The Dawn of Spatial Computing
The development of new technology has changed so many aspects of our daily lives, from education to social interaction. In the near future, it might even change the way we perceive our everyday realities. Spatial computing is a cutting-edge technology that is gaining popularity for its ability to blend the digital and physical worlds into a seamless immersive experience for users. It is designed to enhance the way we perceive the world so that it is more entertaining. This is done by simulating our senses with access to 3D visuals, sounds, and haptics.
From Augmented to Full Virtual Reality
Spatial computing technology has several options ranging on a scale from the real world to a completely computer-generated reality. Augmented reality is the option that is most similar to the real world. It works by adding contextual information superimposed upon the physical world. The digital elements are not able to interact with the physical elements of the user’s view. An example of augmented reality technology is Lumus’ Z-Lens, which is a pair of glasses that is able to lay digital elements over their visual view.
Mixed reality is substantially closer to a true virtual experience. This technology allows digital and physical elements to interact to offer more immersion to their users. Huge companies such as Meta and Apple have come out with their own versions of this technology, with the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro respectively. A full virtual reality experience doesn’t have any blend with the physical world. Users are transported into a new reality that is completely digitally generated. Meta Quest 2 is an example of this technology that is available to the public.
The Future of Devices and Applications
Spatial computing technology is increasingly being placed into more devices. By 2024, experts are estimating that there will be 1.4 billion devices with some form of AR capabilities. As this tech develops, these devices are shrinking in size. Eventually the days of bulky goggles will be gone and this tech will be found in contact lenses. It is also available to serve a vast range of applications. For example, VRPilot is a virtual reality technology that is used to test pilots’ flying abilities before flying a real-life plane. Another device, Augmedics, is able to superimpose anatomically correct spinal placements on patients so surgical outcomes are improved.
Consumer Trends in AR
Currently, AR technology is desired by 49% of consumers for gaming, 33% for working out, and 28% for shopping. As the adoption of spatial computing continues to spread, its roles will expand and it will make a significant impact on many new areas of our lives. Its capabilities will expand to include the ways we work, play, educate ourselves, and take care of our health. We may even see a decline in the need for smartphones as the adoption of near-to-eye displays increases.
The Workplace Revolution
In the workplaces of the future, we can eventually expect to be able to perform holographic calls from any location. Projects may be able to be designed, built, and finalized at work with 40% less building time. Documents may no longer need a display or keyboard, so they can be completed from any location. Languages may also be able to be instantly translated, which makes it easier to close business deals from around the world.
Entertainment in the Digital Age
The way we entertain ourselves is likely to become more integrated with the digital world as well to create an elevated experience. Users will be able to play in a metaverse where they can design their avatars in their own personal style and interact with thousands of other gamers. The gaming experience will also feel much more immersive with spatial audio and glasses that completely mask a user’s view of the physical world.
A New Horizon for Humanity
There is a lot of change for humanity on the horizon. We may experience a complete restructuring of our lives with the growing presence of spatial computing. This powerful technology has the potential to restructure human interaction and behavior both online and offline. Our perceptions of the world might even change as we become more acclimated to virtual reality.
