2024 spatial computing market update
The spatial computing ecosystem is on the uptick with the wider availability of head mounted devices (HMD). Apple and Meta’s commitment to developing HMDs is existential to conquer the enormous technical hurdles these devices continue to face.
Apple has chosen to maroon the Vision Pro with a lack of controllers and other design choices making it reliant on mostly passive entertainment. In total contrast, Meta’s deep engagement in gaming and 3D experiences showcases the potential for the HMD category.
Live sports is the outstanding use case for TV experiences on VR headsets, with exclusive NBA VR programming on Quest bringing new levels of immersion and presence, while gaming, and its developers, will still remain the dominant driver for VR and MR for the rest of the decade.
Related reports
The new platform play: Meta gets specific about AI
2 August 2024Meta led the pack of tech results in Q2 with 22% growth and championing a suite of generative AI products; should these falter, Meta can recalibrate by devoting more of its AI infrastructure to core user and ad products.
AI and the metaverse give Meta an uncertain shot at a new platform play, leveraging its enormous user base and bringing developers back into the fold.
Reality Labs is still burning cash, but a collaboration with Ray-Ban offers a path to usable head-mounted displays, and could get Meta there faster than Apple’s cutting-edge approach.
2024 metaverse trends: The next phase in scaling the metaverse
20 February 2024Reports of the "death of the metaverse" are greatly exaggerated. The scope of investment across metaverse-friendly technologies and experiences remains robust, although aggressive global competition in the AI sector could cause speed bumps.
VR, XR, and spatial computing will see a renaissance in 2024, renewing interest from developers as well as major media and entertainment. Gaming continues to be a major driver of the metaverse, with clear opportunity for new major services to compete against Fortnite and Roblox.
The building blocks are therefore all in place for the next consumer growth phase. Scaling the metaverse will be dependent on consistent and sustained trials, and more engagement from media and entertainment beyond games.
Prepared for The Metaverse Society by Enders Analysis.
Games industry 2024: A bumpy and uncomfortable reset
31 January 2024Sony PlayStation’s next CEO will have hard decisions to make: compete against a resurgent multiplatform Microsoft, or retreat and defend an increasingly rickety PlayStation console model.
New gaming hardware will have an outsize influence in the year ahead, giving gamers unprecedented choice, starting with XR headsets and continuing to a likely new Nintendo Switch.
YouTube’s foray into browser-based games will be the service to watch in 2024. If successful, streaming services, including Netflix, will be on track to become heavyweight game platforms.
Apple's first headset is an experimental offering, but promises to be version one of a compelling but controversial device category.
The Vision Pro is not being pitched as a metaverse device, and not just because Apple refused to use the term. Applications are focused on where a good experience can be delivered today.
Contrary to expectations, Meta could be the main beneficiary in the short term, as the Apple halo boosts the headset category's respectability and developer focus.
The new platform play: Meta gets specific about AI
2 August 2024Meta led the pack of tech results in Q2 with 22% growth and championing a suite of generative AI products; should these falter, Meta can recalibrate by devoting more of its AI infrastructure to core user and ad products.
AI and the metaverse give Meta an uncertain shot at a new platform play, leveraging its enormous user base and bringing developers back into the fold.
Reality Labs is still burning cash, but a collaboration with Ray-Ban offers a path to usable head-mounted displays, and could get Meta there faster than Apple’s cutting-edge approach.
2024 metaverse trends: The next phase in scaling the metaverse
20 February 2024Reports of the "death of the metaverse" are greatly exaggerated. The scope of investment across metaverse-friendly technologies and experiences remains robust, although aggressive global competition in the AI sector could cause speed bumps.
VR, XR, and spatial computing will see a renaissance in 2024, renewing interest from developers as well as major media and entertainment. Gaming continues to be a major driver of the metaverse, with clear opportunity for new major services to compete against Fortnite and Roblox.
The building blocks are therefore all in place for the next consumer growth phase. Scaling the metaverse will be dependent on consistent and sustained trials, and more engagement from media and entertainment beyond games.
Prepared for The Metaverse Society by Enders Analysis.
Games industry 2024: A bumpy and uncomfortable reset
31 January 2024Sony PlayStation’s next CEO will have hard decisions to make: compete against a resurgent multiplatform Microsoft, or retreat and defend an increasingly rickety PlayStation console model.
New gaming hardware will have an outsize influence in the year ahead, giving gamers unprecedented choice, starting with XR headsets and continuing to a likely new Nintendo Switch.
YouTube’s foray into browser-based games will be the service to watch in 2024. If successful, streaming services, including Netflix, will be on track to become heavyweight game platforms.
Apple's first headset is an experimental offering, but promises to be version one of a compelling but controversial device category.
The Vision Pro is not being pitched as a metaverse device, and not just because Apple refused to use the term. Applications are focused on where a good experience can be delivered today.
Contrary to expectations, Meta could be the main beneficiary in the short term, as the Apple halo boosts the headset category's respectability and developer focus.