iQ3Connect Product Release v2025.1

iQ3Connect v2025.1 introduces a range of enhancements to expand the capabilities of web-based spatial training and work instructions, while improving the ease of XR content creation. Key updates include intuitive touch-based AR alignment, new training actions and triggers to improve interactivity, navigation and event-responsiveness, enhancements to tracking and logic to simplify performance monitoring and adaptive adjustments, and a streamlined UI/UX to make the training creation process even easier. Explore the new capabilities of iQ3Connect 2025.1 below. 

 

Training and Work Instructions

 

  • Touch-based AR Alignment – Head Mounted Displays (HMDs): Precise alignment of the virtual and physical environments can now be achieved through intuitive touch-based alignment with the controllers or hands. This new feature is compatible with any AR headset and only requires the end-user to touch 2 designated points in the physical environment to achieve alignment. This new process works without markers and can align to any arbitrary surface, regardless of size, shape, or material.

 

  • XR Action – Move Objects: A new training action has been added to the iQ3Connect Training Studio – Move Objects.  Creators of XR experiences can now visually define which virtual objects end-users can interact with and manipulate. Whitelist objects to quickly define a small number of interactive objects, leaving everything else locked-down, or blacklist objects to quickly lock down (make non-interactable) a few objects while making everything else interactable.

 

  • XR Action – Wayfinding: A new training action has been added to the iQ3Connect Training Studio – Wayfinding. The wayfinding action displays a virtual path toward a specific part/location in the environment, enabling end-users to more easily find the part or navigate to the desired location. Wayfinding can be paired with a User Position Trigger to automatically spawn events and actions once the user arrives at the destination.

 

  • XR Trigger – User Position: The new User Position Trigger can spawn actions and events based on the distance of the user to a designated object. Use this trigger to detect once the user has reached within a certain distance of the desired object or location. This trigger is available from the Wayfinding Action and can be used with or without wayfinding’s virtual path.

 

  • XR Trigger – Object-to-Object Proximity: The new Object-to-Object Proximity Trigger can spawn actions and events based on the distance between 2 virtual objects. Use this trigger to detect once the distance between 2 objects falls below a defined threshold distance, such as when verifying if an end-user has correctly placed a virtual part/tool/etc.

 

  • Tracking, Logic, and Variables: Our extensive tracking, logic, and variable system is now accessible directly from the Training Studio, meaning that scripting is no longer required. Our new visual interface makes it easy to record end-user outcomes (such as time to completion, incorrect steps, answers to questions, etc.) through a flexible tracking system. Define and change variables based on the metrics to be tracked and the performance of the end-user. Variables can be used in combination with logic statements to adjust the training dynamically to user performance and user selections.

 

  • Camera and Navigation Control: A creator’s ability to control the camera and navigation of the end-user has been drastically simplified with improvements to the Training Studio. Locking camera movement and/or orientation is now controlled through toggle switches in the State properties. Navigational boundaries (such as preventing end-users from walking through walls) can be set up visually, including the setup of stacked navigational rules (i.e. a user is allowed to move throughout a room but not through the objects within a room).

 

  • Download Training Data and Results: Training data and results can now be downloaded directly from the iQ3Connect Hub. In Workspace Templates > Past Workspaces, a new Download Training Results icon is available next to each past workspace.

 

  • Training Creation UI/UX Improvements: Some basic UI/UX improvements have been made to improve the efficiency of training creation. The training studio will now open automatically when a training is created, and the starting timeline is now premade. The action property viewer will automatically open when an action is added to a timeline. A new start/stop button will enable seamless transitions between authoring and training preview modes.

 

 

Virtual Workspaces and Classrooms

 

  • Improved Object Movement: Object movement has been drastically improved to provide for faster and more accurate movement of objects within the 3D environment. Improvements have been made for both PC/tablet and XR movement controls. Movement is now controlled via click-and-drag (replacing the old click-on to move, click-off to stop movement system) while a simple move speed modifier (such as holding the shift key or clicking on an on-screen button) allows users to seamlessly transition between fast movement and precision movement.

 

  • Improvements to Rejoining a Workspace: When attempting to join a meeting multiple times from the same account, preference will be given to the most recent connection, removing any older connections from the workspace. To prevent accidental or malicious removal, the older connection will be prompted to accept or reject the newer connection. Acceptance of new connection (or inactivity in responding to the prompt) will then remove the old connection and allow the new connection into the workspace.

 

  • Information Tag Status Indicator and Render Improvement: When viewing the list of information tags in a workspace, active info tags (tags already added to the workspace) will now be highlighted in the list to provide a visual indication of what’s in the workspace and what’s not. Info tag placement on 3D objects has also been improved, minimizing improper occlusion of the info tag to improve its visibility.

 

  • Default Environment Update: The default background environment for the iQ3Connect Workspace has been updated.

 

 

Enterprise Hub

 

  • Simplified Help Access: Accessing the iQ3Connect Knowledge Base has been greatly simplified. The help icon now redirects users to the knowledge base directly.

 

  • XR Model Organization – Grid View: Grid View (as opposed to the default list view) allows users to view an enlarged snapshot of all their XR models in an organized grid directly from the iQ3Connect Hub.

iQ3Connect Product Release v2024.5

Web-based spatial training and work instructions are now more accessible than ever with the release of iQ3Connect 2024.5. This latest update simplifies AR alignment, model optimization, animation authoring, and point cloud visualization. Discover the exciting new capabilities of iQ3Connect 2024.5 below. 

 

  • AR Alignment – Tablets and Mobile Devices – To make AR experiences and work instructions more user friendly, iQ3Connect has introduced automated physical/virtual alignment for tablets and mobile devices. With just two taps, your virtual and physical worlds are now aligned. No need to rely on markers and no need for flat surfaces. This new automated alignment works for objects of any size and shape.

 

  • Real-Time Model Simplification and Optimization – While our automated optimization often eliminates the need for manual simplification, we’ve now made it easier than ever when manual intervention is needed. Authors can simplify models dynamically while creating immersive experiences, ensuring critical decisions are made at the right time. Concerned about over-simplifying or losing essential details? With iQ3Connect’s robust versioning system, restoring previous versions of your model is seamless and instantaneous — empowering you to create without worry.

 

  • Author Animations with Alignment and Precision – New tools are available to make it even easier to create customized animations. A new alignment mechanism makes it easy to animate objects in relation to other objects, such as when needing to snap pieces together, while a new precision move mechanism allows for fine control of animations at millimeter accuracy.

 

  • Point Cloud Visualization – Import and view large point cloud datasets faster than ever. Our latest update drastically reduce the time it takes to process point cloud files while our optimized rendering allows any device to seamlessly view point clouds, even with billions of points.

Reimagine Workforce Training with iQ3Connect’s Release of XR Visual Authoring

It’s time to reimagine workforce training, and rethink the potential of immersive technology to capture and share corporate knowledge, build critical skills, and empower collaborative learning.

 

iQ3Connect is excited to announce a transformative solution for workforce development with our XR Training and Experience Creator – a visual (no-code) authoring environment for immersive training, work instructions, and knowledge capture. Accessible via a web-browser from any device whether it’s a laptop, tablet, phone, or AR/VR headset. Empower anyone on your team to create engaging XR experiences as quickly as a slide deck and more cost-effectively than video production. No XR, CAD, or visual design expertise required. 

 

By removing the traditional barriers to XR adoption, iQ3Connect enables 10X faster content creation at 10% of the cost. 

 

Key Benefits:

  • No-Code Authoring: Visual tools to empower anyone to build interactive training without XR, CAD, or coding expertise.
  • Cost-Effective: Deploy immersive learning without the prohibitive costs of traditional XR technology, keeping your budget intact.
  • Scalable: Training can be accessed instantly from a web browser on any device, eliminating app downloads and traditional IT and hardware bottlenecks.
  • Fast & Easy Access: Skip the time-consuming travel and launch training programs faster than ever, ensuring your workforce remains up-to-date and competitive from any location

 

The Future of Training is Here

 

With the iQ3Connect XR Training and Experience Creator, you can finally unlock the full potential of XR technology. This platform makes it easier, faster, and more affordable to create immersive training experiences that drive engagement, retention, and performance.

 

Get Started Today!

 

Request a free-trial or schedule a demo.

 

The future of training is immersive, affordable, and scalable—thanks to iQ3Connect.

iQ3Connect Product Release v2024.4

iQ3Connect 2024.4 is streamlining the creation and management of XR training and work instructions. All you need is a web browser! This latest update enhances animation creation, integrates immersive 360-degree media, automates multimedia updates, and introduces new ways to build, visualize, and interact with XR scenes. Discover the exciting new capabilities of iQ3Connect 2024.4 below. 

 

  • Easy Animation Creation and Import – Seamlessly control animations embedded in .glb or .fbx models directly in iQ3 training and work instructions. Alternatively, with iQ3Connect’s Training Creator, authors can create their own animations on any 3D model in seconds. Animations can be applied, repeated, and reused infinitely across multiple different objects.

 

  • 360-Degree Images and Videos – Enhance your XR training and experiences with 360-degree images and videos. These immersive media options are perfect when 3D models aren’t available, or they can be combined with 3D models to create rich, interactive XR experiences.

 

  • Automated Content Management – iQ3Connect can now automatically import and update 2D and 3D content, even if included in XR training and experiences. Assets such as CAD models, videos, and PDFs will be automatically updated in the XR experience when their underlying data is updated, ensuring your XR experiences are always up-to-date.

 

  • Multimedia Movement and Anchoring – Now, multimedia objects can be moved and rotated using the same Coordinate System Controls as 3D objects. This unification simplifies object manipulation and enhances ease of use, allowing multimedia objects to be more accurately placed in the 3D virtual environment. Additionally, multimedia can be anchored to 3D objects to create realistic virtual scenes.

 

  • Dollhouse Mode – Traditionally, iQ3 Virtual Workspaces display 3D models at 1-to-1 scale providing users with a realistic experience. With the new Dollhouse mode, users can switch effortlessly between a 1-to-1 scale and a miniaturized version of the 3D model. This new mode provides an easy way to visualize large models, just like viewing scale models in reality.

iQ3Connect Product Release v2024.3

iQ3Connect 2024.3 is expanding the power and ease-of-use of web-based XR training and work instructions. In this latest update, we have drastically simplified the process of creating user interfaces whether completely customized or template-based, improved the capabilities for adopting AR work instructions based on the physical environment, and automated the export of training performance and metrics to other tools, such as LMS. Below are some additional details on the new features in iQ3Connect 2024.3. 

 

  • Physical Measurement and Data Capture for AR – During AR training or AR work instruction, users can input physical measurements and data into the virtual experience. These inputs can be stored, manipulated, and reported for future use for user feedback, data analytics, and more. These inputs can also be used to control the AR experience such as when additional steps must be taken if measurements aren’t within nominal values.

 

  • Easy, Customizable User Interfaces – Simplify the process of user interface design for XR training and collaboration. Import multimedia such as images, pdfs, or videos to create buttons and interactive objects in seconds. Leverage style templates to ensure consistent look and feel for text boxes and buttons. 

 

  • Quick and Feature-rich Labels for Providing Text, Audio, and Web Resources – iQ3Connect training modules and experiences now support in-built labels and descriptions that can be created and customized in seconds. These labels (also called Information Tags) can be attached to virtual objects and display text, play audio files, and/or provide URL links, offering an easy and quick method for displaying textual information, audio narration, and/or web-based resources.

 

  • Automated Export of Training Results and Metrics – Easily export the results and metrics from an iQ3Connect XR training or experience to any web-based tool using the post-message framework.

 

  • Wayfinding and Positional Triggers – Guide users to the object, task, or location of interest with virtual waypoints or arrows. Trigger actions in the experience based on the user’s position and/or orientation.

 

  • Capture Alphanumeric Input during an XR Training or Experience – Users can now be prompted to input text and numbers during an XR training or experience. This provides training authors with the capability to evaluate trainee performance with open-ended questions and capture open-ended feedback from end-users directly from within the XR experience.

iQ3Connect Product Release v2024.2

iQ3Connect 2024.2 is expanding access to XR collaboration and training through performance and UI enhancements. Our performance updates streamline the 3D model to XR workflow, enabling our users to collaborate and train with their 3D models as-is. No modelling expertise or manual model simplification required. Additionally, updates to the user interface now enable one-handed operation while menu angles and positions can be customized to ensure optimal interaction on any device. Below are some additional details on the new features in iQ3Connect 2024.2. 

 

  • Improved Performance and Larger 3D Models – Comfortably visualization and interact with complex 3D models, even on lightweight devices. With improvements in 2024.2, on-device rendering performance has increased by 2x, reducing the need for model simplification, improving the overall user experience, and enabling 3D models to be used as-is for collaboration and training use cases.

 

  • One-handed XR Usage – iQ3Connect now supports one-handed operation, including in XR mode. The XR Menu can now be opened/closed from a button in the workspace and is placed directly in the virtual environment, instead of being tied to the virtual hands, allowing for one-handed operation. The traditional two-handed method for XR menu operation is still available.

 

  • XR Menu UI Updates – An improved UI now makes it easier to enter an AR or VR session, while the XR Menu positioning and angle can now be customized to ensure optimal user interaction from any device. Additionally, the XR Menu can be placed directly in the virtual environment to follow the user. 

 

  • JT Tessellation – Tessellation quality controls are now available for .jt files.

Feature Spotlight: AR Training Authoring

No 3D models? No problem! Create immersive training and work instructions directly in augmented reality. Deploy instantly to any device, no apps required. Check out the video below for a brief demonstration.

iQ3Connect Product Release v2024.1

With iQ3Connect 2024.1, immersive (XR) training and collaboration has never been more accessible. Training experiences and collaborative workspaces can be joined from any VR, AR, PC, tablet, or mobile device. Instantly transition between classroom VR training and AR work instructions with the click of a button. Lead on-site AR design reviews with remote participants seamlessly joining by laptop or VR headset. And now that we support .JT files, bringing your 3D models into XR has never been simpler. Below are some additional details on the new features in iQ3Connect 2024.1. 

 

  • Augmented Reality – All capabilities of iQ3Connect are now fully supported in augmented reality, including tablet AR, optical/see-through AR, and passthrough AR. Seamlessly switch between 2D-mode and AR-mode (and even VR-mode with supported devices) and collaborate with other users in a 3D virtual environment. AR users can use controllers or take advantage of hand tracking and hand gestures to control and engage with the virtual environment. 

 

  • JT Integration – .JT files are now fully supported in iQ3Connect.

 

  • Device-Agnostic Text Positioning in Training Modules Displaying on-screen text in a training module has been drastically simplified and is automatically adapted for different end-user devices and screen sizes, ensuring that on screen text positioned in the upper right corner or bottom center during the authoring process, for example, will appear in that same position regardless of the end-user’s screen size. Additionally, text box behavior can be customized for immersive vs. flat screen end-users, ensuring an optimal experience for any device.

 

  • Enhanced Information Tag Control Information tags can now be controlled individually from the Model Tree in the 2D menu.

 

  • Clip Plane Object Outline (beta) To help users better differentiate between objects when using the clip plane feature, individual volumes can now be outlined during clip plan operations. As this feature is currently in beta, it is currently available under the Experimental Features menu > Clipping Outline.

Feature Spotlight: Augmented Reality

See how easy it easy to join a collaborative workspace or training experience in augmented reality.  On your AR device (or really any VR, AR, PC, tablet, or mobile device) open a web browser and navigate to:

 

iq3connect.com/xr

 

You can also join from your current device by clicking on one of the images below.

 

Note: the collaborative workspace example is an open, public, multi-user workspace. iQ3Connect makes regular attempts to reset the workspace content but cannot guarantee that the content will be in perfect order nor that all capabilities will be available if others users are active in the workspace.

Assembly Training Demonstration:

 

Collaborative Workspace Example: 

iQ3Connect Product Release v2023.6

Immersive (XR) collaboration has never been easier with the release of iQ3Connect 2023.6. Performance improvements and device-specific usability updates ensure that all users, whether in a virtual classroom or immersive design review, have an engaging, reliable, and consistent experience using a VR or AR headset, PC, tablet, or mobile device. 360-degree images and videos are now fully supported. Below are some additional details on what’s new. 

 

  • Multiuser Collaboration with Mixed Devices (VR, AR, PC, tablet, mobile) – Performance improvements and device usability updates allow a larger number of users to simultaneously collaborate in virtual workspaces from different devices. iQ3Connect automatically adapts the collaborative environment to take advantage of device capabilities and limitations while maintaining a consistent end-user experience for all. For example, when entering AR-mode (in a HoloLens, MagicLeap2, or Tablet/Mobile), the virtual background will disappear for that user, ensuring unobstructed views to the physical space without affecting users on other devices.

 

  • 360 Image and Video Support – View and interact with 360-degree images and videos from any device, whether mobile, tablet, PC, or a VR or AR headset.  Create rich, interactive virtual environments, such as virtual tours or training, by combining multiple 360 images or videos with mark-ups, documents, 3D models and more.

 

  • iOS Device Usability – iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad are now fully supported for iQ3Connect workspaces, meetings, and training experiences. Enhancements to audio and video playback, support for 360-degree images and videos, and performance updates to view and interact with larger 3D models, have been implemented.

Feature Spotlight: 360 Image and Video Support

Check out this 360 Video Virtual Tour of the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility. The content was obtained from NASA’s 360 Multimedia Collection. This virtual tour can be viewed directly in your web browser using any VR, AR, PC, tablet, or mobile device.

For easy access to the 360 Video Virtual Tour on a mobile device, scan the QR Code below. 

 

iQ3Connect Product Release v2023.5

With the release of iQ3Connect v2023.5, creating XR content has never been simpler. Whether for 3D product reviews or XR training authoring, our one-click, automated 3D model-to-XR processing is now extensible and customizable, enabling our customers to incorporate their own formats and libraries. Moreover, users can now leverage their XR assets to seamlessly capture 360 images of the virtual environment for walkthroughs and training. v2023.5 also introduces an optional lobby/waiting room feature to improve meeting security and participant management. Below are some additional details on these revolutionary updates.

 

  • Extensible and Customizable CAD-to-XR Processing – We have created an SDK to enable 3rd parties to create and add their own 3D CAD processing to the iQ3Connect platform. The SDK provides our customers with valuable tools to incorporate their own proprietary formats or other commercially available libraries that are not supported in the production release of iQ3Connect. The SDK provides access to customize not only the model geometry but also  the metadata and model tree visible within iQ3Connect workspaces, improving integration to PLM and support for various business processes. The SDK is provided with example projects and documentation to enable rapid development.

  • Virtual 360 Image Capture – Users can save 360 images from within the iQ3Connect workspace centered at a user’s position. The 360 images are available as assets in the iQ3Connect Hub for reuse in various XR experiences such as interactive virtual walkthroughs, tours, and training. The 360 images provide for a lightweight XR experience, which has traditionally required physical hardware (ex. cameras and scanners) and access to facilities and equipment to create. With Virtual 360 Image Capture, these XR experiences can now be created using your digital twin data, eliminating repeat travel and site visits.

  • Workspace Lobby for Added Security and Participant Management – All multi-user workspaces and classrooms can now be optionally set up with a lobby/waiting room. This provides an additional layer of meeting security and management. When the lobby option is enabled, participants must first join the lobby with no access to other participants or 3D models. The Host of the workspace can admit/deny participants into the workspace and can even remove them back to the lobby (or out of the meeting entirely). This optional lobby capability can be turned on/off during the workspace creation process with the default on/off status and company branding/text customizable from the workspace settings.

Feature Spotlight: Rapid Immersive Training Creation

Check out this simple immersive training on the basic components of a centrifugal pump. It was created in under 2 hours from the original CAD data. This training is accessible from any AR, VR, PC, tablet, or mobile device.

For easy access to the Centrifugal Pump Training on a mobile device, scan the QR Code below. 

 

iQ3Connect Product Release v2023.4

Create, deploy, and experience VR training (or AR training) with even greater simplicity with the release of iQ3Connect v2023.4. With this release, we have expanded the supported file types that can be used in a VR/AR training to include Point Clouds, whether used independently or in conjunction with CAD formats such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, CATIA, STEP, GLB, OBJ, FBX, among many others. We’ve also dramatically reduced the time it takes to create 3D object animations and have greatly improved the usability of these immersive trainings (as well as the usability of the instant 3D collaborative workspaces) for mobile devices. Below are some additional details on these revolutionary updates.

  • XR Training and Experiences – Create 3D Object Animations in Seconds – We’ve drastically simplified the ability to animate 3D objects for virtual training and experience creation, reducing the time to author animations, such as for assembly or maintenance training, by over 90%. Visually set the object’s start and end positions, define an animation duration, and you’re done. More complex animations can be built up sequentially using this method, or, for our advanced users, by using our animation scripting.

  • XR Training and Experiences – Point Clouds – Now you can include Point Cloud data when creating XR Training and Experiences. Our proprietary rendering engine ensures points cloud, even with billions of points, can be visualized on any device. No need to simplify the data sets or reduce the number of points. Seamlessly showcase and explore point cloud models over the web, or combine point cloud data with 3D CAD for a blended experience. 

  • Mobile Device Usability – The unique size and capabilities of mobile devices have often prevented immersive experiences from being widely adopted within an organization. Many XR experiences need to be explicitly built for mobile, or more often, don’t support mobile devices. While iQ3Connect’s device-agnostic, web-based XR platform has always supported mobile devices, usability has not been optimal at times. However, with improvements in our mobile UI and underlying engine, mobile device usability has been dramatically improved. They can now be used seamlessly (whether in normal 2D mode or AR mode) in any web browser-based iQ3Connect Workspace, Training, or Experience.

Feature Spotlight: XR Training and Experiences – Point Clouds

Check out this iQ3Connect Immersive Experience of the Thorco Cloud Shipwreck. Underwater LiDAR scanning was used to capture the point cloud model of the Thorco Cloud. 2D plans were overlaid on the wreck data to provide as-built information, and a CAD model of a submersible was used to help visualize options and accessibility for a marine salvage operation to extract the fuel from the vessel. 

For easy access to the Thorco Cloud Immersive Experience on a mobile device, scan the QR Code below. 

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