The Mixed Reality Industry

Mixed reality (MR) merges the physical and digital worlds for a spatial computing experience that overlays your physical environment with digital information. As you can imagine, this opens the door to applications that are much more useful and powerful for businesses and consumers.

Today’s mixed reality hardware targets businesses primarily for manufacturing, warehousing, training & education, and construction applications. As hardware slims down and becomes more financially accessible to consumers, applications that target consumers will flourish.

This is the next generation of computing that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the digital world in every industry and everyday life.

There are a number of companies driving innovation in mixed reality hardware and software that we will explore in this article.

Mixed Reality Hardware Companies

Some of the most notable mixed reality hardware companies in the industry include Microsoft, with their HoloLens 2 headset, Varjo, Magic Leap, and Meta with their Meta Quest Pro. These companies are focusing on creating high-quality and user-friendly MR devices that can be used for a wide range of applications. 

In order to experience mixed reality technology, users typically wear a head-mounted display (HMD) that covers their eyes and displays the virtual elements of the experience. Currently, the most popular mixed reality hardware is the HoloLens 2, which is a lightweight, self-contained HMD that uses advanced sensors and cameras to track the user's movements and map their surroundings. This allows the device to accurately overlay virtual objects onto the real world, creating a seamless blend of the two. The HoloLens 2 also features built-in spatial audio, which enhances the immersive experience by providing realistic sound that changes as the user moves through the virtual environment.

The upcoming Microsoft HoloLens 3 represents a significant leap forward in mixed reality hardware technology. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the HoloLens 3 promises to deliver an even more immersive and versatile mixed reality experience. Read more about the HoloLens 3 here.

The Magic Leap 2 launched in September of 2022. Compared to its predecessor, the Magic Leap 2 boasts greatly improved capabilities and offers an unprecedented AR field of view that is both larger and taller. A unique feature of the headset is its ability to dim the display, allowing for improved focus on virtual objects by blocking out external light. Additionally, developers will find the new Android-based operating system easier to work with.

Mixed Reality Software Companies

The development of mixed reality software platforms is possible because of companies like Unity, Unreal Engine, and Vuforia. In combination with MR hardware manufacturers, these AR/VR/MR companies are providing developers with the tools needed to create interactive and immersive extended reality experiences.

Unity has firmly established itself as the leading development engine for mixed reality, and for several compelling reasons. Its adaptability and versatility make it the go-to choice for developers seeking to create immersive mixed reality experiences. Unity offers a robust set of tools, libraries, and plugins specifically tailored for mixed reality development, which simplifies the creation process and reduces development time. Moreover, Unity's cross-platform compatibility ensures that applications can seamlessly run on a variety of devices.

In the field of training and education, MR is being used to create immersive and interactive learning experiences. Mixed reality companies like goHere AR, HoloAnatomy, CAE, and Enklu are developing MR software that can be used in classrooms and work environments to enhance the learning experience for students and employees. These software platforms allow teachers and trainers to create interactive and engaging lessons that can help to improve student and employee engagement and retention. 

MR is also being used in the field of architecture and construction. Mixed reality companies like HoloBuilder, Mix Your Realty, and IrisVR are using MR to create virtual walkthroughs of buildings, allowing architects, builders, and clients to experience a building before it is even constructed. This technology can help to improve the design process, reduce errors, and save time and money. 

Many organizations are now investing in MR research and development, creating new hardware and software platforms that can be used for a wide range of applications. As MR technology continues to evolve, it is expected to become more accessible and user-friendly, making it possible for a wider range of users to experience its benefits.

Mixed Reality Technology Over The Next Decade

Mixed reality software will transform many industries over the next decade. From healthcare to education, entertainment to retail, MR software will bring immersive experiences to users that were previously only possible in science fiction. A whole new operating system is being unlocked and will create significant opportunities for this technology to integrate into our everyday lives.

In healthcare, MR software is already being used to train surgeons and medical professionals, allowing them to practice complex procedures in a safe and controlled environment. This will become even more important over the next decade, as the technology improves and becomes more accessible, allowing more medical professionals to train in MR environments.

For education, mixed reality software will provide students with immersive and engaging learning experiences. For example, students could explore historical sites in 3D, witness scientific experiments in action, or even practice speaking foreign languages with virtual native speakers. MR technology will also help to level the playing field for students with disabilities, allowing them to experience learning in new and exciting ways.

Shifting more to the consumer side, specifically the entertainment industry, MR software will provide new levels of immersion. Consumers will be able to experience movies, games, and other forms of media in completely new ways, allowing them to feel as though they are truly a part of the action. This will not only provide new opportunities for creators to tell stories, but it will also provide new revenue streams for companies as consumers seek out these new experiences.

Finally, in retail, MR software will allow customers to experience products in entirely new ways. For example, customers could try on clothes in a virtual dressing room, see how furniture looks in their homes before purchasing, or even explore virtual stores before deciding to visit in person. This will provide retailers with new opportunities to connect with customers and provide a more personalized shopping experience.

Mixed Reality Development Engines

Mixed reality development is propelled by powerful engines like Unity and Unreal, which have become the architects of virtuality. These platforms provide robust tools and libraries that enable creators to craft detailed, interactive, and high-fidelity experiences. The versatility of these engines allows developers to push the boundaries of imagination, creating complex worlds that can interact with the real environment in real-time.

The language of mixed reality is predominantly C# for Unity and C++ for Unreal Engine, but it also includes newer entrants like JavaScript for web-based AR experiences. These coding languages are the lifeblood of mixed reality, enabling the translation of complex algorithms into tangible, interactive experiences that merge the digital with the physical.

Conclusion

Mixed reality software is going to be incredibly important over the next decade, with a wide range of applications. As the technology improves and becomes more accessible, we can expect to see an explosion of new experiences and opportunities for both businesses and consumers alike.