Taking Spatial Computing from Innovation to Everyday Reality

Spatial Computing is poised for a grand entrance into our daily lives. As hardware becomes more affordable, compact, and user-friendly, coupled with the emergence of development tools that simplify and expedite the creative process, its integration into mainstream society is inevitable.

However, at the moment, we find ourselves in a bit of a holding pattern. Businesses and, to a lesser extent, consumers are thrilled about the potential of Spatial Computing to revolutionize their operations, but they face hurdles in scaling their projects beyond initial experimentation.

So, what's hindering us from stepping into the awe-inspiring Ready Player One future? I see it as a negative flywheel effect.? While there's some truly magical hardware out there (I mean this literally - seriously, try on a HoloLens if you haven't), it tends to be pricey, bulky, and not something you'd willingly wear in public or for long periods. Moreover, developing 3D content is expensive and time-consuming, with most tools primarily designed for 2D use. Lastly, there's a shortage of developers focusing on crafting compelling 3D experiences, whether for consumers or enterprises.

This cycle leaves us with limited applications for these groundbreaking devices, reducing demand, which, in turn, decreases the number of talented developers creating experiences, further diminishing demand and so on. How do we break free from this flywheel or, better yet, reverse it? I believe the solution lies in offering superior development tools for those interested in crafting immersive Spatial Computing experiences.

Why? First, it's easier to enhance development tools than make massive leaps in hardware (though I want to acknowledge the commendable efforts in hardware innovation by folks like my former colleagues on the HoloLens team). Second, democratizing software development is simpler than hardware development. This is why major corporations typically dominate AR and VR device manufacturing, while app development can occur in a garage with the right tools.

I acknowledge this perspective oversimplifies the complex landscape (e.g., challenges in integrating new devices into large enterprises' existing IT systems). Nevertheless, I firmly believe that providing robust development tools is the key to reversing the negative flywheel. More developers and improved experiences will stimulate hardware investment, fostering broader technology adoption.

This is precisely why I'm thrilled to have recently joined IQXR. Our mission, aligned with other visionaries, is to empower developers worldwide to craft captivating and valuable Spatial Computing experiences. If you're interested in learning more, please don't hesitate to reach out!