The Future of Spatial Computing: Apple's Vision and Beyond
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Introduction to Spatial Computing
Apple's unveiling of the Vision Pro has sparked renewed interest within the XR community, particularly among those who have been disillusioned with the metaverse. While Meta, led by Zuckerberg, struggles to make virtual reality appealing to a broader audience, Apple is focusing on a more sophisticated approach to augmenting reality. However, both perspectives may be missing critical aspects of what spatial computing truly entails.
Apple's vision emphasizes a spatial experience that allows users to interact with desktop applications within their physical environments and enjoy immersive films. This marks the dawn of a new era in spatial computing, as per Apple. However, it is essential to note that while Apple is on a promising path, they may be underestimating the full potential of spatial computing.
What Is Spatial Computing?
The term "spatial computing" traces its roots to a 2003 research paper by Simon Greenwold, who defined it as:
“Spatial computing is human interaction with a machine in which the machine retains and manipulates referents to real objects and spaces. It is an essential component for making our machines fuller partners in our work and play.”
- Simon Greenwold
This definition highlights how traditional interpretations of spatial computing align more closely with ubiquitous computing than with virtual reality concepts. It connects with Donald Norman's notion of the "invisible computer," which aims to create a seamless interaction with technology, making it fade into the background of our daily lives.
The ultimate goal of spatial computing is to dissolve the barriers separating the physical from the digital world, fostering more organic and immersive interactions with technology.
Examples of Spatial Computing
A prime example of spatial computing, though often overlooked, is the Global Positioning System (GPS). When you utilize GPS, it not only calculates your location but also delivers spatially relevant information, such as navigation tailored to where you are and where you wish to go. This blend of digital data and physical reality exemplifies the essence of spatial computing.
In the construction sector, spatial computing technologies manifest through the use of sensors, photogrammetry, and artificial intelligence. These tools enable computer systems to gather real-time data about environments or products, which can be analyzed to create user-friendly applications and automated workflows.
A Modern Perspective
It's important to acknowledge that in contemporary discussions, "spatial computing" often serves as a broad term encompassing various XR technologies, including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). Even 3D gaming that incorporates spatial elements on a 2D screen sometimes falls under this umbrella.
Tim Cook appears to deliberately avoid the term "metaverse," which positions Apple's vision of an augmented reality operating system as aligned with spatial computing, even if not entirely accurate. Much like personal computers utilize a graphical user interface (GUI) of files and folders, Apple seeks to expand the familiar app and desktop conventions into headset experiences.
The Spatial Interface of Tomorrow
While I appreciate Apple's efforts to make headset interactions intuitive—a crucial first step toward spatial experiences—it's merely an initial move. The future will likely see interfaces integrated seamlessly into our physical environments, rendering traditional application interfaces obsolete.
Cumbersome headsets will give way to wearables that engage our senses directly, creating a digital mesh interwoven with the physical world, activated through voice commands, gestures, haptics, and even neural connections. Ultimately, this will lead to a unified spatial reality.
This video titled "The History and Future of Spatial Computing in the PTC Reality Lab" explores the evolution of spatial computing and its trajectory into the future.
"The Future of Spatial Computing - Reply & REscan" discusses upcoming innovations and concepts that could redefine how we interact with spatial technology.
In Conclusion
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