Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Shadowmap VS Microsoft Hololens

Compare Shadowmap VS Microsoft Hololens and see what are their differences

Shadowmap logo Shadowmap

Interactive 3D maps app to visualize solar shadows worldwide

Microsoft Hololens logo Microsoft Hololens

Augmented reality headset from Microsoft
  • Shadowmap Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-05-25
  • Microsoft Hololens Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-27

Shadowmap features and specs

  • Accurate Solar Mapping
    Shadowmap provides precise solar positioning and shadow casting, allowing users to accurately determine sunlight exposure on specific geographic locations.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • Versatile Applications
    Shadowmap supports a variety of use cases, including real estate analysis, urban planning, and outdoor event planning, enhancing its utility across different sectors.
  • Time-Based Simulation
    Users can simulate shadows at different times of the day and year, helping in planning and decision-making processes concerning solar exposure.

Possible disadvantages of Shadowmap

  • Limited Accessibility
    Shadowmap may not be accessible to all users due to potential geographic restrictions or platform limitations.
  • Data Dependence
    The accuracy of the service depends on the availability and quality of underlying geographic and solar data, which can vary by location.
  • Subscription Costs
    Advanced features of Shadowmap may require a subscription fee, which might not be feasible for all users or small business operations.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly design, some users might still experience a learning curve to fully utilize all its features effectively.

Microsoft Hololens features and specs

  • Augmented Reality Experience
    Hololens offers an immersive augmented reality (AR) experience, overlaying digital content onto the real world, enhancing both user interaction and visualization.
  • Hand and Voice Gesture Support
    Hololens recognizes both hand gestures and voice commands, allowing for intuitive and hands-free interaction with digital elements.
  • Spatial Mapping
    The device uses advanced spatial mapping to understand the environment, providing more realistic and context-aware AR experiences.
  • Enterprise Applications
    Hololens is highly beneficial in enterprise settings, aiding in tasks such as remote assistance, training, and complex assembly procedures.
  • Stand-alone Device
    Unlike some other AR devices, Hololens is a fully self-contained computer with its own processor, memory, and storage, eliminating the need for external hardware.
  • Robust Developer Ecosystem
    Microsoft supports Hololens with extensive SDKs and developer tools, helping create a wide range of applications and solutions.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft Hololens

  • High Cost
    Hololens is relatively expensive, making it less accessible for individual consumers and small businesses.
  • Limited Field of View
    The device's field of view is narrower compared to some other AR and VR devices, which can limit the immersive experience.
  • Weight and Comfort
    Due to its robust build and advanced hardware, Hololens can be heavy and uncomfortable for extended use.
  • Battery Life
    Hololens has a limited battery life, which can be a drawback during prolonged use, especially in an enterprise setting.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its intuitive interface, there is still a learning curve associated with getting accustomed to the device and its gesture-based controls.
  • Developer Focus
    The device is primarily targeted towards developers and enterprises, which limits its consumer-focused applications and content.

Analysis of Microsoft Hololens

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Microsoft HoloLens is regarded as a powerful tool in the mixed reality market, especially for enterprise solutions. It may not be the most budget-friendly option for casual users or gaming enthusiasts, but its functionality and innovation make it a top choice for businesses looking to integrate mixed reality into their operations.

Why this product is good

  • Microsoft HoloLens is a leading mixed reality headset that offers a unique blend of physical and digital interaction. It's praised for its advanced spatial mapping and gesture recognition, making it highly suitable for professional and enterprise use cases. The device provides an immersive experience without being tethered to a PC, allowing users to move freely while interacting with holograms in their environment. It is particularly beneficial in fields such as architecture, healthcare, and manufacturing, where spatial understanding and hands-free operation are advantageous.

Recommended for

  • Architects and designers who need to visualize and manipulate 3D models in real-time within physical spaces.
  • Healthcare professionals looking for new ways to engage in medical training and patient education through immersive simulations.
  • Manufacturing teams that require detailed visualization tools to improve workflow efficiency and product development processes.
  • Educational institutions aiming to integrate cutting-edge technology into their curriculum for enhanced learning experiences.
  • Companies seeking to provide remote assistance and collaboration tools to improve communication and productivity across teams.

Shadowmap videos

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Microsoft Hololens videos

Microsoft HoloLens Review, mind blowing Augmented Reality!

More videos:

  • Review - Microsoft HoloLens 2 Review
  • Review - Microsoft Hololens 2 Hands-On: Mixed reality moves forward at MWC 2019
  • Review - Microsoft's HoloLens: What You Don't Know
  • Review - Product Review: Microsoft Hololens
  • Review - The HoloLens 2 Tour! - Discovering a World of Holograms

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Shadowmap and Microsoft Hololens)
Web App
100 100%
0% 0
Communication
0 0%
100% 100
Drones
100 100%
0% 0
Augmented Reality
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Shadowmap seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Shadowmap mentions (3)

  • Map I created to show sun exposure for any mountain - shademap.app
    Great job OP! I love how snappy your app is. And it's great that there are now more and more tools being developed in this scope. I started out some years ago with app.shadowmap.org – out of being depressed in Viennese/Austrian winters (narrow roads, low Sun … you get it), in an attempt to find the Sun in and outside of the city. And now this tool is used in various fields – including backcountry/outdoors – which... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Death Valley hits 130 degrees, near world record
    It's a bit tricky with high zoom levels because there might be a mountain 5 miles away that's casting shade on your block but at high zoom levels, features far away tend to be ignored for performance reasons. I've been using the map for mountaineering and in my experience it's quite accurate +/-2 to 3 minutes. Do you live in the extreme north or south? Maybe the elevation data for your region is not accurate. The... - Source: Hacker News / almost 4 years ago
  • View shadows cast by topography and buildings, based on date and time of day, anywhere on Earth.
    3D, freemium, topography + structures: https://app.shadowmap.org/. Source: almost 4 years ago

Microsoft Hololens mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Microsoft Hololens yet. Tracking of Microsoft Hololens recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Shadowmap and Microsoft Hololens, you can also consider the following products

Mapbox - An open source mapping platform for custom designed maps. Our APIs and SDKs are the building blocks to integrate location into any mobile or web app.

Magic Leap One - Super stealthy AR startup reveals its first product

AvoMap - Create 3D Videos Of Your Adventures

Mira Prism - Minimalist, untethered, smartphone-powered AR headset

Mapbox GLJS V2 - Interactive, customizable 3D maps in your browser

Oculus Quest - An all-in-one VR system