The market's interest in alternative reality (VR, AR, and MR) has driven the development of a range of technologies, some of which are aimed at consumers while others are for business and industry. In the alternative reality, augmented reality and mixed reality seem to go further than virtual reality because both of them bring about huge practical applications that virtual reality cannot match. It does not mean that virtual reality has no place in the future. If you want to escape to the virtual world and forget the reality for a while, VR is a perfect platform. From a pure entertainment point of view, there is currently nothing comparable to VR. On the other hand, AR or MR can integrate virtual and real, which brings a large number of potential use cases for both consumer and commercial purposes. The AR element of Pokemon Go is one example. But what areas will AR ultimately dominate? The two giants Microsoft and Google are standing at the forefront of augmented reality, and Apple has not yet shown its trump card. However, Microsoft has gone farthest in development and implementation. More importantly, they have already launched specific hardware products. This is a key point. Google, on the other hand, offers platforms and several developer devices such as the Yellowstone tablet. However, Google hopes to stop there. They just want OEMs to develop hardware for their Tango augmented reality platform. But what is the essential difference between Microsoft and Google’s platform? At the Google Developers Conference last week, we learned more about Tango, so we can better compare Google and Microsoft's augmented reality platform. 1. Microsoft HoloLens Microsoft HoloLens is basically a holographic experience that mainly overlays 3D models in the physical environment around the user. With gaze tracking and gesture recognition input methods (as well as Cortana Mina's voice commands), the user can manipulate the augmented reality environment quite naturally. One of the most impressive features of HoloLens is that the system can target applications and holograms while the user's body is moving. At the same time, the system is able to record all the elements so that each time you reopen the device in a few days, each hologram and each application level can be fixed in a specific position. On the hardware side, HoloLens uses a 32-bit Intel Atom processor and Microsoft's own Holographic Processing Unit. In addition, HoloLens integrates an inertial measurement unit, four cameras for spatial mapping, and a depth sensor to help HoloLens create a 3D model. It is worth mentioning that the system uses two processors to present the experience and achieve greater power and thermal efficiency. The sensor data is processed by a holographic processor, while the application program can render a 3D model through the Atom processor. The current HoloLens has certain drawbacks, such as bulky design and head-mounted components. But the performance of the equipment is enough to allow us to tolerate most of the disadvantages. Admittedly, the application of HoloLens is very rare now, but the number is increasing. In addition, non-holographic applications can be opened as floating virtual screens, and you can place them in a 3D environment created by HoloLens. 2. Google Tango Google Tango is similar to HoloLens in many ways, but there is a big difference between the two. Tango primarily creates 3D maps or 3D models in the surroundings through depth perception and cameras. One important point is that this 3D mapping can be used on the Tango smartphone and then inserted into the Daydream VR heads. Local mapping may be the most interesting part of Tango. In addition to obvious uses (such as decoration, interior design, architecture, etc.), Tango can also provide accurate navigation and positioning tips, which goes beyond the microscopic GPS. Another important development is that Google announced the Daydream VR integrated machine that integrates the Snapdragon 835 VR platform at the I/O conference. By then, the device will not require any smart phones. Lenovo and Asustek currently provide smart phones that support Tango, but Daydream VR technology is likely to bypass smart phones and evolve into an integrated VR headset. There will be more Tango smart phones in the future, but there is a clear difference between the use cases based on smart phones and the use cases with all-in-one machines. 3. Are there any major differences between the two? The elements behind Microsoft HoloLens and Google Tango are quite close. The working principle of spatial mapping, 3D modeling, virtual overlay, depth perception, and other components are basically the same, but the methods of data processing and final rendering may differ. However, one major difference is that HoloLens allows you to open any UWP application in the Windows Store, even non-holographic applications. As mentioned earlier, non-holographic applications can be opened as floating virtual screens, and you can place them in a 3D environment created by HoloLens. This feature is very different from the current Tango. Another difference is how it interacts with the environment. Tango offers relatively few physical controls, and HoloLens allows you to control digital overlay objects relatively naturally, including voice commands. In other words, it is difficult to determine whether the two technologies are superior or inferior because it depends on the specific considerations of the use case. For example, HoloLens may be a bit "overkill" in interior design. Tango is the most cost-effective solution for this use case. Both companies hand over future hardware production to OEMs. HoloLens is still offered by Microsoft and is aimed primarily at commercial and industrial use cases, but the upcoming hybrid reality headlines will be produced by partners such as Acer, Asus, Dell, Lenovo and Hewlett-Packard, targeting the consumer market. Microsoft has released the Acer Developer Edition headline, and it is expected that the consumer version will begin shipping at the end of this year. Google completely handed over this piece of production to a third-party hardware manufacturer, allowing them to integrate Tango into their own products or to produce specialized products for Tango. Combining the above, the two augmented reality platforms are highly-functional technologies that have a wide range of application possibilities in both consumer and business areas. But both have just completed the development phase and some of the elements are not yet fully mature. It will take some time for augmented reality or mixed reality hardware and software to become mainstream, but it will surely cover more areas than the current pure VR. There is no doubt that alternative reality is the future. Now, the unanswered question is when Apple will bring AR products to the world, and will compete with Microsoft's two tigers into a three-nation killing.