5G technology promises to bring lower latency and higher bandwidth, changing the present into the future. The real question is: how do we take it from science fiction to reality for others? The collaboration of EventRent, VR Owl, and Huawei, dubbed the 5G Experience Agency has been successfully demonstrating the wide range of applications of 5G to audiences as small as 10 to as big as 60,000. Here are 5 ways we have demonstrated 5G’s capabilities to a myriad of audiences:
1. When Latency Makes a Difference: 4G vs. 5G.
Lower latency seems clear in theory: lower latency means less of a delay between action and response. But making this digital feature tangible can be a challenge. We’ve figured out one of the best ways to do so is simple: set people up against each other and experience what it’s like when using a lower latency in 4G vs. in 5G. By setting up two race cars against each other – one running on 4G, the other on 5G, both equipped with a special camera which transmits the image to a VR headset in another location, the audience can feel the difference in response. This demo, previously done for Bouygues in Bordeaux and for NOS in Portugal, has been a success. Not only does it demonstrate the difference in latency, but it also shows how important it is in a key 5G use case: self-driving vehicles.
2. High Bandwidth for Entertainment
The live video industry has boomed in the last years. Periscope paved the way in 2015 and showed social media platforms how increased engagement with users could be achieved by streaming live. Now, Facebook and Instagram Live are key drivers in engagement and are important tools for social media marketers and public figures. Up until now, 360 video has had too high a bandwidth to be supported by 4G. 5G solves this problem. We’ve successfully launched a live stream for Altice, in Portugal, demoing a 360° Livestream in the Altice Arena. This was amped up to an audience of 60,000, where NOS chose to live-stream one of their stages during their famous summer festival, NOS Alive. For the entertainment industry, having the freedom to Livestream a concert, a football match, or a fashion show in a full 360° will be a large boost in their social media presence.
3. 360° Drone Surveillance
5G will bring upon the rise of drone usage. It will allow drones to transmit high definition footage in record time. This will allow workers who usually have to engage in high-risk environments to use drone footage to monitor, instead of risking their own safety. Another possibility made available once 5G is available for drones will be its potential for surveillance. This was first demonstrated during the Huawei 5G Roadshow in 2018 and later shown in a mock-scenario orchestrated by NOS, in Porto. During this use case, NOS chose to showcase how the 360° Drone could be used as a surveillance tool in keeping the beaches safe. Here, they sent a “swimmer” out into the Atlantic who, once far out, showed signs of distress. These were picked up by the drone footage, allowing the lifeguard to see the “swimmer” drowning and saving him. These use cases are important in showing how 5G will decrease high-risk jobs and create a safer community.
4. Augmented Reality: Training and Technology at a Distance
No other form of virtual audiovisual technology seems to ignite the imagination quite like augmented reality. Augmented reality, the technology that superimposes virtual images into real space, is a big step into the future. But, with current 4G technology, its uses are limited. In the Huawei 2020 Roadshow, one of the main uses of 5G and AR is highlighted. Using the AR Remote Expert technology, together with 5G, we can demonstrate how users can be guided and trained, at a distance. This provides similar benefits to Drone Surveillance. Having all information necessary instantly displayed on AR glasses, allows workers to successfully carry to term tasks which could be too complicated for them without additional aid. This cuts down on the number of workers necessary on one site, as well as increases the success rate of complicated operations. These same glasses can also be used in training instances, ensuring a higher success rate once operational.
5. Cloud VR and 5G
Lastly, while all these use cases demonstrate the importance 5G holds for VR, none do so as much as Cloud VR. Cloud VR eliminates the need for a large computer to act as a server or heavy device which can be both expensive and burdensome to use. Cloud VR together with 5G can make it so that high-quality, immersive VR experiences can be used on headsets as light as mobile phone VR. Initially demonstrated during the Huawei 2019 Roadshow and later revisited during a demo in Saudi Arabia, our VR flying experience showcases the benefits of Cloud VR. Using the Icaros system, the Cloud VR platform, and unique, customized content, we’ve created an experience that helps you achieve the feeling of flight, without the burden of the heavy headset or sacrificing visuals. An additional benefit of Cloud VR is its ability to lessen nausea for users. Due to the increased speed, even when using a less powerful device, the image will coordinate quicker to the motion, almost eliminating motion sickness.
These are just a small selection of ways in which to showcase the potential of 5G. We also offer experiences such as Holoportation – a portmanteau consisting of Holographic and Transportation and Drone Racing – using 5G to control drones going at breakneck speeds racing the one against the other. If you’re interested in hosting your own 5G demo or want to know more information, contact info@5gisnow.com or head on over to the 5G Experience Agency’s website in order to find out what other interesting 5G use cases we offer. These can vary from scale, delivery time, and even level of customizability.
