Microsoft's HoloLens 2 headset is nothing short of revolutionary. Its comfortable design, intuitive controls and immersive, high-resolution waveguides have helped it lead the way for mixed reality in the workplace.

But hardware, as they say, is nothing without software. To put a device like HoloLens 2 to good use, you have to download – or develop – apps that support your specific use case.

The good news is that HoloLens 2 has a mature and growing software ecosystem. It offers a range of enterprise apps that can help boost productivity, speed up design cycles, empower better communication and more. 

To help your business take full advantage of the benefits of extended reality (XR), we've compiled a selection of some of the most innovative and useful applications available on HoloLens 2 today.

HoloLens 2 apps for productivity

Vuforia Studio

Developed by PTC, a well-known name in AR industry applications, Vulforia is designed to enhance data visualisation and staff training.

The application harnesses HoloLens's augmented reality potential by transforming existing CAD and IoT data into detailed AR experiences for training and instruction.

Workers can access step-by-step 3D overlays and digital twins that enable them to inspect, assemble and carry out new operations with ease. 

Inspect AR 

Inspect AR is built for fuss-free industry maintenance. It allows any worker to perform inspections, safety checks and training using a digitised test process.

Through the app, you can create step-by-step instructions and customised checklists for your staff – who can also input feedback directly into the program, keeping the systems up-to-date. 

Data is displayed as a virtual overlay, meaning staff can carry out operations with both hands free.

Inspect AR focuses on improving productivity while reducing errors in the workplace. 

HoloLens 2 apps for engineers, construction teams and architects

BIM Holoview

Using the mixed reality capabilities of HoloLens 2, BIM Holoview promises to "transport users into the reality of their design as it blends perfectly with the physical environment".

The app allows professionals to visualise design concepts and dimensions in real-world surroundings. BIM Holoview automatically converts digital models into 1:1 scale holographic images that can be placed on-site with impressive precision. The result is an app that can improve concept design while reducing the chances of costly mistakes. 

Kado

"Build better structures faster" with Kado by Intellectsoft, an app that claims to decrease reworks by 70% in your construction process.

Whether you're looking to increase productivity in MEP constructions, collaborate on interior design reviews or coordinate on-site plans, Kado could work for you. Its clever design means you can overlay any BIM model of a site in augmented reality and manually align models into a real-world space.

Kado has a whole load of features specifically made for industry-use AR, like

• BIM model stabilisation
• a precise AR ruler
• model retrieval and alignment
• easy integration with other popular construction apps

HoloLens 2 apps for product visualisation

DataMesh

Built for designers and product developers alike, DataMesh focuses on user-friendly content presentation and remote collaboration.

With its code-free, drag-and-drop interface, users can quickly create digital twin product designs, build 3D product flow data and publish BIM construction processes. Workers can showcase the latest product designs while collaborating remotely with multiple users across many different devices.

DataMesh is a useful app if you want to keep communication between staff and product vision clear and effective.

HoloLens 2 apps for commercial development and space management

nsquared space planner

nsquared space planner is a simple yet effective application that helps users maximise value for space in warehouses, redesign office layouts and more.

The app uses mixed reality technology to enable effective space visualisation. Users can manipulate life-sized models of equipment and reimagine any workspace without the conventional frustrations of logistics.

Holo Property

This app earns its place in our list by its clever use of mixed reality. With HoloProperty, property developers can showcase their builds and plans to potential buyers, wherever they are in the world – and without the customer having to physically travel to the site.

Marketing with HoloProperty can save developers time, reduce their travel expenses and help them reach a wider audience.

HoloLens 2 apps for training

CAD Models HoloLens

Produced by Cadenas, this app is a download service for the mechanical engineering and automotive industries. Users can access thousands of 3D CAD models and parts from more than 500 verified catalogues of manufacturers. All 2D and 3D CAD models can be downloaded for free and can be easily configured by the user.

Allowing workers to visualise and manipulate equipment without the limitations of heavy machinery or location means better education for staff, wherever they're stationed. 

HoloLens 2 apps for remote collaboration

SimplyVideo

A free upgrade to Windows 11 is now available for all HoloLens devices, bringing with it an abundance of great new features, including Microsoft Teams as standard.

Why are we mentioning this? Because SimplyVideo – a video collaboration platform built for XR wearables – integrates seamlessly with Teams.

SimplyVideo brings XR-focused functionality into a Microsoft ecosystem. And it does it simply and reliably, with no complicated setup necessary.

This means frontline workers using HoloLens can join calls using simple voice commands, while office staff continue to use the Teams environment they're used to.

And it means that signal dropouts and communication issues are minimised. SimplyVideo is designed to work with limited bandwidth, including remote environments where only 4G or satellite internet is available.

SimplyVideo enables frontline staff to access remote expertise and training through XR-enhanced "see-what-I-see" video. Plus, it includes a raft of features that are designed to take full advantage of XR:

• Team members can manipulate and annotate the same object remotely with 3D asset visualisation.
• In-call annotation allows for easy markup of shared images, helping to limit miscommunication.
• Captured data is saved for posterity in the SimplyVideo cloud.

Try HoloLens 2 today

Are you considering deploying HoloLens 2 in your business? Here at Expand Reality, we're always keen to help enterprises unlock the full potential of XR wearables.

Feel free to get in touch – our team will be happy to discuss solutions and explore potential use cases.

Ready to deploy? You can buy a Microsoft HoloLens via our online store – or "try before you buy" with a free, live demonstration from one of our experts.