we’ve been wondering how to help people make good models great.
Recently, we have taken some time to reflect on What makes a great 3D Warehouse model? To get everybody on the same page, we have developed a checklist that should help you create beautiful, useful, and easy-to-operate 3D Warehouse models. We’ve also created an article and a video series that digs deeper into what each item on the checklist means and how to hone your SketchUp skills to achieve the desired results.

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3D Printing: Should Designers And Developers Take Notice?

3D printing is not a new technology, but recent advances in several fields have made it more accessible to hobbyists and businesses. Compared to other tech sectors, it’s still a small industry, but most analysts agree it has a lot of potential. But where is the potential for freelance designers and software engineers?

A fellow Toptaler asked me this a couple of weeks ago, because I used to cover 3D printing for a couple of publications. I had no clear answer. I couldn’t just list business opportunities because this is a niche industry with a limited upside and mass market appeal. What’s more, 3D printing is still not a mature technology, which means there is not a lot in the way of standardisation and online resources for designers and developers willing to take the plunge.

However, this does not mean there are no business opportunities; they’re out there, but they are limited. In this post, I will try to explain what makes the 3D printing industry different, and what freelancers can expect moving forward.

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