Lately the term of spatial computing has become very big in the immersive world, and it's becoming more of a race to revolutionise traditional workflows and day-to-day experiences. Spatial computing is definitely changing the way we can interact with the world around us.
The term itself isn't exactly new,
But it's only just recently beginning to come back. It started back in 2003 with Simon Greenwold with the hopes to bring technology into our physical space and break free from screen and keyboards.
“Spatial computing is human interaction with a machine in which the machine retains and manipulates references to real objects and spaces. It is an essential component for making our machines fuller partners in our work and play.”
And with this concept coming back we can see significant developments being made. The heavy hitters of the tech industry, like Apple, meta, Microsoft and more are all diving into this, and taking the term spatial computing from concept to a practical application.
Why is everyone interested in spatial computing, and what does it mean for you?
Companies are working on coming away from the typical flat screen and bringing this digital content into the real world around you. This could be bringing your meetings to your desk, or playing a game where the character interacts with your living space. But it's so much more than this, it's the whole idea of making all of our interactions with technology more natural and intuitive. This could be anything such as using more natural and common hand gestures to navigate the systems, or having a virtual assistant pop up to help when it can see you struggling with a task. This is tech that understands us and the space that we're in.
The applications of spatial computing
Spatial computing is more than just making games that are fun to play. It has promising potential to change the way we work, learn and experience the world. Education can be made more immersive and adventurous. Workplaces could use spatial computing to make remote collaboration feel as real as being in the same room, or consumers seeing what new furniture would look like without the need to leave the house.
Let's take a look at some of the core technologies of spatial computing, the main two are AI and XR, and these are what build the foundation of spatial computing:
AI - This is the brain behind the technology, it is the eyes of the device that will understand the space around you and help you interact with it. This makes sure that everything in space is where it belongs
XR (Extended Reality) - This is the umbrella term that covers all of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality. All of these terms together help blend the physical and digital worlds together to help show it as if it was right in front of you.
Spatial Computing Hardware
Spatial computing is being shown through many kinds of hardware. Wearable headsets, smart glasses, and even smartphones play a great part in this technology. These devices play as the window into the immersive world and play a great part in bringing this technology to life.
Apple's Vision Pro is at the forefront, showcasing how immersive and seamless digital integration can be. It's a high-end example that proves what's possible with spatial computing, offering developers and users a glimpse into some of the future applications.
Meta's Quest 3 makes spatial computing more accessible. It's a gateway for development, pushing the boundaries of virtual reality and how we interact with digital environments.
Smart Glasses are another exciting development, blending the digital and physical worlds in a way that's both practical and wearable. They represent a step towards making spatial computing part of our daily wardrobe, offering hands-free access to information and augmented reality experiences.
Smartphones, already a staple in our lives, are becoming increasingly capable of supporting spatial computing applications. With advanced sensors and AR capabilities, smartphones allow a broad audience to experience spatial computing without needing specialised equipment.
The future of spatial computing
Together, these devices are shaping the future of spatial computing. They illustrate the technology's versatility, from high-end immersive experiences with devices like the Vision Pro, to everyday applications via smartphones and smart glasses. As these technologies evolve, they'll continue to expand the possibilities of spatial computing, making it more integrated into our daily routines and offering new ways to interact with the world around us.
Spatial computing is rapidly becoming a game-changer in how we interact with the digital world, blending the physical and virtual to revolutionise industries from gaming to education and work. This technology, supported by the excitement of tech giants like Apple and Microsoft, promises more natural and intuitive interactions through AI and XR (Extended Reality), including VR, AR, and MR. These innovations offer immersive experiences previously unimaginable, making digital content part of our physical spaces in a seamless manner.
The heart of spatial computing lies in AI's ability to understand and interact with our environment, and XR's capability to merge the real with the digital. Devices like wearable headsets, smart glasses, and smartphones are key to accessing these immersive worlds, becoming more advanced to enhance user experience.
Looking ahead, spatial computing's potential is vast, with new applications emerging that could redefine our daily lives. It's set to make digital interactions more integrated and engaging, turning what was once fiction into reality. Spatial computing is not just changing how we use technology; it's reshaping our technological landscape, promising a future where our physical and digital realms are merged, opening up endless possibilities for innovation and connection. To be at the forefront of this transformative journey, get involved now and take the opportunity to help shape the future.
