2024: Spatial Computing and the Metaverse’s Future

Spatial computing, a rising star in 2024, is reshaping the digital landscape, fueling Web3D growth, and rejuvenating interest in the metaverse. Apple’s Vision Pro, already sold out in pre-orders, hints at a strong market appetite for innovative digital experiences. Industry giants like Meta, Magic Leap, and Sony are also driving the evolution of augmented and virtual reality, redefining how we connect, interact, consume, and create content.

While generative AI has captured recent headlines, spatial computing is poised to take center stage this year. Apple’s Vision Pro, which sold out in minutes, signifies a growing interest in new digital experiences. Meta, Magic Leap, Sony, and other tech leaders are pushing the boundaries of augmented and virtual reality, reshaping how we engage with technology and each other.

As spatial computing takes flight, it begs the question: Is this the dawn of a new era for “Web3D,” poised to eclipse the metaverse? The concept of the metaverse, once a buzzword, seemed to fade into obscurity. However, Meta’s VP of Metaverse, Vishal Shah, insists the idea is alive and well, viewing the current phase as a necessary evolution beyond initial hype.

Spatial computing is not a replacement for the metaverse but rather a stepping stone toward its realization. Apple’s visionOS platform, for example, aims to create an expansive canvas for apps, offering a three-dimensional user interface controlled by natural inputs like eyes, hands, and voice. CEO Tim Cook sees augmented reality as a transformative technology, blending digital content seamlessly with the physical world.

The path to a true metaverse is still unfolding, with the concept evolving beyond its original definition. Recent demonstrations, like Mark Zuckerberg’s appearance as a photorealistic avatar, showcase the potential for immersive, shared experiences in virtual spaces. The metaverse, once a nebulous term, now refers to a place where people can interact and collaborate in virtual environments.

Spatial computing serves as a bridge to this augmented reality future. As Andrew Schwartz from Nike’s Metaverse Engineering notes, spatial computing provides the tools to create immersive experiences, aligning with the metaverse’s focus on experiential information.

Business leaders must look beyond the hype and collaborate with innovators to embrace the next wave of computing. Investments in the metaverse and sustainability are key to engaging with Gen Z consumers. Companies like Threekit and Obsess are already leveraging spatial computing to create immersive shopping experiences, while Deloitte explores the potential of digital twins and AI in enterprise applications.

The future is spatial and immersive, blurring the lines between physical and digital realities. Spatial computing, extended reality, and the metaverse are set to revolutionize operations, R&D, customer experiences, and markets. The next web, whether called Web 3.0 or Web 3D, is already in the making, driven by visionary individuals shaping a new digital frontier.