While the idea of collaborating around augmented reality images sounds tantalizing in theory, it rarely happens in practice for reasons that include awkward setup, orienting around new collaboration apps and gestures, and difficulty in getting 3D models from popular design apps into the system.
Campfire is hoping to bring augmented and virtual reality to the next level of adoption via an integrated system of hardware and software that includes a new headset and a "console" consisting of two magnetically interlocking sticks (resembling the base of the product's namesake) that act as an anchor and projecting hub for digital objects that can appear over the console or in other parts of the room.
While the company hasn't yet released system requirements for its product, it requires a PC with relatively powerful discrete graphics. The company claims that setting up one of its headsets is as easy as setting up an external monitor (but it cannot function as a virtual monitor like Lenovo's ThinkReality A3[1]) and that it handily beats the HoloLens[2] in terms of field of view.
The Campfire headset extends further out than most and, somewhat like Varjo's high-end headsets[3], works with either a clear (for AR) or opaque (for VR) front lens that attaches magnetically. According to Campfire, the extended facial clearance helps accommodate those who wear eyeglasses as well as enables peripheral vision, which it says can help alleviate the nausea issues some people experience using virtual reality (although it acknowledges it makes for a less immersive experience).
Beyond addressing such sensitivities, the window into the real world enables navigating and manipulating the virtual environment via a standard smartphone app. Unlike with the ThinkReality A3 and Motorola smartphones, however, there is no cable connection between the headset and smartphone.