Metaverse Legacy Lives: The Dawn of Spatial Computing
It’s been over 2 years since Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to rebrand Facebook as Meta, the tech world caught fire with huge buzz. The term “metaverse” gained popularity, resonating across the digital landscape. However, as time progressed, skeptics emerged, some boldly asserting that “the metaverse is dead.” Fast forward to June 2023, Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, unveiled the Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset, declaring that “Spatial Computing is the Future” — a fresh perspective in the conversation.
Spatial Computing or Metaverse? Beneath the semantics, the core principle remains the same: the creation of immersive, interactive digital experiences bridging the virtual and the real. In this newsletter, we delve into the heart of these thrilling developments propelling us toward this immersive tomorrow. This is a rallying cry for individuals across industries to seize the transformative potential before the curtain falls.
“Apple Vision Pro’s introduction could become the cornerstone for the development and adoption of the most advanced version of the metaverse yet”, Cloud Castles.
Metaverse Momentum: A Year of Transformative Developments
Over the past year, the metaverse has witnessed groundbreaking strides, evident in the remarkable advancements of key players in the tech industry.
1. Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s Vision Pro headset, disclosed at WWDC 2023, marks a significant leap into the metaverse or as they are calling it “Spatial Computing”. Integrating virtual and augmented reality, the device introduces “natural control” through hand and eye tracking, coupled with voice commands. Noteworthy features include spatial video capture, 3D movies on the Apple TV app, and glimpses into the potential of future, more affordable Vision Pro models.
“The release of Apple’s new mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro, could cause a seismic shift in how users will experience the metaverse, with developers potentially moving away from the absolute isolation of virtual reality.”, Tom Mitchelhill, Coin Telegraph.
2. Meta Quest 3: Meta Quest 3 stands out as Meta’s flagship mainstream mixed reality headset, marking a profound shift in the digital paradigm. The console’s remarkable passthrough capabilities stand as a testament to game-changing technology. Beyond gaming, the Quest 3 has become a catalyst for transformative experiences across diverse industries, from redefining learning to enhancing productivity. Explore the multifaceted Applications of Meta Quest 3 in our previous edition for an in-depth understanding of its far-reaching impact.
3. Microsoft Mesh: Microsoft Mesh is set to integrate into Microsoft Teams starting January 2024, heralding a new era of 3D immersive meetings. Mesh focuses on redefining corporate interactions within Teams, leveraging the collaboration of over 320 million monthly users. It facilitates customizable virtual spaces, team bonding activities, and spatial audio. With an eye on the future, AI enhancements hold the promise of generative elements, fostering lifelike meeting environments for enhanced inclusivity and productivity in hybrid work settings.
“So if you get invited to a Microsoft Teams meeting in January, you might just be hanging out in a virtual lake house, tossing virtual bean bags, and getting to know your remote colleagues that you’ve never met.”, Tom Warren, Senior Editor, The Verge.
4. Geospatial API: Google’s ARCore Geospatial API revolutionizes global-scale, immersive AR experiences by remotely attaching content to areas covered by Google Maps Street View. Leveraging device sensor and GPS data, it detects the environment and uses Google’s Visual Positioning System (VPS) for precise device localization. Utilizing Street View images captured globally, the VPS localization model enables accurate positioning. Applications range from guiding users in dense urban areas to creating captivating location-based AR experiences and fostering gaming and self-expression, turning the world into a canvas for creativity.
5. 3D Gaussian Splatting: This year also marked the launch of Gaussian splatting, an advanced 3D scanning and rendering technique, offering real-time rendering at an impressive 100 frames per second. This method combines classical graphics with modern deep learning, representing 3D scenes as gaussians or splats, eliminating slower neural rendering and enhancing efficiency. Notably, Gaussian splatting introduces direct editing capabilities, allowing creators to easily manipulate objects within the 3D scene. Read more.
These innovations underscore the metaverse’s dynamic evolution, ensuring it remains at the forefront of immersive experiences.
Generative AI’s Impact on Spatial Computing
AI, led by industry forerunners like OpenAI, actively shapes the metaverse and the advent of spatial computing. The current contributions span avatar creation, 3D conversational bots, data learning for predictive insights, and language processing that enables communication in diverse languages within the metaverse. An exemplary instance encapsulating the breadth of this technological landscape would be Wim Wouters’ AI Avatars.
As the Metaverse progresses, hundreds of AI tools used everyday enhance efficiency in every aspect demonstrating AI’s transformative impact, across industries. Although ongoing ethical and safety issues underscore the need for AI refinement, there’s still a promising future where AI significantly reshapes various spheres of life and work.
Decoding the Legacy of Metaverse in the Form of Spatial Computing
While the term “metaverse” may have lost its luster, the essence persists under the disguise of “spatial computing,” a concept dating back to 2003. However, the fundamental idea remains unchanged. Whether termed metaverse or spatial computing, the vision endures. The technology is already in use, with examples like holographic meetings, manufacturing process improvements through augmented reality, and spatial computing aiding neurodivergent individuals in job interview preparation. Spatial computing also finds applications in communication, manufacturing, gaming, human resources, media, sports, entertainment, and data visualization.
“Here’s the thing: while the terms may differ, the underlying principle remains the same. Both are about creating immersive, interactive digital experiences that bridge the gap between the virtual and the real. So, whether you’re team “Metaverse” or team “Spatial Computing”, the future is clear: immersive digital experiences are here to stay”, Dirk Schmidt, Co-founder and CEO, BizzTech.
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Spatial computing isn’t merely a fleeting trend — it’s the evolution of human-computer interaction. As we stand at the threshold of this transformative era, we believe these emerging interfaces are more than tools; they are architects reshaping the way business is done. With every interaction, we inscribe the narrative of tomorrow. The journey has just begun, and the canvas is vast. Let’s embrace the dawn of metaverse 2.0 aka spatial computing, where innovation intertwines with the fabric of our collective future.
“Spatial computing isn’t a virtual escape. It’s not a fad technology. It’s the natural next step for how computers and humans will interact. We are in the very early days of how these new interfaces will change business and society in the years to come.”, Cathy Hackl, Harvard Business Review.
Dive into our vizion for tomorrow, where we’re pioneering groundbreaking transformations in real estate and museum experiences. In an era where a compelling digital identity is paramount for businesses, we’re here to guide you. Curious to explore the possibilities? Say hello to us at hello@xrvizion.com, and let the adventure begin!
Edited by Rufah Kaka.
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