Lionel Sujay Vailshery
Research expert covering cloud computing and emerging tech industries
Spatial computing - statistics & facts
Imagine a world where the physical environment seamlessly blends with our digital experiences, enhancing our daily lives. In the dynamic realm of technology, spatial computing has emerged as a groundbreaking paradigm that will likely influence how we perceive and interact with the world around us. The convergence of advanced motion sensors, computer vision, and powerful processors or chips became the catalyst for spatial computing evolution with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). In simple words, spatial computing is a blanket term for technologies that blend the physical and digital worlds, enabling users to interact with digital content in a more intuitive and immersive way.
Now, Meta-branded devices Quest headset dominates the space of AR/VR with close to half of the market share in hardware shipments in 2023. Their latest iteration of the headset, Meta Quest 3, announced in 2023, marks the plunge of Meta platforms into the realm of MR. Not to be outdone, Apple's Vision Pro, which was unveiled in 2023 and releasing in February 2024, also promises a transformative MR experience. Wrapped in Apple ecosystem and design excellence, the Vision Pro aims to seamlessly integrate AR and VR experiences into our daily lives.
The humble beginnings
The desire to bridge the gap between the real and the virtual world started with experiments in AR and VR, setting the stage for spatial computing. AR applications, like navigation systems and virtual product placement, gained traction in mobile devices and automobiles. One of the most recent large-scale AR adoptions was Pokémon Go, with a peak download of over 200 million on its release. These foundational technologies and applications set the stage for the convergence of innovative solutions aimed at bridging the gap between the virtual and the real leading to mixed reality (MR).Making MR a reality
A pivotal chapter in the spatial computing narrative unfolded with the introduction of Microsoft's HoloLens in 2015. This headset marked a significant leap by overlaying holographic images onto the physical world, bringing the best of both AR and VR which Microsoft called “mixed reality”. Its focus on enterprise applications highlighted the practical applications of spatial computing, integrating data-driven insights into fields like data visualization, remote collaboration, and 3D design.Now, Meta-branded devices Quest headset dominates the space of AR/VR with close to half of the market share in hardware shipments in 2023. Their latest iteration of the headset, Meta Quest 3, announced in 2023, marks the plunge of Meta platforms into the realm of MR. Not to be outdone, Apple's Vision Pro, which was unveiled in 2023 and releasing in February 2024, also promises a transformative MR experience. Wrapped in Apple ecosystem and design excellence, the Vision Pro aims to seamlessly integrate AR and VR experiences into our daily lives.
Shaping the future of spatial computing
Looking ahead, spatial computing's trajectory appears poised for continued advancements. As products like HoloLens, Meta Quest, and Apple Vision Pro pave the way, the integration of AR and VR into various aspects of our lives is becoming increasingly seamless. Data-driven insights derived from spatial computing powered by artificial intelligence, combined with edge computing, and low latency 5G connectivity will redefine user experiences. The future holds the promise of a world where spatial computing continues to influence how we navigate, collaborate, and perceive the world around us, unlocking new possibilities in our digital journey.
