Best AR Collaboration Tools

How Many AR Collaboration Tools Products Does G2 Track?

Total Products under this Category: 43

Category Stats (Nov 2026)

  • Average Rating: 4.45/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings

Last updated: November 07, 2026

How Does G2 Rank AR Collaboration Tools Products?

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G2 Grid® for AR Collaboration Tools

G2 Grid® for AR Collaboration Tools plotting products by satisfaction and market presence

Highlighted products: Streem, Help Lightning, Vuforia Chalk, Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, Librestream, AIRe Link, Zoho Lens, and Remote Eye.

Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/ar-collaboration-tools/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=streem&focus%5B%5D=help-lightning&focus%5B%5D=vuforia-chalk&focus%5B%5D=dynamics-365-remote-assist&focus%5B%5D=librestream&focus%5B%5D=aire-link&focus%5B%5D=zoho-lens&focus%5B%5D=remote-eye)

Streem

StreemCore® is an enterprise-class, remote visual assistance tool using out-of-the-box augmented reality (AR) capabilities. By adding an interactive, no-download video collaboration tool, companies can quickly see and solve remotely - accelerating diagnosis and support resolution times. With Streem's APIs or SDK, remote AR-enabled video tools can embed and/or integrate into native apps and existing workflows

Average Rating: 4.5/5.0

Total Reviews: 74

How Do G2 Users Rate Streem?

  • AR annotations: 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 9.6/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 9.4/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind Streem?

  • Seller: Streem
  • Year Founded: 2017
  • HQ Location: Portland, Oregon
  • LinkedIn® Page: www.linkedin.com
    19 employees on LinkedIn®

Who Uses This Product?

  • Top Industries: Consumer Services, Oil & Energy
  • Company Size: 43% Medium, 20% Large

What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Streem?

AI-generated summary from verified user reviews

Pros
  • Users find Streem's ease of use exceptional, facilitating quick, real-time support without the need for app downloads.
  • Users value the easy setup of Streem, enabling quick access and streamlined integration for seamless support experiences.
  • Users appreciate the real-time visual clarity of Streem, making troubleshooting much easier and more efficient.
  • Users appreciate the easy access of Streem, allowing seamless connections without downloads for a smooth experience.
  • Users benefit from significant time savings with Streem due to its real-time clarity and efficient remote collaboration.
Cons
  • Users frequently face connectivity issues, experiencing lag, session drops, and instability during video or screen sharing.
  • Users find limited customization in Streem frustrating, especially with no store-specific AR tool presets available for their diverse needs.
  • Users experience delays in session start and quality due to device camera limitations and connection instability.
  • Users experience a steep learning curve with Streem, struggling to master advanced features and setup procedures.
  • Users express concerns over the poor quality of video and document capture, impacting overall effectiveness during sessions.

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Streem?

What Are G2 Users Discussing About Streem?

Help Lightning

Help Lightning's Remote Visual Guidance Software provides video collaboration services that enable a company’s experts to work virtually side-by-side with anyone needing help, anywhere in the world. This cloud-based solution applies augmented reality features, including the merging of two video streams and the use of 3D annotation to improve real-time communications and solve difficult problems. Help Lightning is used for the installation, inspection, training, servicing, and repair of complex equipment and products. With Help Lightning, customers see immediate performance improvements including an increase in first-time fix rates, fewer truck rolls, expanded workforce capacity, and an increase in end customer satisfaction while enhancing service revenue and margin. Learn more at helplightning.com.

Average Rating: 4.8/5.0

Total Reviews: 62

How Do G2 Users Rate Help Lightning?

  • AR annotations: 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 9.0/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind Help Lightning?

Who Uses This Product?

  • Top Industries: Chemicals, Information Technology and Services
  • Company Size: 40% Medium, 37% Large

What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Help Lightning?

AI-generated summary from verified user reviews

Pros
  • Users commend Help Lightning for its ease of use, enhancing customer support and troubleshooting efficiency significantly.
  • Users commend the excellent customer support provided by Help Lightning, enhancing user experience and satisfaction significantly.
  • Users value the screen sharing capability of Help Lightning for its clarity and effective problem resolution.
  • Users commend the reliability of Help Lightning, facilitating fast, effective support and resolutions for customer issues.
  • Users praise the service quality of Help Lightning, highlighting its ease of use and effective customer support capabilities.
Cons
  • Users face delay issues with calls, connections, and video downloads, impacting overall experience with Help Lightning.
  • Users often face connectivity issues, particularly with larger groups, leading to frequent disconnections during sessions.
  • Users experience screen resolution issues with lag, disconnections, and frozen images during Help Lightning sessions.
  • Users experience frequent disconnections and limited time for screen sharing, affecting usability and workflow efficiency.
  • Users face connection issues that complicate starting calls and sometimes lead to disconnection during troubleshooting.

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Help Lightning?

What Are G2 Users Discussing About Help Lightning?

Vuforia Chalk

Quickly scale problem-solving guidance, support and expertise to your factory operations & service teams with augmented reality. Vuforia Chalk is a powerful collaboration and communication tool for your organization’s experts to provide real-time assistance to technicians facing complex or unfamiliar challenges. Vuforia Chalk combines advanced augmented reality (AR) with real-time communications to connect a field technician with an expert so that the expert can see and discuss the situation in the field. Technicians and experts can draw digital annotations on a mobile screen or desktop that accurately stick to 3D physical objects, allowing the expert to guide the technician through a process, step-by-step. With more accurate annotations, experts and technicians spend less time resolving issues, increasing operational productivity and efficiency. Vuforia Chalk delivers faster resolution without the time and expense of expert travel or repeat technician visits.

Average Rating: 4.4/5.0

Total Reviews: 17

How Do G2 Users Rate Vuforia Chalk?

  • AR annotations: 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 9.2/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind Vuforia Chalk?

  • Seller: PTC
  • Year Founded: 1985
  • HQ Location: Boston, Massachusetts
  • LinkedIn® Page: www.linkedin.com
    8,226 employees on LinkedIn®
  • Ownership: NASDAQ: PTC
  • Total Revenue (USD mm): $2,300

Who Uses This Product?

  • Company Size: 47% Small, 41% Medium

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Vuforia Chalk?

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Dynamics 365 Remote Assist

Empower technicians to collaborate more efficiently by working together from different locations with Dynamics 365 Remote Assist on HoloLens, Android, or iOS devices.

Average Rating: 4.1/5.0

Total Reviews: 16

How Do G2 Users Rate Dynamics 365 Remote Assist?

  • AR annotations: 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 8.5/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind Dynamics 365 Remote Assist?

  • Seller: Microsoft
  • Year Founded: 1975
  • HQ Location: Redmond, Washington
  • LinkedIn® Page: www.linkedin.com
    232,750 employees on LinkedIn®
  • Ownership: MSFT
  • Phone: +1 (877) 276-2464

Who Uses This Product?

  • Company Size: 35% Small, 29% Large

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Dynamics 365 Remote Assist?

What Are G2 Users Discussing About Dynamics 365 Remote Assist?

Librestream

Librestream transforms workforces with AR & AI- enabled knowledge networks for safer, more efficient & resilient workforces. Librestream’s Onsight solution is the leading augmented reality platform, built for industrial enterprises & deployed in 184 countries, on 6 continents, & supports translations in 27 languages. Compatible with existing workflows and ecosystems, Onsight provides immediate access to the content, people, relevant data, & guidance needed — in any environment & on any device.

Average Rating: 4.7/5.0

Total Reviews: 13

How Do G2 Users Rate Librestream?

  • AR annotations: 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 9.1/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind Librestream?

Who Uses This Product?

  • Company Size: 54% Small, 38% Medium

What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Librestream?

AI-generated summary from verified user reviews

Pros
  • Users value the diverse features of Librestream, enhancing collaboration and communication efficiency significantly.
Cons
  • Users find the high price of Librestream burdensome, especially needing additional licenses for guests.
  • Users find the high licensing costs inconvenient, especially needing additional licenses for guests.

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Librestream?

AIRe Link

AIRe Link is a cloud-based solution for remote visual support that’s easy to use, with no app downloads needed. Developed by Konica Minolta, a leader in workplace innovation for over 150 years, it’s built with robust security and fully complies with GDPR and B2B standards. AIRe Link streamlines customer support or service with features like video streaming, live pointers, drawing, OCR, and more. It also boosts team collaboration through group sessions, a knowledge base, and real-time data analytics. With AIRe Link, you can provide efficient, secure support and improve team productivity. Additionally, you'll save money, time, and cut down on CO2 emissions by reducing on-site service visits.

Average Rating: 4.5/5.0

Total Reviews: 20

How Do G2 Users Rate AIRe Link?

  • AR annotations: 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 9.3/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind AIRe Link?

Who Uses This Product?

  • Company Size: 65% Small, 25% Medium

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of AIRe Link?

Zoho Lens

Zoho Lens is cloud-based software that allows technicians to provide real-time remote assistance to customers using a smartphone camera or smart glass at the remote end using augmented reality through features like AR annotation, text chat, and VoIP. You can start assisting your customers instantly or schedule a session at a mutually convenient time. In addition to increasing the ease of communication, Zoho Lens offers features like session analytics, session recording, rebranding, mobile SDK, and file management that help organizations with user management, improving accountability, better audits, and customization.

Average Rating: 4.7/5.0

Total Reviews: 22

How Do G2 Users Rate Zoho Lens?

  • AR annotations: 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 9.0/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 9.7/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind Zoho Lens?

  • Seller: Zoho
  • Year Founded: 1996
  • HQ Location: Austin, TX
  • LinkedIn® Page: www.linkedin.com
    30,913 employees on LinkedIn®
  • Phone: +1 (888) 900-9646

Who Uses This Product?

  • Top Industries: Information Technology and Services, Staffing and Recruiting
  • Company Size: 59% Medium, 23% Small

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Zoho Lens?

What Are G2 Users Discussing About Zoho Lens?

Remote Eye

Wideum is a remote service technology company, innovating in applications for smartphones, tablets and smart glasses. Our proprietary software allows users to execute difficult tasks and operation maintenance with remote assistance thanks to information sharing between field service operators and support departments. Remote Eye is a remote assistance software that improves communication and knowledge management between an Expert, remotely and a local Operator. The Expert will be able to remotely visualize what the technician has in front of his eyes to guide and assist him in the installation, maintenance, or repairs that require more specialized external knowledge. Remote Eye is specially designed for Smart Glasses, hands-free devices that allow the operator to complete the freedom to move. It is also available on Android and iOS mobile phones. For more information visit www.wideum.com

Average Rating: 4.7/5.0

Total Reviews: 30

How Do G2 Users Rate Remote Eye?

  • AR annotations: 9.5/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 9.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 9.5/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind Remote Eye?

  • Seller: Wideum
  • Year Founded: 2017
  • HQ Location: Barcelona, ES
  • LinkedIn® Page: www.linkedin.com
    12 employees on LinkedIn®

Who Uses This Product?

  • Top Industries: Information Technology and Services
  • Company Size: 39% Small, 33% Large

What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Remote Eye?

AI-generated summary from verified user reviews

Pros
  • Users appreciate the cost efficiency of Remote Eye, benefiting from budget-friendly subscription packages and streamlined processes.
  • Users value the ease of use of Remote Eye, appreciating its simplicity in data management and integration.
  • Users value the easy integration with other tools, enhancing their workflow and overall productivity with Remote Eye.
  • Users value the simplicity of integrations with other tools, enhancing their overall workflow and efficiency.
  • Users value the simplicity of reviewing remote reports, enhancing their ability to work efficiently and effectively.

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Remote Eye?

SightCall

SightCall is the world’s leading augmented-reality powered video cloud platform, delivering live, remote interactions between business and customers on every continent around the globe. In a connected, mobile-first world, businesses leveraging SightCall have the ability to see what their customers see and guide them remotely. With over 10 years of experience in remote video assistance, SightCall helps businesses transform their customer service and field service with the power of augmented reality and live video. For more information, visit www.sightcall.com.

Average Rating: 4.6/5.0

Total Reviews: 20

How Do G2 Users Rate SightCall?

  • AR annotations: 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 9.4/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind SightCall?

  • Seller: SightCall
  • Year Founded: 2008
  • HQ Location: San Francisco, CA
  • LinkedIn® Page: www.linkedin.com
    62 employees on LinkedIn®

Who Uses This Product?

  • Top Industries: Marketing and Advertising
  • Company Size: 52% Small, 43% Medium

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of SightCall?

TeamViewer Frontline

TeamViewer Frontline is the industrial AR-powered connected worker platform that connects frontline teams and information for smarter, more efficient operations along the industrial value chain. It standardizes and simplifies complex enterprise data—from integrated backend systems like WMS, PLM, or ERP to unstructured sources like Excel or PDFs—into actionable digital workflows. Delivered on smart glasses, wearables, or mobile devices, workers receive clear step-by-step guidance and instant access to expert knowledge—accelerating task execution, reducing downtime, and eliminating errors. At the same time, Frontline captures critical operational insights—from verifications and process times to visual documentation—enriching enterprise systems and enabling leaders to identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and make better data-driven decisions. With Frontline, industries close the loop between workforce and information, creating a continuous cycle of efficiency, productivity, and operational excellence at scale.

Average Rating: 4.3/5.0

Total Reviews: 60

How Do G2 Users Rate TeamViewer Frontline?

  • AR annotations: 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 8.8/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind TeamViewer Frontline?

Who Uses This Product?

  • Top Industries: Information Technology and Services, Staffing and Recruiting
  • Company Size: 48% Small, 34% Medium

What Do G2 Reviewers Say About TeamViewer Frontline?

AI-generated summary from verified user reviews

Pros
  • Users appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of TeamViewer Frontline for providing quick remote support and troubleshooting.
  • Users love the seamless connectivity of TeamViewer Frontline, making remote work and client interactions more efficient.
  • Users appreciate the ease of use of TeamViewer Frontline, simplifying remote support with its intuitive interface.
  • Users value the real-time collaboration of TeamViewer Frontline, enabling efficient problem-solving across their remote teams.
  • Users commend the troubleshooting guidance of TeamViewer Frontline, facilitating effective remote assistance and support.
Cons
  • Users find accessibility issues with TeamViewer Frontline due to bulky headsets and limited input methods.
  • Users find the integration issues of TeamViewer Frontline problematic, as it complicates workflow between apps.
  • Users experience lagging performance due to occasional lags and calibration issues affecting overall usability and AR accuracy.
  • Users experience linking issues due to app incompatibility and the need for a more streamlined connection process.
  • Users experience sensor issues with TeamViewer Frontline, including glitches and calibration problems that impact performance.

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of TeamViewer Frontline?

What Are G2 Users Discussing About TeamViewer Frontline?

AR Genie

AR Genie is a visual remote assistance tool powered by AI, augmented reality (AR), and the Large Langauge Model (L.L.M.). It enables experts to collaborate globally with technicians or customers to assist and guide visually using AR annotations on live video for resolving complex technical issues remotely. Our user-friendly tools make it easy to troubleshoot problems using AR Glasses, mobile devices, or tablets, eliminating the confusion and complexity associated with technical terminology. Elevate your technical support capabilities in operation and maintenance or training to expedite resolution, enhance the customer experience, save time, and reduce costs.

Average Rating: 4.5/5.0

Total Reviews: 11

How Do G2 Users Rate AR Genie?

  • AR annotations: 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 8.9/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 7.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind AR Genie?

  • Seller: AR Genie
  • Year Founded: 2023
  • HQ Location: San Jose, US
  • LinkedIn® Page: www.linkedin.com
    12 employees on LinkedIn®

Who Uses This Product?

  • Company Size: 64% Small, 27% Medium

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of AR Genie?

HELPAR

Provide remote assistance empowered with augmented reality: HELPAR is an efficient collaborative solution for remote guidance, which combines video streaming and AR technology. This superimposes the user’s camera image with computer-generated visuals to enable interactions and AR markings.

Average Rating: 4.5/5.0

Total Reviews: 12

How Do G2 Users Rate HELPAR?

  • AR annotations: 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 9.2/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind HELPAR?

  • Seller: ViewAR
  • Year Founded: 2010
  • HQ Location: Vienna, Austria
  • LinkedIn® Page: www.linkedin.com
    23 employees on LinkedIn®

Who Uses This Product?

  • Company Size: 42% Small, 33% Large

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of HELPAR?

XRmeet

XRmeet is an AR-based remote solution that enables businesses and enterprises alike to provide remote assistance to the workforce by allowing their experts to see what their workers see and solve problems in real-time around the globe. XRmeet combines augmented reality features such as 3D AR annotations with the live video stream to communicate and resolve problems faster. XRmeet is widely used in various industries for training, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of complex equipment. Key Features - Encrypted HD video stream - Multiple device compatibility - Multiple users in a single session - VoIP and in-built text chat - AR annotations and free-hand drawings on live video stream - Freeze/Pause the live video stream and take screenshots and draw annotations. - Record live video stream - Add notes during a session - Screen share - 3D object detection - Real-time analytics Deploying XRmeet, companies saw upto 50% reduction in downtime, 30-50% reduction in the time taken to resolve issues, 30% reduction in operational expenditure and was able to work with a 25% reduction in manpower. Learn more at www.xrmeet.io

Average Rating: 4.7/5.0

Total Reviews: 13

How Do G2 Users Rate XRmeet?

  • AR annotations: 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 8.7/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind XRmeet?

Who Uses This Product?

  • Company Size: 46% Medium, 38% Small

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of XRmeet?

Eye4Task

Eye4Task is a true collaborative platform connecting technicians and experts remotely to accelerate workflows and decision-making processes through AR and KET.

Average Rating: 4.4/5.0

Total Reviews: 14

How Do G2 Users Rate Eye4Task?

  • AR annotations: 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 9.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 9.2/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind Eye4Task?

  • Seller: HeadApp
  • Year Founded: 2014
  • HQ Location: Torino, IT
  • LinkedIn® Page: www.linkedin.com
    4 employees on LinkedIn®

Who Uses This Product?

  • Company Size: 43% Small, 29% Large

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Eye4Task?

EzyVue

Ezyvue is a 3d product visualization and augmented reality web platform. It is designed to enhance e-commerce stores by providing a unique shopping experience and helping bridge the gap between in-store and online shopping. When the Ezyvue viewer is added to a website it enables shoppers to view and interact with a realistic 3d model of a product and preview it at home using augmented reality. The platform simplifies the process of adding the 3d viewer to a web page and can be integrated with most websites and e-commerce site builders. It provides a single online platform for importing, managing, editing, and publishing assets. The viewer features photorealistic rendering, shadows, reflections, product personalization, 3d annotations, animations, augmented reality, and more. 3d models can be customized using the online scene composer. The viewer can be integrated with most websites and e-commerce site builders. Ezyvue provides a number of no-contract subscription plans and is currently offering a 14-day trial.

Average Rating: 4.5/5.0

Total Reviews: 10

How Do G2 Users Rate EzyVue?

  • AR annotations: 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.9/10)
  • Content management: 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)
  • Ease of Use: 8.9/10 (Category avg: 9.1/10)
  • Mobile phones: 7.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10)

Who Is the Company Behind EzyVue?

Who Uses This Product?

  • Company Size: 90% Small, 10% Medium

What Are Recent G2 Reviews of EzyVue?

Adam Crivello
AC
Researched and written by Adam Crivello
Updated October 3, 2024

AR Collaboration Tools Topics

Expand/Collapse

Learn More About AR Collaboration Tools

What are AR Collaboration Tools?

Augmented reality (AR) collaboration tools are used to train, collaborate, and provide technical support from a remote environment using AR applications. Using AR on mobile devices, collaborators can layer digital objects and notes onto another user’s screen as that user views the real world through a camera. For example, a user working with an engine could use a phone, tablet, or hands-free smart glasses to connect with AR collaboration software that provides visual instructions showing them how to conduct maintenance. That user can also video chat with a remote specialist, keeping the engine on screen. The specialist could then superimpose virtual diagrams, 3D objects, and more onto the user’s screen to provide remote assistance. Together they can collaborate on solving the problem using AR and visual instructions. When a support specialist can’t be on site, AR collaboration tools provide the next best thing.

AR collaboration tools are often used to provide remote support in fields such as maintenance, manufacturing, automotive, and utilities. When machinery breaks down during field service, users can be better equipped to diagnose and fix issues thanks to AR collaboration tools. Beyond being relevant to the aforementioned fields, AR collaboration is an evolving field with applications in IT support and more.

What Does AR Stand For?

AR stands for augmented reality. Augmented reality refers to a mixed visualization method that allows users to view real-world objects through a phone, tablet, or other devices and then superimpose virtual objects onto that real-world image.

What are the Common Features of AR Collaboration Tools?

The following are some core features within AR collaboration tools that can help users achieve remote collaboration workflows via AR visualization:

Video chat: While AR collaboration software provides more robust functionality than video conferencing software, the ability to video chat is core to these offerings. A video call serves as the basis for a remote collaboration workspace, which is then supplemented by mixed-reality visualizations.

AR visualization: AR collaboration tools allow collaborators to superimpose virtual images and annotations onto a live video feed. These visualizations convincingly “stick” to objects in the real-world space, creating the illusion that they’re actually part of the scene.

Live text chat: Many AR collaboration platforms feature live text chat alongside video chat, which offers users an alternative means of communication during workflows where voice chat is less effective.

Guided content: Beyond real-time interaction, many tools include functionality for remote support specialists to upload guided learning modules. These are preconfigured AR visualizations and walkthroughs, which allow the end user to learn what they need to conduct field service without a specialist. 

Content management: Many AR collaboration tools allow users to store learning modules, along with recordings of prior AR remote support sessions. This allows teams to easily access help material for reuse when needed. 

Ticket submission: Most AR collaboration tools feature a ticket submission process, which allows specialists to schedule remote assistance based on bandwidth. This also allows field technicians to give specialists context for their issues ahead of time, which makes for a more productive remote collaboration session.

What are the Benefits of AR Collaboration Tools?

AR collaboration solutions provide a number of benefits for both remote help specialists and end users when on-site support isn’t an option.

Productive support: Remote troubleshooting via voice and text chats can be tedious, inefficient, and time consuming. AR collaboration tools ease bandwidth for both specialists and end users by providing a real-time visual medium for collaboration. Instead of describing issues and waiting for a specialist to get back to them, users can show specialists exactly what’s going on with their field service as the specialist annotates the scene to provide remote assistance in real time.

Deeper understanding: Allowing end users and specialists to brainstorm via an AR workspace grants end users a deeper understanding of equipment maintenance via mixed reality and 3D models. Establishing an AR workspace allows specialists to walk users through troubleshooting, remediation, and issue prevention almost as though they were standing over the user’s shoulder. This kind of issue resolution can result in more lasting knowledge to prevent and address similar problems in the future, saving teams time in the long run.

Real-time interaction: When users are dealing with an issue, customer support interactions that feel impersonal can lead to a bad customer experience. By allowing technicians to brainstorm with customers in real time via mobile devices like smartphones, AR collaboration tools facilitate a positive experience that is more likely to leave customers happy.

Who Uses AR Collaboration Tools?

AR collaboration systems are a growing space, and their use cases are evolving. Below are some examples of personas that use the software.

Technicians: Technicians use AR collaboration tools to provide remote assistance for physical equipment and machinery without being physically present. Using video chat and AR on mobile devices like smartphones, technicians can guide users through operation or repair. Technicians can also use these tools to work with each other from a distance.

IT specialists: IT specialists can help their users with hardware issues remotely using AR collaboration tools. The use case is similar to technicians’, except that IT specialists use AR experience to guide users through tech setups. 

Software Related to AR Collaboration Tools

Related solutions that can be used together with these Tools include:

AR visualization software: AR visualization software allows businesses to create immersive experiences for consumers to interact with their products. Users upload 3D models to these platforms and scale the image, adjust the color, and incorporate the additional details needed to give the best user experience possible. These solutions can be used in conjunction with AR remote collaboration tools to customize the user experience in support scenarios. 

AR training simulator software: AR training simulator software is intended to train users for a certain role in a partially virtual environment. Trainees utilize ARaugmented reality in these solutions to learn the vital skills needed for a new job. Depending on the solution, AR collaboration software can provide a real-time collaborative training experience instead of a preset solo experience.

VR collaboration platforms: Virtual reality (VR)VR (virtual reality) collaboration platforms allow users to collaborate in virtual reality from remote locations. These solutions enable users to meet in the same virtual space and communicate through speech and text. The use cases differ from AR in that both participants must be wearing a fully immersive headset, which would rule out the real-time, collaborative equipment repair and operation AR collaboration platforms enable.

Challenges with AR Collaboration Tools

AR collaboration tools can come with their own set of challenges. 

Network availability: Many potential AR remote collaboration users in fields such as utilities and maintenance often find themselves in situations where a high bandwidth internet connection is hard to come by. These tools rely on a reliable internet connection, which can sometimes be a lot to ask for.

Screen size: AR collaboration tools are more effective on tablets than phones and more effective still on smart glasses than tablets. The bigger the field of view, the better. Beyond the field of view, smart glasses provide a completely hands-free experience, granting field technicians more freedom to maneuver during a remote collaboration session. Not all teams have access to tablets, and even fewer have access to smart glasses. 

How to Buy AR Collaboration Tools

Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for AR Collaboration Tools

G2.com can assist buyers in finding the AR collaboration tool, whether a buyer is searching for the first time or looking to replace legacy software.

Generally, the most important considerations are price, the robustness of the AR visualization, and device support. One of the primary purposes of AR collaboration is to enable remote, visual collaboration that is clear and effective for all participants. With that in mind, ensuring that the tool of choice allows users to easily create excellent visuals and annotations is essential. Using G2 reviews as a reference, buyers can determine the solution that will be most effective for their teams, ensuring a pain-free learning curve and comprehensive solution. 

After narrowing down a potential pool of products, teams can then apply further considerations for budget, requirements, and more. Using this approach, buyers can move forward in the buying process with confidence, referencing their checklist in conjunction with G2 scores to find the right solution for their needs.

Compare AR Collaboration Tools 

Create a long list

Buyers should consider the many AR collaboration tools on the market, especially as the market grows. Some of these tools are tailored specifically for fields like maintenance and utilities, while others shine in the hands of IT support specialists. Buyers should consider distinctions like these to produce a long list of potentially viable products.

Create a short list

Once a long list is created, buyers should employ a more granular approach to trim it down. Along with a matrix of must-have functionality and pricing, buyers can use G2 reviews to explore any potential advantages and disadvantages among the products they’re considering. Is one solution better at enhancing collaboration between technicians than providing support between technicians and end users? With factors like these in mind, buyers should narrow down their search to a list of three to five products.

Conduct demos

All software products on a company’s short list must be investigated firsthand via demos to ensure that real-time functionality matches on-paper expectations. During demos, buyers should make inquiries based on the requirements gathering they’ve done prior. For example, one might ask to be walked through a real-time technical support session using a solution’s ARaugmented reality functionality.

Selection of AR Collaboration Tools

Choose a selection team

Companies of any size should try to involve the most relevant personas when beginning the AR collaboration tools selection process. Large companies might have the resources to include individual team members to fill roles such as team managers and technicians. Smaller companies can overlap roles to compensate for their relatively fewer employees. 

Negotiation

Some vendors offer AR remote collaboration tools that can do far more than what the buyer requires, such as full-featured AR visualization. While some AR collaboration software vendors may only offer an all-or-nothing package, buyers who want to optimize spending should try to negotiate a fairly priced package, including only the functionalities that matter to them. For example, a product’s pricing page could show that the buyer’s must-have features are only included with an expensive all-in-one package, whereas a sales conversation may prove otherwise. 

Final decision

To conclude the process, performing a trial run with a small pool of remote specialists is essential. This will aid buyers in ensuring that their chosen AR collaboration tool is easy to use and enables enhanced collaboration. If the tool is received well and utilized often, the buyer’s selection is probably the right one. If not, it may be time to try another product from the short list.