Unveiling the Era of Spatial Computing

TL;DR

This paper explores the evolution and potential of spatial computing, emphasizing its technological foundations, applications, and challenges, with a focus on recent commercial devices like Apple’s Vision Pro.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of spatial computing technologies, their development, and the technological and practical challenges faced by emerging commercial devices.

Findings

Spatial computing integrates AR, VR, and Mediated Reality to create immersive environments.

Emerging devices like Apple’s Vision Pro showcase technological advancements and challenges.

Key enabling technologies include AI, IoT, 5G, cloud, edge computing, and blockchain.

Abstract

The evolution of User Interfaces marks a significant transition from traditional command-line interfaces to more intuitive graphical and touch-based interfaces, largely driven by the emergence of personal computing devices. The advent of spatial computing and Extended Reality technologies further pushes the boundaries, promising a fusion of physical and digital realms through interactive environments. This paper delves into the progression from All Realities technologies encompassing Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mediated Reality to spatial computing, highlighting their conceptual differences and applications. We explore enabling technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, 5G, cloud and edge computing, and blockchain that underpin the development of spatial computing. We further scrutinize the initial forays into commercial spatial computing devices, with a focus on Apple's Vision Pro, evaluating its technological advancements alongside the challenges it faces. Through this examination, we aim to provide insights into the potential of spatial computing to revolutionize our interaction with digital information and the physical world.