The New Wave of Spatial Computing: Rising from the Ashes

In the world of technology, few stories tell of the grit and resilience quite like spatial computing. For those who remember the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), it's a familiar one. When NWOBHM stormed the music scene in the late ’70s and ’80s, it was more than just a genre—it was a rebellion, a revival, and an unapologetic attitude. Today, spatial computing is experiencing its own revolution, a New Wave of Spatial Computing (NWOSC), born from the ashes of early, flawed attempts. We’ve passed through an era of wild ambition tempered by hard lessons, culminating in the recent exit of some of the biggest players. We’re stepping into a phase where innovation is informed, infrastructure is stronger, and purpose is clear.

The initial wave of AR and spatial computing companies—the pioneers, the dreamers, and the risk-takers—chased a vision of new realities, virtual worlds, and seamless integration with our physical spaces. Billions were invested, startups bloomed, and hardware proliferated. And then, the reality check: technical challenges, sky-high costs, and tepid consumer adoption. The dream of a flawless, immersive digital experience met its limits. Projects folded, headsets were shelved, and companies pivoted or vanished altogether. Yet, like those raw and experimental riffs that would eventually crystallize into the NWOBHM, these “failures” laid the groundwork for something stronger, and something that would change the game.

Lessons from the Frontlines

First-wave companies didn’t just try—they bled, bent, and broke in the name of building something new. I was lucky to see it first hand, and be at one of the few First Wave AR software companies to survive after shedding much of our own sweat and tears for the art form.

Now, the companies leading NWOSC are armed with insights only hard experience can bring. They’ve seen where hype collapses under the weight of real-world needs and where consumers crave something both familiar and transformative. This wave of spatial computing players are creating products grounded in real utility, integrating digital layers in ways that feel natural rather than novel. The ones that miss this will see a similar fate as thousands of bands that came in NWOBHM but couldn't hit that critical mass (remember Raven? Tokyo Blade? Sadly, most don't).

The shift isn’t just in what we create but in how we create it. Like NWOBHM musicians who stripped rock back to its raw core, NWOSC companies will need to focus on foundational technology, taking away unnecessary complexity, and making spatial experiences accessible and meaningful. While the first wave may have been about crafting immersive experiences, the second wave is about creating a digital infrastructure that can actually support these experiences—on a massive, scalable level.

Building the Backbone

In music, infrastructure is invisible but essential—every stage, every amplifier, every studio. And as spatial computing moves into this next chapter, we will see infrastructure-focused companies emerging as the unsung heroes of the movement. These are companies building the backbones, the pipelines, the tooling, and the systems that make it possible for spatial computing to reach its full potential. Their focus isn’t on the eye-catching applications or the flashy user experiences; they’re laying the groundwork that will support, amplify, and secure these experiences. Without a first-rate roadie crew, you'll never have a mind-blowing show.

It’s easy to get swept up in the use cases—the apps that promise to transform how we shop, learn, or interact with the world around us. But without robust infrastructure, those promises remain just that: promises. NWOSC’s real power comes from a deeper commitment—just like in music, where true greatness only comes from those who care about the craft. In spatial computing, the companies that stand out aren’t just chasing the latest trends or rushing to market with surface-level flash. They’re driven by a real dedication to building fundamental technology: SDKs, tools, pipelines and APIs. They know that lasting impact doesn’t come from hype; it comes from a focus on quality, user experience, and innovation that genuinely enhances everyday life. And that passion is what will make this wave truly resonate.

Scaling Security and Reach

Security was a blind spot in the First Wave, and the consequences were swift. Companies realized too late that spatial computing, by its very nature, demands a level of trust and data privacy that goes far beyond other forms of tech and in many cases walked back adoption. The NWOSC is different because these new companies won’t seeing security as an afterthought—they’ll bake it in. They know that for spatial computing to thrive, it has to be trusted, not just thrilling. They’re thinking about scaling from the ground up, making sure their systems can not only handle more users but do so with integrity, security, and stability. These companies will not be one-hit wonders.

A Cultural Movement, Not Just a Tech Shift

The New Wave of Spatial Computing is more than a resurgence of interest; it’s a cultural pivot. Just like NWOBHM was fueled by authenticity and a connection with its audience, NWOSC is driven by a deep respect for users’ experiences. Early adopters, developers, enterprises—they all want tech that goes beyond novelty.

The best rock shows bring the audience into the music, not just letting them observe from afar. NWOSC will bring more developers, more users and even more hardware into the capabilities of spatial computing by creating an ecosystem of tools, infrastructure, and applications that speak to users in ways that resonate.

We already see it happening, with those early leaders paving a gritty path to success that will redefine spatial computing. In five years, we’ll look back on this wave as more than just a second attempt. The companies rising now are laying the foundation for a new way of interacting with our world— blending digital and physical, powered by resilience and fortified by the lessons of those who went before. And much like the NWOBHM didn’t just leave an impression but forged an entire era, NWOSC is doing more than reshaping technology. It’s inspiring a movement, bridging worlds, and, ultimately, reimagining what’s possible.