Is The Party Over for AR Creators? Meta Spark Shuts Down, But Here’s What’s Next
Many hearts were broken by Meta’s announcement of Meta Spark closure. But now that the initial shock has subsided a bit, let’s figure out what comes next. This event has raised many questions: what does this mean for the industry as a whole and for AR creators who are accustomed to creating content for social networks? How can they adapt to these changes? Let’s dive in.
Since 2015, when DEVAR — ‘canva’ for #AR began its first venture in the augmented reality industry (creating AR books for children, with over 15 million copies sold, now available in 75 countries in 27 languages), we’ve seen many changes in the immersive technology market.
It was evident to us that social media platforms and messengers (like Facebook/Instagram, Snap Inc. , TikTok ) and tech giants (Apple, Microsoft, Google, etc.) would find their place in the world of immersive technologies and would certainly set the tone in some directions. Without delving into a long history, it’s clear that many AR creators have grown using tools like Spark AR. However, looking beyond just one social network, META has long positioned itself as one of the ambassadors of augmented and virtual reality.
Events and news from this year clearly indicate that one of META’s key directions is focusing on immersive spaces consumed through AR/XR glasses (Remember the announcement about purchasing shares of Luxottica to expand collaboration with Ray-Ban). META is gradually preparing users for a new reality: an immersive space that overlays the real world with various layers. Their vision is that we will consume this world through AR/XR glasses. (By the way, rumors suggest that a prototype of their first consumer AR glasses will be showcased at the conference on September 25).
Does this mean the era of AR filters is over?
Unlikely.
Are consumption patterns set to change?
Certainly.
Is there time for AR creators to prepare and expand their professional capabilities?
Absolutely.
The technological race in releasing AR and XR glasses and the expectations surrounding them have set the trend for developing content for these devices. A recent survey conducted among users of our MyWebAR.com platform showed that 22% are already creating content for AR and XR devices, while another 52% plan to do so soon for devices like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest.
Like any ecosystem, the immersive space is creating a colossal number of opportunities. Today, millions of people have professional AR creation skills, including not just programmers but also creative roles (designers, marketers, product managers, etc.). There are now countless businesses (from SMBs to Fortune 500 corporations) that have already implemented or are implementing AR/XR technologies in various processes (from training sessions and AR instructions for new employees to campaigns aimed at increasing customer engagement and loyalty).
Just as the internet once allowed new entities to emerge (like e-commerce, for example, or opening the door for remote interaction), AR/XR technologies form the basis of a new environment. While we can only imagine what it will be like, we can confidently say that many new economic elements will take shape there.
Every business will ask how to enter this environment, just as they once asked, “Do I need a website?” Well, WebXR technology will answer this similar and relevant question today.
More than 200,000 users of our MyWebAR platform (and the number is constantly growing) are already creating mini versions of spaces and assets that will become layers of the immersive world. Importantly, all AR experiences are cross-platform and can be integrated into any website, app, or social media. This means they won’t disappear unless the owner or creator decides to delete or stop them.
New opportunities emerge for talented and creative individuals with each new technological advancement and tool development. The “Blue Ocean” is opening up for everyone ready to go beyond using just social media to create AR/XR experiences, for those preparing to take a strong position in the new world of immersive spaces, and who remember to use the powerful capabilities of Generative AI to enhance both their own and their clients’ experiences.
This drive is what fuels us daily in developing and improving the creative space of MyWebAR.com for the self-realization of anyone who wants to be part of the immersive technology world. No code for non-tech folks, advanced levels for code lovers. Generative AI for working with design or creating customized solutions through text-to-code. More than 300 functions and a constantly growing library of plugins and partner integrations. It sounds like a dream, but it’s what opens the door to the world of immersive technologies for every creative talent.
We are happy to welcome everyone to our community! And, although every user is special to us, we are particularly ready to offer special conditions for Spark AR creators to start in our ecosystem today.
A passion for technology and creation is what unites all AR creators. Welcome to DEVAR — ‘canva’ for #AR
If you need advice on how to use all of this for your business, we’d be happy to help you along the way. Just email us hello@mywebar.com
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