The breathtaking advance of the AR/VR B2C industry is impossible to ignore. Experts project a 67% growth in four years, from $31.12 billion in 2023 to a whopping $52.05 billion by 2027. Behind this unprecedented surge is spatial computing, an ingenious technology that transverses the real and computer-generated realms, effectively redefining the way we experience our world.
The Rise of Spatial Computing
The influence of spatial computing is felt in various forms of reality – augmented, mixed, and virtual. Augmented Reality (AR) marks the intersection of our reality with the digital realm. It does this by overlaying digital information onto our perception of the real world. Lumus, a leader in the field, has introduced a groundbreaking technology, the Z-Lens. This device, designed with an Optical Engine (OE), facilitates 3D user interaction by combining AR functionality with users’ vision prescriptions, without the need for inserts. Not only does it provide a seamless experience, but the smart glasses also boast a slim design, offering natural eyewear aesthetics.
Next in line, Mixed Reality (MR) presents an exciting blend of the physical and digital worlds. This integration allows interaction between physical and digital elements. Two standout devices in this field are the Apple Vision Pro and the affordable Meta Quest 3, both offering innovative ways to blend digital apps and screens into our reality. These devices epitomize the paradox of spatial computing growth – the tech is becoming smaller, yet its influence is enormous.
Virtual Reality (VR), the third form, transports users to a fully immersive digital environment. With tools like Meta Quest 2, a user’s visual field extends to an impressive 90 degrees, offering a convincing and interactive experience. A testament to this technology’s utility is VRpilot, an application used to train pilots before they ever touch a real plane.
Spatial computing’s influence permeates every aspect of our lives: work, play, education, and even health. In the workspace, holographic calls, innovative project designing, real-time translation, and text collaboration without a keyboard are among the possibilities. The gaming industry is ripe for a revolution, with AR gearing up to enhance workouts, shopping, real-time GPS, and education. BAE factory workers, for instance, have seen a 40% cut in manual building time through AR usage.
In the play arena, spatial computing introduces games available in the metaverse, unique and playful fashion pieces, spatial sound, and even a personal karaoke experience. An example is Marga Weiman’s Hyperfabric Dress, which utilizes 3D-tracking and occlusion effects, allowing users to add augmented details.
As for education, teachers can present rich interactive media, create haptic learning experiences, and allow students to display shareable presentations. Similarly, in the health sector, gathering biometric data, personalizing patient care, and making staff improvements have never been easier. In fact, the role of spatial computing in the future of work and play is undeniable, and experts estimate that by 2024, there will be 1.4 billion devices worldwide with AR capabilities.
Conclusion
However, as near-to-eye displays rise in popularity, smartphones are becoming less relevant, causing a shift in the global market. In 2023, the global smartphone market declined by 14%, while the sales of AR glasses rose by more than 45%. This trend can be attributed to the reflective waveguide technology at the heart of AR glasses, offering greater battery efficiency and brightness.
Spatial computing, led by Lumus, is revolutionizing human interaction, both online and offline. With further developments on the horizon, the future of work and play is set to be entirely transformed by this technological marvel.
