A new era of Mixed Reality: Apple Vision Pro glasses
With the recent release of Apple Vision Pro mixed reality glasses, the business world is on the cusp of a new era. This cutting-edge technology could prove to be a game changer for various industries by opening up new possibilities for interactive customer experiences and innovative business processes.
Over the years, Apple has built a reputation for outstanding product innovation and an unrivaled User Experience (UX). The launch of the Apple Vision Pro Mixed Reality glasses, with their high-resolution micro-OLED displays and advanced tracking systems, is further proof of this. The glasses are a portal into a world with an unprecedented combination of physical and digital reality in a seamless experience.
Mixed Reality (MR) refers to environments or systems that mix a user's natural perception with an artificial one. In contrast to Augmented Reality (AR), which is closer to the real world, MR encompasses the entire spectrum between real and virtual.
Potential for mainstream technology
Products such as the iPhone and iPad have revolutionized their respective markets. With its new MR glasses, Apple has once again demonstrated its ability to make innovative technologies suitable for the mainstream. In my opinion, Apple Vision Pro can potentially turn MR from a niche application into a mainstream product. The combination of intuitive operation, elegant design, and reliable performance matters. Added to this is the broad acceptance of Apple's strong ecosystem.
It is to be expected that this technology will find more and more customers in both the private and business sectors in the medium term.
Enormous market growth expected
The latest developments are of great importance for companies. Statistics show impressive growth and potential in the field of augmented reality (AR). It is estimated that there are already 1,4 billion active AR user devices worldwide. This figure could rise to an incredible 17,3 billion by 2024. In addition, sales of AR glasses are expected to rise to over 35 billion US dollars by 2026. (Source: Exploding Topics)
These figures illustrate the enormous market potential and the acceptance that new VR/AR/MR technologies could experience in the coming years.
New opportunities for companies
The potential uses of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) in companies are diverse. There are certainly exciting opportunities for innovative customer interactions and more efficient internal processes. Here are some examples and possible fields of application in various industries:
1
Training and industrial maintenance
VR is increasingly being used for training. VR training programs enable an immersive learning experience and improve the application of learned skills. AR is often used to display digital reference materials and offers advantages in quality assurance and customer service.
2
Healthcare and pharmacy
AR and VR are used in these industries to simulate complex procedures and train medical staff. This improves the safety and efficiency of patient care.
3
Real estate, manufacturing, and supply chain
VR and AR offer opportunities to optimize design, product development, and logistics processes. For example, Audi uses VR to virtually test assembly and logistics processes, which saves time and money.
4
Construction and assembly
AR and VR are used to digitally display assembly instructions, test product performance under extreme conditions, or project new design components over existing modules.
5
Repair and maintenance
Companies use AR to display digital reference materials, consult experts remotely, or display step-by-step instructions, which increases efficiency and safety.
Conclusion: MR is the master of all classes
As someone who is deeply rooted in digital product development, I see Mixed Reality (MR) as the future of interactive technologies. My conviction is reinforced by current market trends. I firmly believe that MR, as implemented in the Apple Vision Pro, is the most comprehensive and functional format of all Realities.
While AR is useful in specific applications and VR mainly shines in the gaming sector, MR offers the widest range of applications and the best user experience. The predictions for market development with potential growth of up to 57 % reinforce my view that MR will play a decisive role in the future.
Of course, we still face challenges such as high costs and data protection concerns. But as technology advances and costs fall, MR will become increasingly accessible and could establish itself as the leading technology in the field of augmented reality.
I've already ordered the Apple Vision Pro and can't wait to test it out!
