Spatial Computing — A New Era

What is spatial computing?

‍

Apple promotes Vision Pro as a spatial computer, unlike Meta with Meta Quest 3, for example, which promotes it as a mixed reality VR headset. Both products are very similar and yet different.

‍

A fundamental distinction is made between AR (Augmented Reality), XR (Extended Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality). The first two complement the physical world and you can continue to actively participate in it, whereas with the latter you dive into a virtual world and no longer actively perceive the physical environment around it.

‍

Spatial computing falls under AR or XR. It seamlessly connects digital content with the physical world and allows users to remain present and connected with others. And that is the basic difference between the Apple Vision Pro and a VR headset such as the Meta Quest 3. With the first version, Apple has managed to bring an incredibly good product onto the market that is technologically up to date and has a unique operating concept. Vision Pro is therefore controlled exclusively with the eyes, hands and voice.

‍

‍

A new type of user experience

‍

They are the most natural and intuitive means of input for humans. Depending on the application, the mouse and keyboard can be added, but they are not essential. The spatial operating system enables users to interact with digital content in a way that looks as if the content is physically in the room with them. User interface elements have more depth, cast realistic shadows and move not only on the X and Y axes but also on the Z axis. Objects can be placed in space at scale and interacted with them.

‍

‍

Where is the added value?

‍

Who is a spatial computer aimed at or who is the target group? Here you have to differentiate between business customers and the mainstream and also look at the use case.

‍

Vision Pro is currently clearly aimed at business customers. Workers can create an infinite workspace for apps that goes beyond the limits of a traditional display. And that everywhere. Engineers can, for example, look at 3D models and work on them. Physicians can view additional information during surgeries without deviating from the patient. Of course, there are also many use cases in the entertainment sector, such as watching films or sports events with additional information on a huge screen, but this should not be relevant for the general public due to the very high price.

‍

Meta Quest 3, for example, is ideal for this area. In terms of price, this is designed for the mainstream and wants to bring the experience to every household. However, it does not deliver the same quality as a Vision Pro.

‍

‍

A forecast for the future

‍

As with the iPhone 17 years ago, the Vision Pro is a device for early adopters. Apple will optimize the form factor over the next few years and bring more, cheaper models to the market that will allow everyone to enjoy this experience.

‍

We are currently at the end of the smartphone era and everyone is wondering what's next? A spatial computer or a VR headset could be the answer. As soon as the devices no longer look like oversized ski goggles and more like normal glasses, the roads could fill up more and more with them.

‍

The use cases will also increase in the future as soon as the full potential is exploited. From everyday situations such as the integrated navigation route into the surrounding area, calls with hyper-realistic avatars with friends and family who live in other cities and countries, to school lessons where, thanks to VR, students can dive into different periods of human history.

‍

There are dozens of other scenarios and we can be excited to see what the future brings.