Hardware Buying Guide: WorkLink Suite

To get the most out of the WorkLink Suite, whether you are authoring 3D instructions in Create or performing remote assistance calls and viewing published scenarios in the WorkLink App, choosing the right hardware is critical to get the best end user experience possible.

This guide helps you identify the "sweet spot" for your team: devices that offer high-performance stability for industrial use cases without unnecessary cost.

1. Mobile & Tablets (AR Viewing & Remote Assistance)

For technicians using Augmented Reality (AR) work instructions and making Remote Assistance calls in the field.

Platform Recommendation: Why we prefer iOS

While WorkLink supports both Android and iOS, we strongly recommend iOS (iPad Pro or iPhone Pro models) for enterprise AR use cases. WorkLink on mobile exists both as a downloadable app (iOS, Android, AR and remote assist), as well as a browser based 3D viewer (any modern chromium based browser).

• LiDAR Scanner: Pro-tier Apple devices utilize a LiDAR scanner to measure depth. This results in "instant" surface detection, superior tracking stability (less "drift" of holograms), and better performance in low-light environments.

• Performance Consistency: The M-series chips (M1, M2, M4) handle large 3D files (CAD data >100MB) significantly faster than most Android equivalents.

Recommended Models (The "Sweet Spot")

These devices represent the best balance of price, performance, and longevity.

⚠️ Important Note on Software Compatibility:

• iOS: Devices must support ARKit. (Requires iOS 14.0 or later).

• Android: Devices must support Google ARCore (Google Play Services for AR).

2. Desktop & Laptop (Authoring & Viewing)

Hardware requirements differ significantly depending on whether you are Authoring content (building scenarios) or just Viewing it.

A. For Authors (WorkLink Create)

WorkLink Create is a web-based authoring tool. It runs entirely in your browser but relies heavily on your computer’s graphics card (GPU) to render complex CAD data smoothly.

• Platform: Windows (recommended) or macOS.

• Software Requirement: A Chromium-based browser is required (Eg. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Brave).

• Recommended Hardware:

  • Windows:

    • Processor: Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 or better.

    • GPU: Dedicated NVIDIA RTX Graphics (6GB+ VRAM).

    • RAM: 32 GB.

  • Mac:

    • Model: MacBook Pro or Mac Studio with Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3 Pro or Max).

    • RAM: 18 GB (Unified Memory) or higher.

    • Note: We do not recommend older Intel-based Macs for heavy authoring.

B. For Desktop Viewers (App vs. Web)

There are two ways to view content on a desktop. Your operating system determines which one you can use.

⚠️ Crucial Note for Mixed-OS Teams:

While you can create content on a Mac, you cannot install the native WorkLink App on a Mac.

• If your Mac users need to receive Remote Assistance calls, they will need a secondary device (iPhone, iPad, or Windows PC).

• If they only need to view 3D WorkLink scenarios, they can use the Web Viewer on their Mac.

3. Hands-Free Wearables

For specialized use cases where users need both hands available for assembly or maintenance tasks.

• Primary Recommendation: Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • Status: The current industry standard for hands-free enterprise AR.

  • Best For: Long-duration tasks requiring precise spatial anchoring and voice control.

  • Commitment: WorkLink is fully committed to supporting HoloLens 2.

• We remain committed to supporting the best-in-class hardware available. While the HoloLens 2 is the current industry benchmark for enterprise AR, we actively evaluate and develop towards supporting emerging headsets to ensure WorkLink always supports the most capable devices on the market.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I am buying devices for a new deployment. Should I buy Tablets or Wearables (Headsets)?

The answer depends on your environment and workflow:

• Choose Tablets (iPad Pro) if:

  • You need a "pick up and go" solution with minimal learning curve.

  • You need high-resolution screens to view detailed schematics.

  • You are doing frequent training with different users.

  • Advantage: Easier text input, better battery life, and significantly lower cost per unit.

• Choose Wearables (HoloLens 2) if:

  • The user must have both hands free (e.g., climbing, intricate assembly). A more cost efficient no-AR alternative would be to use interactive mode / 3D viewer on tablet, phone or browser.

  • The user needs to perform tasks while looking at the instructions simultaneously (Heads-Up Display).

  • Advantage: Unmatched immersion and workflow efficiency for complex manual tasks.

Q: Can I use "Standard" (Non-Pro) iPhones or iPads?

Yes, standard iPads and iPhones (e.g., iPad 10th Gen, iPhone 14) work with WorkLink. However, they lack the LiDAR scanner.

• Result: They may take a little longer to detect surfaces, and holograms may "drift" more easily if the user moves quickly. For casual use, they are fine. For daily industrial use, we recommend the Pro models.

Q: What is the difference between the Desktop App and the Web Viewer?

• WorkLink Desktop App (Windows): A native application. Supports offline download of projects and full Remote Assistance calling capabilities.

• WorkLink Web Viewer: Runs in your browser (Chrome/Edge/Safari). Perfect for quickly sharing 3D content via a link to users on any device (including Mac) without installing software. Note: Web Viewer is for 3D viewing only and does not support AR camera overlays or Calls.