From artificial intelligence to the Internet of Things, there are many advanced technologies being developed right in front of our eyes. Most of them changed our everyday life, and spatial computing is at the forefront of this revolution. From gaming to healthcare, it revolutionizes the industries faster than we can get ready for the change. In this article, we will take an insider look at spatial computing technologies, discovering what new changes and challenges we can expect from this innovation. Get ready for a glimpse into the future! What Is Spatial Computing? Have you ever played video games? I bet you had. Now, imagine a video game you can participate in directly, interacting with the environment, objects, and characters, talking to them, and getting a response. This is a spatial computing meaning simplified. Speaking in a more professional way, spatial computing is a technology that allows for interacting with the physical world in a more immersive and interactive way by overlaying digital information onto the real world. Now, you may feel that this statement sounds like a definition of mixed reality, but it's not really so. Spatial computing is a broader concept that covers augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). While mixed reality means overlaying digital objects onto the real world, spatial computing means the ability of devices to recognize the surroundings and represent them digitally. Spatial computing glasses are the simplest example of this technology. The Current State of Spatial ComputingSpatial computing has the potential to transform how we interact with technology and the world around us, leading to new opportunities and innovations. So, let's review the main trends that shape this industry in 2023. Increasing adoptionSpatial computing is becoming more mainstream, with more companies and individuals using it for various purposes. The global market for spatial computing is expected to reach $512 billion by 2032, compared to $87.5 in 2022. While companies have long begun implementing spatial-computing-like technologies into their business processes, it is projected that the advent of spatial computing will change industries forever. For example, as stated by Forbes, the technology has the potential to revolutionize the field of music education and the whole music industry, with immersive concert experiences, virtual band members, and beyond-the-borders collaborative songwriting. Advancements in hardwareThe recent release of Vision Pro glasses from Apple is one of the first spatial computing examples that became a reality. The main distinctive feature of the technology is that it uses such advanced sensors that respond to eyes and hand movements, allowing the users to interact with digital content using natural gestures. Long story short, the hardware needed to support spatial computing, such as sensors, cameras, and processors, is becoming more advanced. Growth in software and toolsIn 2023, the developers also have more software and tools available for creating and using spatial computing applications. For example, AWS spatial computing is a cloud-based platform that enables developers to build and deploy spatial applications using AR, VR, and 3D technologies. With the help of Amazon Sumerian, which is part of the platform, the developers and artists can create 3D scenes and experiences. In addition, the AWS spatial computing platform provides many tools for building and deploying spatial applications, including support for Unity and Unreal Engine. Diverse applicationsIn 2023, spatial computing applications are becoming more diverse. Now, the technology is used in gaming, education, healthcare, and manufacturing. For example, Tactile is a spatial computing platform that provides training and support for industrial workers using AR and VR technologies. As for education, there is a Fit-Learn spatial computing platform that helps students learn the complex concepts of science, technology, and engineering by providing interactive 3D models and simulations. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the future. Integration with other technologiesGiven the trends above, it's not surprising that spatial computing is increasingly being integrated with other technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain. Speaking of artificial intelligence, it is believed that this technology can improve the spatial computing experience. For example, as a part of a virtual tour app, AI can provide contextual information about objects and locations. In addition, artificial intelligence can significantly help with improving the accuracy of 3D mapping, proving a more accurate object identification. As for IoT and spatial computing combination, it can be used to create a virtual representation of a physical asset, and then overlay real-time data from sensors to create a digital twin. For example, General Electric uses this opportunity to create digital twins of aircraft parts, with the goal of failure-testing them in a digital environment, preventing possible maintenance issues, and increasing aviation safety. Challenges to the Spatial Computing AdoptionDespite spatial computing being a revolutionary technology that can forever change the ways we interact with the world, it still has some significant limitations and challenges to its adoption. Challenges with user experienceWhile spatial computing has made significant strides, there are still challenges with user experience, such as motion sickness and interface design. At the same time, Apple's Vision Pro claims to change this. Its 24 million pixels provide a perfect image quality, while eye-relief calibration matches the lenses with the center of the user's eyes automatically. Those who have tried these spatial computing glasses recently say they provide no judder and frame drops, there are no lugs and nausea feeling after using them.At the same time, early testers also said Vision Pro may have a limited field of view and its hand tracking is less advanced compared to an eye-tracking feature. However, there still are reasons to believe that those minor challenges with the user experience will be fixed soon, opening an easier way for spatial computing devices adoption. Limited accessibilitySpatial computing is not yet accessible to everyone due to factors such as cost, technical expertise, and infrastructure limitations. Talking of Apple's newest device, the price of $3500 can actually feel high to some users. Spatial computing implementation also requires specific technical expertise, including but not limited to machine learning, computer vision programming, 3D modeling, data management, and data protection skills. In addition, spatial computing systems should be integrated with existing solutions to bring business value for organizations, which also requires specialized knowledge of system integration and can be a challenge for companies with complex IT environments. The latter, by the way, should also be high-performant including powerful GPUs and CPUs, as well as high-speed connections, to be compatible with spatial computing technologies. Lack of standards and guidelines for developmentSince the technology is pretty new, there are no clear standards and regulations for hardware and software development for this niche. For instance, there are no widely accepted interface standards, making developers guess how to make spatial computing apps compatible with different platforms and devices. But most importantly, there are no privacy and security standards as well. Privacy and security are among the main barriers to adopting spatial computing, especially in such industries as healthcare and finance because of the sensitive data. It triggers a serious concern about the collection and processing of users' personal data. The Main Future Trend of Spatial Computing—The MetaverseSure, the wide adoption of spatial computing shouldn't be expected to happen overnight. However, there is a strong trend that shapes its future. Yes, it's a metaverse—a shared space where the users can interact with each other in a computer-generated environment. So, the metaverse is expected to become an ultimate expression of spatial computing technology, thanks to which users will be able to enjoy a fully immersive environment, interacting with each other and digital objects in real-time. So, if you are also thinking about creating a metaverse app, consider the next opportunities: Virtual events and conferences. This can include features such as interactive exhibits, virtual networking opportunities, and real-time collaboration tools. Virtual training and education. Startups can use the metaverse to create new and innovative training and education solutions that offer more engaging and interactive experiences for learners. Virtual commerce and banking. For example, Decentraland already provides some of these opportunities. Within this platform, users can buy, sell, and build virtual real estate, using cryptocurrencies, and interact with other users in a highly immersive and interactive environment. Virtual tourism. With the Covid-19 pandemic limiting people's ability to travel for some time, virtual tourism has become increasingly popular as a way to explore the world from the safety and comfort of one's own home. As virtual reality technology continues to improve, virtual tourism is likely to become an even more popular and accessible form in the future, despite the pandemic being over. Virtual socializing and workspaces. For instance, the Second Life application, as the name suggests, offers users to escape from reality and immerse themselves into a completely different, three-dimensional, and interactive world. This solution combines almost all the ideas listed above. With its help, users can virtually visit other countries, develop problem-solving skills, connect with other people across the globe, buy and sell virtual goods and services, attend virtual concerts, and much more. Also, keep in mind that at Wow-How studio, we specialize in creating high-quality 3D content that can power your future spatial computing application of any type. While the technology itself is actually brand-new, our extensive experience in 3D development, the latest knowledge of the best 3D practices, and unlimited creativity will help your solution stand out. Conclusion The era of spatial computing apps is approaching rapidly, creating a new world of business opportunities. In 2023 and beyond, we will see continued growth and innovation in this field, with many exciting applications expected to be developed soon. At Wow-How 3D development and visualization studio, we help businesses harness the power of spatial computing to create outstanding 3D models and environments for their future AR, VR, and XR applications. With our expertise in 3D modeling, 3D animation, and visualization, we can help bring your ideas to life and create immersive and engaging experiences that will captivate your audience. So if you're looking to stay ahead of the curve in the era of spatial computing, get in touch with us and let us help you create the future of digital experiences!
