Spatial computing: Difference between revisions
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{{see also|Terms|Technical Terms}} | {{see also|Terms|Technical Terms}} | ||
[[Spatial computing]] is a [[term]] describing the paradigm where [[human-computer interaction]] (HCI) moves beyond traditional desktop or mobile screens, allowing digital information and processes to be perceived and manipulated as if they exist within [[3D space|three-dimensional physical space]].<ref name="GreenwoldThesis">Greenwold, Simon A. "Spatial Computing". MIT Master's Thesis, June 2003. [https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/87460 Link]</ref> It involves machines understanding and interacting with the geometry and semantics of the surrounding environment, enabling users to interact with digital content using natural modalities like gestures, gaze, and voice, often overlaying this content onto their view of the real world. In essence, spatial computing extends technologies like [[virtual reality]] (VR), [[augmented reality]] (AR), and [[mixed reality]] (MR) by anchoring digital content to real-world locations and objects, so that virtual elements can be perceived as part of the surrounding environment<ref name="TechTargetWhatIs">Alexander Gillis & George Lawton (Feb 2024). "What is spatial computing?" TechTarget. ("Companies including Apple, Google, Magic Leap, Meta and Microsoft offer spatial computing devices for consumer audiences.")</ref>, collectively sometimes referred to as [[Extended Reality]] (XR). This approach allows users to intuitively manipulate virtual objects as if they were real, and lets computers understand and respond to the user’s physical context, aiming to make the computer interface invisible by leveraging innate 3D human senses and movements.<ref name="PCMagWhatIs">Jessie Will (June 6, 2023). "What Is Spatial Computing? Apple Vision Pro and the Next Wave of Tech." PCMag. (Describes spatial computing as blending digital/physical, using natural inputs)</ref> | '''[[Spatial computing]]''' is a [[term]] describing the paradigm where [[human-computer interaction]] (HCI) moves beyond traditional desktop or mobile screens, allowing digital information and processes to be perceived and manipulated as if they exist within [[3D space|three-dimensional physical space]].<ref name="GreenwoldThesis">Greenwold, Simon A. "Spatial Computing". MIT Master's Thesis, June 2003. [https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/87460 Link]</ref> It involves machines understanding and interacting with the geometry and semantics of the surrounding environment, enabling users to interact with digital content using natural modalities like gestures, gaze, and voice, often overlaying this content onto their view of the real world. In essence, spatial computing extends technologies like [[virtual reality]] (VR), [[augmented reality]] (AR), and [[mixed reality]] (MR) by anchoring digital content to real-world locations and objects, so that virtual elements can be perceived as part of the surrounding environment<ref name="TechTargetWhatIs">Alexander Gillis & George Lawton (Feb 2024). "What is spatial computing?" TechTarget. ("Companies including Apple, Google, Magic Leap, Meta and Microsoft offer spatial computing devices for consumer audiences.")</ref>, collectively sometimes referred to as [[Extended Reality]] (XR). This approach allows users to intuitively manipulate virtual objects as if they were real, and lets computers understand and respond to the user’s physical context, aiming to make the computer interface invisible by leveraging innate 3D human senses and movements.<ref name="PCMagWhatIs">Jessie Will (June 6, 2023). "What Is Spatial Computing? Apple Vision Pro and the Next Wave of Tech." PCMag. (Describes spatial computing as blending digital/physical, using natural inputs)</ref> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
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* [[Microsoft Kinect|Microsoft's Kinect]] (2010) brought depth sensing and gesture control to millions via the Xbox. | * [[Microsoft Kinect|Microsoft's Kinect]] (2010) brought depth sensing and gesture control to millions via the Xbox. | ||
* Google's Project Tango (2014) demonstrated robust 3D mapping on mobile devices. | * Google's Project Tango (2014) demonstrated robust 3D mapping on mobile devices. | ||
* [[Microsoft HoloLens]] (announced 2015, shipped 2016) was a landmark self-contained "mixed reality" headset performing real-time spatial mapping and anchoring holograms to the environment, described by Microsoft as the first untethered holographic computer.<ref | * [[Microsoft HoloLens]] (announced 2015, shipped 2016) was a landmark self-contained "mixed reality" headset performing real-time spatial mapping and anchoring holograms to the environment, described by Microsoft as the first untethered holographic computer.<ref name="Microsoft HoloLens"/> | ||
* [[Magic Leap]], founded in 2011, heavily marketed the term "Spatial Computing" alongside its [[Magic Leap One]] headset release in 2018, aiming to blend digital lightfield objects with real space.<ref | * [[Magic Leap]], founded in 2011, heavily marketed the term "Spatial Computing" alongside its [[Magic Leap One]] headset release in 2018, aiming to blend digital lightfield objects with real space.<ref name="Magic Leap One"/> | ||
* Apple's [[ARKit]] and Google's [[ARCore]] frameworks (2017) brought basic spatial computing (plane detection, tracking) to smartphones, popularizing mobile AR experiences like [[Pokémon GO]].<ref | * Apple's [[ARKit]]<ref name="ARKit"/> and Google's [[ARCore]]<ref name="ARCore"/> frameworks (2017) brought basic spatial computing (plane detection, tracking) to smartphones, popularizing mobile AR experiences like [[Pokémon GO]].<ref name="PokemonGoRef"/> | ||
* Room-scale VR systems (HTC Vive, Oculus Rift) and later standalone headsets ([[Meta Quest|Oculus Quest]], 2019) incorporated inside-out spatial tracking (SLAM) for environmental awareness. | * Room-scale VR systems (HTC Vive, Oculus Rift) and later standalone headsets ([[Meta Quest|Oculus Quest]], 2019)<ref name="OculusQuest"/> incorporated inside-out spatial tracking (SLAM) for environmental awareness. | ||
The early 2020s saw further mainstreaming. Facebook rebranded to [[Meta Platforms|Meta]] in 2021, signaling focus on the [[metaverse]], heavily reliant on spatial technologies. A pivotal moment was Apple's unveiling of the [[Apple Vision Pro]] in June 2023, explicitly branding it as a "spatial computer."<ref name="VisionProAnnounce" | The early 2020s saw further mainstreaming. Facebook rebranded to [[Meta Platforms|Meta]] in 2021, signaling focus on the [[metaverse]], heavily reliant on spatial technologies. A pivotal moment was Apple's unveiling of the [[Apple Vision Pro]] in June 2023, explicitly branding it as a "spatial computer."<ref name="VisionProAnnounce"/> Apple CEO [[Tim Cook]] described it as the start of a new "era of spatial computing," comparing its potential impact to the Macintosh and iPhone.<ref name="9to5MacCookMemo"/><ref name="CookSpatialWWDC"/> This launch significantly boosted public awareness of the term. | ||
== Core Concepts == | == Core Concepts == | ||
Spatial computing typically involves several key components working together: | Spatial computing typically involves several key components working together: | ||
* '''Machine Perception of Space:''' Devices must understand the physical environment in 3D. This involves technologies like [[Simultaneous Localization and Mapping]] (SLAM) to track the device's position and orientation while building a map of the space.<ref | * '''Machine Perception of Space:''' Devices must understand the physical environment in 3D. This involves technologies like [[Simultaneous Localization and Mapping]] (SLAM) to track the device's position and orientation while building a map of the space.<ref name="DurrantWhyteSLAM"/> [[Depth sensor]]s (like [[LiDAR]] or Time-of-Flight cameras) and [[RGB camera]]s capture geometric and visual information. [[Computer vision]] algorithms, often powered by [[artificial intelligence]] (AI), interpret this data to recognize surfaces, objects (e.g., walls, tables, chairs), people, and potentially understand scene semantics.<ref name="CogentSLAM"/><ref name="TechTargetWhatIs"/> | ||
* '''Persistence and Context:''' Digital objects or information placed within the spatial environment can maintain their position and state relative to the physical world, even when the user looks away or leaves and returns (spatial anchors). The system uses its understanding of spatial context to anchor digital elements appropriately and realistically, potentially enabling occlusion (virtual objects appearing behind real ones) and physics interactions.<ref name="HandwikiHistory"/> | * '''Persistence and Context:''' Digital objects or information placed within the spatial environment can maintain their position and state relative to the physical world, even when the user looks away or leaves and returns (spatial anchors). The system uses its understanding of spatial context to anchor digital elements appropriately and realistically, potentially enabling occlusion (virtual objects appearing behind real ones) and physics interactions.<ref name="HandwikiHistory"/> | ||
* '''Natural User Interaction:''' Input moves beyond the [[keyboard]] and [[mouse]]. Common interaction methods include [[Hand tracking]] (recognizing hand shapes and gestures), [[Eye tracking]] (using gaze as a pointer or input trigger), [[Voice command]]s, and sometimes specialized controllers. The goal is intuitive interaction that mimics how humans interact with the physical world, making the computer interface feel "invisible."<ref name="PCMagWhatIs"/><ref name="Microsoft HoloLens"/> | * '''Natural User Interaction:''' Input moves beyond the [[keyboard]] and [[mouse]]. Common interaction methods include [[Hand tracking]] (recognizing hand shapes and gestures), [[Eye tracking]] (using gaze as a pointer or input trigger), [[Voice command]]s, and sometimes specialized controllers. The goal is intuitive interaction that mimics how humans interact with the physical world, making the computer interface feel "invisible."<ref name="PCMagWhatIs"/><ref name="Microsoft HoloLens"/> | ||
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* '''[[Spatial mapping]] Algorithms:''' Primarily SLAM and related techniques (e.g., visual-inertial odometry) to create real-time 3D environmental maps and track device pose.<ref name="DurrantWhyteSLAM"/> | * '''[[Spatial mapping]] Algorithms:''' Primarily SLAM and related techniques (e.g., visual-inertial odometry) to create real-time 3D environmental maps and track device pose.<ref name="DurrantWhyteSLAM"/> | ||
* '''[[Computer vision]] & [[Artificial intelligence|AI]]/[[Machine learning|ML]]:''' Algorithms for object recognition, [[Gesture recognition|gesture detection]], scene understanding, [[semantic segmentation]], user intent prediction, and optimizing rendering.<ref name="TechTargetWhatIs"/> | * '''[[Computer vision]] & [[Artificial intelligence|AI]]/[[Machine learning|ML]]:''' Algorithms for object recognition, [[Gesture recognition|gesture detection]], scene understanding, [[semantic segmentation]], user intent prediction, and optimizing rendering.<ref name="TechTargetWhatIs"/> | ||
* '''[[Rendering engine|Rendering Engines]]:''' Tools like [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] and [[Unreal Engine]] provide frameworks for developing 3D environments, handling physics, and supporting AR/VR application development.<ref | * '''[[Rendering engine|Rendering Engines]]:''' Tools like [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] and [[Unreal Engine]] provide frameworks for developing 3D environments, handling physics, and supporting AR/VR application development.<ref name="UnityRef"/> | ||
* '''[[Operating system|Operating Systems]] & [[Software development kit|SDKs]]:''' Specialized OSs (e.g., Apple [[visionOS]], [[Windows Holographic]], [[Android]] variants) manage spatial tasks. SDKs (e.g., [[ARKit]], [[ARCore]], [[OpenXR]], MRTK) provide APIs for developers to build spatial applications. | * '''[[Operating system|Operating Systems]] & [[Software development kit|SDKs]]:''' Specialized OSs (e.g., Apple [[visionOS]], [[Windows Holographic]], [[Android]] variants) manage spatial tasks. SDKs (e.g., [[ARKit]], [[ARCore]], [[OpenXR]], MRTK) provide APIs for developers to build spatial applications. | ||
* '''[[Cloud computing|Cloud]] and [[Edge computing]]:''' Used to offload heavy computation (rendering, AI processing, large-scale mapping), enable collaborative multi-user experiences (e.g., shared spatial anchors, "AR Cloud" concepts), and stream content.<ref name="NvidiaSpatialCloud" | * '''[[Cloud computing|Cloud]] and [[Edge computing]]:''' Used to offload heavy computation (rendering, AI processing, large-scale mapping), enable collaborative multi-user experiences (e.g., shared spatial anchors, "AR Cloud" concepts), and stream content.<ref name="NvidiaSpatialCloud"/> | ||
* '''Connectivity:''' High-bandwidth, low-latency wireless like [[Wi-Fi 6E]] and [[5G]] are crucial for tetherless experiences and cloud/edge reliance. | * '''Connectivity:''' High-bandwidth, low-latency wireless like [[Wi-Fi 6E]] and [[5G]] are crucial for tetherless experiences and cloud/edge reliance. | ||
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* '''[[Ubiquitous computing]] (Pervasive Computing):''' Envisions computers embedded everywhere, becoming invisible parts of daily life (Mark Weiser's vision). Spatial computing shares the goal of moving computation beyond the desktop, but specifically focuses on 3D spatial awareness and interaction, whereas ubiquitous computing is broader (e.g., smart home devices). Wearable spatial devices like AR glasses align with the ubiquitous vision.<ref name="HandwikiHistory"/> | * '''[[Ubiquitous computing]] (Pervasive Computing):''' Envisions computers embedded everywhere, becoming invisible parts of daily life (Mark Weiser's vision). Spatial computing shares the goal of moving computation beyond the desktop, but specifically focuses on 3D spatial awareness and interaction, whereas ubiquitous computing is broader (e.g., smart home devices). Wearable spatial devices like AR glasses align with the ubiquitous vision.<ref name="HandwikiHistory"/> | ||
* '''[[Ambient computing]]:''' Often used interchangeably with ubiquitous computing, emphasizing calm, background operation responsive to user presence, often without traditional screens (e.g., smart speakers, automated lighting). Spatial computing can be ambient (e.g., AR glasses providing subtle cues), but often involves explicit visual overlays, contrasting with ambient computing's typical emphasis on screenlessness.<ref | * '''[[Ambient computing]]:''' Often used interchangeably with ubiquitous computing, emphasizing calm, background operation responsive to user presence, often without traditional screens (e.g., smart speakers, automated lighting). Spatial computing can be ambient (e.g., AR glasses providing subtle cues), but often involves explicit visual overlays, contrasting with ambient computing's typical emphasis on screenlessness.<ref name="ArgoDesign Medium"/> | ||
* '''[[Context-aware computing]]:''' Systems that adapt based on current context (location, time, user activity). Spatial computing is inherently context-aware, focusing specifically on real-time ''spatial'' context (geometry, pose, environment). While any context-aware app uses context (e.g., GPS location), spatial computing requires understanding and interaction within the 3D physical environment.<ref name="HandwikiHistory"/> | * '''[[Context-aware computing]]:''' Systems that adapt based on current context (location, time, user activity). Spatial computing is inherently context-aware, focusing specifically on real-time ''spatial'' context (geometry, pose, environment). While any context-aware app uses context (e.g., GPS location), spatial computing requires understanding and interaction within the 3D physical environment.<ref name="HandwikiHistory"/> | ||
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Spatial computing has potential applications across numerous sectors: | Spatial computing has potential applications across numerous sectors: | ||
* '''Design and Manufacturing:''' Visualizing 3D CAD models in context, collaborative design reviews in shared virtual spaces, remote expert assistance for repairs, creating [[Digital Twin]]s of factories or products.<ref name="SpatialDesign" | * '''Design and Manufacturing:''' Visualizing 3D CAD models in context, collaborative design reviews in shared virtual spaces, remote expert assistance for repairs, creating [[Digital Twin]]s of factories or products.<ref name="SpatialDesign"/> | ||
* '''Healthcare:''' [[Surgical planning]] using 3D patient models, AR overlays during surgery for navigation, immersive medical training simulations, [[Physical therapy|rehabilitation]] exercises using AR/VR, visualizing complex medical data (MRI/CT scans) in 3D.<ref name="SpatialHealthcare" | * '''Healthcare:''' [[Surgical planning]] using 3D patient models, AR overlays during surgery for navigation<ref name="ChenAR Surgery"/>, immersive medical training simulations, [[Physical therapy|rehabilitation]] exercises using AR/VR, visualizing complex medical data (MRI/CT scans) in 3D.<ref name="SpatialHealthcare"/> | ||
* '''Education and Training:''' Immersive learning experiences (virtual field trips, science labs), visualizing complex concepts (molecules, historical events) in 3D, complex task training (aircraft maintenance, emergency response) with AR guidance.<ref | * '''Education and Training:''' Immersive learning experiences (virtual field trips, science labs), visualizing complex concepts (molecules, historical events) in 3D, complex task training (aircraft maintenance, emergency response) with AR guidance.<ref name="BaccaAR Education"/> | ||
* '''Collaboration and Communication:''' Virtual meetings with spatial presence ([[avatar]]s in shared spaces), remote collaboration on 3D projects, shared digital workspaces (e.g., virtual whiteboards, multiple virtual monitors).<ref | * '''Collaboration and Communication:''' Virtual meetings with spatial presence ([[avatar]]s in shared spaces), remote collaboration on 3D projects, shared digital workspaces (e.g., virtual whiteboards, multiple virtual monitors).<ref name="Spatial Collaboration"/> | ||
* '''Retail and E-commerce:''' Virtually trying on clothes or accessories (AR mirrors), placing virtual furniture or appliances in a room using mobile AR apps before purchase.<ref | * '''Retail and E-commerce:''' Virtually trying on clothes or accessories (AR mirrors), placing virtual furniture or appliances in a room using mobile AR apps before purchase.<ref name="IKEA"/> | ||
* '''Entertainment and Gaming:''' Highly immersive VR games with room-scale tracking, location-based AR games blending virtual elements with the real world, interactive spatial storytelling, spatial viewing of 360°/[[Volumetric video|volumetric]] content.<ref name="PokemonGoRef" | * '''Entertainment and Gaming:''' Highly immersive VR games with room-scale tracking, location-based AR games blending virtual elements with the real world, interactive spatial storytelling, spatial viewing of 360°/[[Volumetric video|volumetric]] content.<ref name="PokemonGoRef"/> | ||
* '''Navigation and Information Access:''' Contextual information overlaid on the real world (e.g., AR directions in streets or airports, information about landmarks), indoor navigation aids. | * '''Navigation and Information Access:''' Contextual information overlaid on the real world (e.g., AR directions in streets or airports, information about landmarks), indoor navigation aids. | ||
* '''Architecture and Construction:''' Visualizing architectural designs on-site using AR, virtual walkthroughs of buildings in VR before construction.<ref | * '''Architecture and Construction:''' Visualizing architectural designs on-site using AR, virtual walkthroughs of buildings in VR before construction.<ref name="WangAR Construction"/> | ||
== Industry Adoption and Notable Devices / Platforms == | == Industry Adoption and Notable Devices / Platforms == | ||
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* '''[[Magic Leap]]''': Early player focused on high-end AR/MR headsets (Magic Leap 1 - 2018, Magic Leap 2 - 2022) with advanced optics. Helped popularize the term "spatial computing," now primarily targets enterprise customers. | * '''[[Magic Leap]]''': Early player focused on high-end AR/MR headsets (Magic Leap 1 - 2018, Magic Leap 2 - 2022) with advanced optics. Helped popularize the term "spatial computing," now primarily targets enterprise customers. | ||
* '''[[Google]]''': Develops the [[ARCore]] platform for Android mobile AR. Explored early concepts with Project Tango and [[Google Glass]]. Current efforts include ongoing AR research, Google Maps Live View (AR navigation), and Project Starline (3D telepresence booth). Rumored to be developing new AR hardware. | * '''[[Google]]''': Develops the [[ARCore]] platform for Android mobile AR. Explored early concepts with Project Tango and [[Google Glass]]. Current efforts include ongoing AR research, Google Maps Live View (AR navigation), and Project Starline (3D telepresence booth). Rumored to be developing new AR hardware. | ||
* '''Others:''' Companies like [[Nvidia]] provide foundational technologies (GPUs, platforms like [[Nvidia Omniverse]] for digital twins and spatial simulation<ref | * '''Others:''' Companies like [[Nvidia]] provide foundational technologies (GPUs, platforms like [[Nvidia Omniverse]] for digital twins and spatial simulation<ref name="NvidiaOmniverseRef"/>), while engine providers like [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]]<ref name="UnityRef"/> and [[Unreal Engine]] offer development tools critical to the ecosystem. Numerous startups focus on specific applications or hardware components. | ||
== Challenges, Criticisms, and Terminology Confusion == | == Challenges, Criticisms, and Terminology Confusion == | ||
Despite its potential, spatial computing faces hurdles: | Despite its potential, spatial computing faces hurdles: | ||
* '''Technical Limitations:''' Constraints remain in [[Field of view (computer vision)|field of view]] (especially for optical see-through AR), display resolution and brightness, device weight and [[Ergonomics|ergonomic]] comfort, [[Battery life]], and the significant on-device processing power required.<ref | * '''Technical Limitations:''' Constraints remain in [[Field of view (computer vision)|field of view]] (especially for optical see-through AR), display resolution and brightness, device weight and [[Ergonomics|ergonomic]] comfort, [[Battery life]], and the significant on-device processing power required.<ref name="AzumaAR Survey"/> Creating truly seamless and realistic blending remains difficult. | ||
* '''Cost:''' High-end devices like HoloLens 2 ($3,500+) and Apple Vision Pro ($3,499 at launch) are expensive, limiting adoption primarily to enterprise users or early adopters. | * '''Cost:''' High-end devices like HoloLens 2 ($3,500+) and Apple Vision Pro ($3,499 at launch)<ref name="VisionProPrice"/> are expensive, limiting adoption primarily to enterprise users or early adopters. | ||
* '''User Experience (UX) and Adoption:''' Developing intuitive spatial interfaces and compelling applications ("killer apps") is crucial. Issues like [[Virtual reality sickness|motion sickness]] or visual fatigue can affect some users.<ref | * '''User Experience (UX) and Adoption:''' Developing intuitive spatial interfaces and compelling applications ("killer apps") is crucial. Issues like [[Virtual reality sickness|motion sickness]] or visual fatigue can affect some users.<ref name="LaValleVRBook"/> Social acceptance of wearing head-mounted devices in public is still evolving. | ||
* '''[[Data privacy|Privacy]] and Security:''' Devices constantly scanning the user's environment with cameras and sensors (potentially including [[eye tracking]] and hand tracking) raise significant privacy concerns regarding data collection, storage, and use.<ref name="SpatialPrivacy" | * '''[[Data privacy|Privacy]] and Security:''' Devices constantly scanning the user's environment with cameras and sensors (potentially including [[eye tracking]] and hand tracking) raise significant privacy concerns regarding data collection, storage, and use.<ref name="SpatialPrivacy"/> Robust security measures and clear data policies are needed. | ||
* '''Definition Ambiguity / Buzzword Status:''' The term "spatial computing" itself has been criticized for being vague or an overused [[buzzword]], particularly following marketing pushes by companies like Apple.<ref name="WaPoAmbiguity" | * '''Definition Ambiguity / Buzzword Status:''' The term "spatial computing" itself has been criticized for being vague or an overused [[buzzword]], particularly following marketing pushes by companies like Apple.<ref name="WaPoAmbiguity"/> Critics argue it sometimes simply rebrands existing AR/MR/XR concepts without adding clarity.<ref name="BuzzwordCritique"/> The overlap with related terms (XR, Metaverse, etc.) causes confusion.<ref name="HacklNotSynonym"/> While rooted in academic work, its current usage encompasses a broad, sometimes inconsistent, range of technologies. | ||
== Future Outlook and Perspectives == | == Future Outlook and Perspectives == | ||
Spatial computing is widely viewed as a major future direction for computing, potentially succeeding the mobile era. Key trends and expectations include: | Spatial computing is widely viewed as a major future direction for computing, potentially succeeding the mobile era. Key trends and expectations include: | ||
*'''Hardware Evolution:''' Lighter, smaller, more comfortable devices, potentially resembling standard eyeglasses ("True AR"). Improvements in display technology (wider FOV, higher resolution/brightness, better power efficiency), battery life, and processing power.<ref name="Qualcomm5GXR" | * '''Hardware Evolution:''' Lighter, smaller, more comfortable devices, potentially resembling standard eyeglasses ("True AR"). Improvements in display technology (wider FOV, higher resolution/brightness, better power efficiency), battery life, and processing power.<ref name="Qualcomm5GXR"/><ref name="AbovitzTrueAR"/> | ||
*'''AI Integration:''' More sophisticated [[Artificial Intelligence|AI]] for enhanced environmental understanding ([[Spatial AI]]), contextual awareness, predictive assistance, realistic [[Non-player character|NPC]] behavior, and [[Generative artificial intelligence|generative AI]] for dynamic content creation within spatial environments.<ref name="NvidiaOmniverseRef"/> | * '''AI Integration:''' More sophisticated [[Artificial Intelligence|AI]] for enhanced environmental understanding ([[Spatial AI]]), contextual awareness, predictive assistance, realistic [[Non-player character|NPC]] behavior, and [[Generative artificial intelligence|generative AI]] for dynamic content creation within spatial environments.<ref name="NvidiaOmniverseRef"/> | ||
*'''Ecosystem Development:''' Standardization of platforms and protocols ([[OpenXR]]), improved development tools, and growth of compelling applications and content ecosystems. Interoperability between different devices and platforms will be crucial. | * '''Ecosystem Development:''' Standardization of platforms and protocols ([[OpenXR]]), improved development tools, and growth of compelling applications and content ecosystems. Interoperability between different devices and platforms will be crucial. | ||
*'''Convergence:''' Further blending with [[Internet of Things|IoT]], [[Cloud computing]], [[Edge computing]], and potentially forming key infrastructure for concepts like the [[Metaverse]]. | * '''Convergence:''' Further blending with [[Internet of Things|IoT]], [[Cloud computing]], [[Edge computing]], and potentially forming key infrastructure for concepts like the [[Metaverse]]. | ||
*'''Accessibility:''' Lower price points over time driving wider consumer and enterprise adoption. | * '''Accessibility:''' Lower price points over time driving wider consumer and enterprise adoption. | ||
*'''Enhanced Interaction:''' Advances in [[Brain–computer interface|brain-computer interfaces]] or sophisticated sensor-based inputs (e.g., EMG wristbands<ref | * '''Enhanced Interaction:''' Advances in [[Brain–computer interface|brain-computer interfaces]] or sophisticated sensor-based inputs (e.g., EMG wristbands<ref name="MetaEMG"/>) could offer new ways to interact spatially. | ||
Technology leaders like Tim Cook see it as profoundly changing human-computer interaction.<ref name="9to5MacCookMemo"/> Futurists like Cathy Hackl frame it as the next computing wave enabling new forms of communication and machine intelligence.<ref name="HacklIndependent" | Technology leaders like Tim Cook see it as profoundly changing human-computer interaction.<ref name="9to5MacCookMemo"/> Futurists like Cathy Hackl frame it as the next computing wave enabling new forms of communication and machine intelligence.<ref name="HacklIndependent"/> Microsoft emphasizes productivity gains,<ref name="KipmanMR"/> while Meta focuses on social connection in the metaverse. The long-term vision often involves seamlessly blending digital information and interaction into our everyday perception of the physical world. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||