Top Trends in Immersive Collaboration
Immersive collaboration trends are evolving as businesses worldwide embrace extended reality solutions to unify and empower their teams. Increasingly, software creators and device manufacturers like Apple, Meta, and Varjo are focusing their attention on the enterprise.
Innovators are recognizing the potential extended reality solutions have to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and improve experiences. Moreover, they’re discovering that immersive technologies are incredible at bridging the gaps between distributed workers.
As we move into a new era of XR adoption, here are some of the key trends in immersive collaboration to watch.
1. Enterprise XR Devices Continue to Evolve
The rising opportunity for vendors in the XR landscape to support enterprises has led to an influx of new devices and solutions. Today, alongside intuitive VR headsets, custom made for business users, we’re also seeing an increase in mixed reality systems, like the Apple Vision Pro, and smart glasses.
In the past year, companies have even begun experimenting with replacements for the traditional desktop or laptop, like the Sightful Spacetop G1. On a broad scale, headsets and wearables are becoming more robust, lightweight, and convenient for business users.
It’s not just evolving headsets that companies can consider, either. New accessories are emerging throughout the XR space, from VR shoes and treadmills to specialist devices designed for AR glasses, like the XReal Beam Pro. Going forward, we can expect to see plenty of new innovations in the enterprise space for every type of extended reality.
2. App Developers Enhance Immersive Collaboration Trends
Investing in the right hardware is just the first step in developing an immersive collaboration experience. Businesses need the right software too. Fortunately, many companies already responsible for innovative collaboration tools are taking note. Microsoft introduced Immersive Spaces for Teams, as well as the Mesh ecosystem. Cisco also offers “Webex Hologram”.
Alongside dedicated apps for immersive collaboration, software innovators also offer companies more effective ways to create immersive experiences. Metaverse as a service solutions give businesses an easy way to design dedicated virtual environments. There are even new apps and tools that simplify the creation of digital twins.
Plus, some companies, like Meta and Apple, are actively encouraging developers to submit new solutions for different use cases to their app marketplaces. This should lead to an increased adoption of XR collaboration systems in the years ahead.
3. GenAI Shapes Immersive Collaboration Trends
AI and XR technology have been closely connected for some time now. However, the rise of generative AI solutions is leading to a new influx of opportunities for businesses.
Generative AI is transforming device development by helping innovators experiment with new designs. It’s introducing effective ways to create XR content for collaboration, accelerating the app development process on a massive scale.
Generative AI is even leading to creating more powerful applications and tools for collaboration. For instance, Copilot in Microsoft Teams with Mesh can work alongside teams, transcribing and translating content and personalizing experiences for each team member.
As generative and conversational AI solutions become more advanced, companies will have various ways to enhance teamwork. In the years ahead, employees will work alongside both human employees and AI-powered avatars in virtual spaces and the metaverse.
4. Innovations in Multi-Sensory Experiences
We’ve already mentioned some of the XR accessories that can contribute to multi-sensory experiences for teams collaborating in the metaverse. Haptic gloves and body suits might not be commonplace accessories today, but demand for these solutions is growing. In the training landscape, in particular, these add-ons can lead to fantastic educational experiences.
Beyond haptic feedback, however, many XR innovators are beginning to look for new ways to bring different senses into the immersive experience. We already have spatial audio solutions, which lead to improved collaboration and customer experiences.
Some vendors are also working on devices that fill in for other missing senses. For instance, masks that distribute vapors and scents during a collaborative experience such as a “fire side chat” can increase feelings of immersion.
5. Demand for Spatial Computing Increases
Spatial computing has become a fundamental part of the enterprise XR experience. It’s not just innovators like Apple and XReal who are embedding spatial capabilities into their devices. Countless innovators are exploring spatial solutions as a way to improve user experiences and productivity.
Spatial mapping solutions, for instance, can help developers create applications that allow for a more immersive mixed-reality experience. Object recognition technologies blend digital and physical realms on a more realistic level. Even hand and gesture tracking solutions make it easier for users to interact with objects without the need for controllers.
Spatial computing capabilities will continue to distinguish high-end XR solutions from the competition in the months ahead. Plus, they’ll pave the way for more intuitive collaborative sessions and training experiences on a significant scale.
6. Digital Twins Become More Intuitive
Digital twins are a valuable resource for collaborating teams. They offer companies an incredible opportunity to replicate machines, offices, and objects in the virtual world. It’s little wonder that increasing demand for digital twins is shaping current immersive collaboration trends.
By 2023, 75% of enterprises had already implemented digital twins into their processes, and innovations in IoT, 5G, and digital twin development tools will continue to accelerate adoption. We’re even seeing the rise of applications that allow users to scan their surroundings with a smartphone and start creating digital twins without coding or programming knowledge, such as Varjo Teleport.
Access to intuitive solutions for building and experimenting with digital twins will drive more enterprise adopters into the metaverse environment, shaping the future of virtual work.
7. Mixed Reality Continues to Grow
In the past, virtual reality and augmented reality apps were more common than mixed reality headsets. Now, however, we’re seeing a significant increase in the number of companies investing in flexible AR/VR solutions. Analysts predict by 2032, the mixed reality market will be worth over $24.6 billion.
Mixed reality technologies offer a unique way for businesses to leverage the benefits of augmented reality and virtual reality in a single device. Already we’ve seen the impact that these devices can have on team collaboration and productivity. For instance, companies like Volkswagen have reduced their production times by 10% with mixed reality tech.
Though mixed reality headsets and applications might be initially more expensive than their AR and VR counterparts, they will continue to drive immersive collaboration trends in the years ahead. Companies will now have more opportunities than ever before to experiment with various flavors of extended reality, based on their specific use cases.
The Future of Immersive Collaboration Trends
In all industries, companies are discovering the power of immersive technology and its ability to improve collaboration and creativity. As enterprises look for new ways to empower and connect their teams, demand for immersive collaboration solutions will only continue to grow.
If you’re looking for a way to align your workforce, streamline production processes, and enhance employee engagement, now is the time to start exploring immersive collaboration trends.
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