In recent years, with constant improvements on hardware and software, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have once again risen as the promise of future.
Many tech giants and startups are competing strenuously to solve software and hardware issues and pushing the boundary of such technology. Apple acquired SMI eye-tracking company and developed ARkit, which is an open platform for AR developers. Facebook acquired Occulus with booming potential in entertainment industry. Intel developed its own VR headset by combining its most cutting-edge technology. HTC Vive are building the next generation head-mounted display for better immerse experience. Microsoft released its AR headset, Hololens, as the first step in conquering the market. Magic Leap, the most secretive startup, has raised billions of dollars, enhancing tracking technology to a higher level.
The field of Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) covers a huge spectrum of cutting-edge technology from software, firmware, to hardware. There is still plenty space for technological improvements, before this field becomes matured and gets accepted by mass consumers. With just a matter of time, AR/VR will become the game changer, disrupting the ecosystem of ecommerce, education, entertainment, and manufacturing industry. The most salient reason is AR/VR serves as a bridge to further connect the gap between physical and digital world. It will provide real-time information of consumer products, interactive and immersive advertisement experience for customers with, for instance, wearable AR glasses, compact headsets, and even mobile platforms.
San Francisco
