The Top Trends in Augmented Reality Display Technology
Not so long ago, the only type of “augmented reality display” most users had access to was a smartphone. Demand for this type of AR screen continues to accelerate, with experts predicting there will be more than 1.19 billion mobile AR users worldwide by 2028.
However, new types of display technology are emerging too. AV vendors are experimenting with new forms of immersive displays that combine AR technology with projectors, cameras, and sensors. Retailers are investing in AR-powered mirrors that transform the shopping experience.
Plus, we’re seeing an increasing number of extended reality vendors producing cutting-edge augmented reality glasses – such as Meta, with its Orion prototype. Innovators even embed AR into existing headsets, combining virtual and augmented experiences.
If you want to stay one step ahead in this evolving market, here are the top augmented reality display trends for this year.
1. Innovations in Large Scale AR Displays
First, augmented reality display solutions outside the wearable market are getting bigger. Innovators are beginning to experiment with augmented reality laptops that replace computer screens with flexible, virtual screens powered by AR specs.
Meeting room and AV vendors are looking for ways to bring augmented reality into collaborative settings, with screens that feature connected projectors for 3D content and cameras that can “embed” attendees into virtual settings. Perhaps the most significant arena for large-scale augmented reality display technology, however, is in the retail sector.
With 84% of consumers now saying they want to be able to try products out in augmented reality before purchasing them, retailers have begun to upgrade in-store experiences. Some fashion companies and cosmetics brands have even begun experimenting with “AR” mirrors that give shoppers a large-scale way to try on products.
2. The Rise of Augmented Reality Display Wearables
Augmented reality glasses and wearables are becoming some of the hottest devices in the extended reality world. Many of the top XR vendors have already created headsets that combine virtual and augmented reality experiences. For instance, the Apple Vision Pro, and the Meta Quest 3, both offer elements of “mixed reality” – uniting AR and VR.
Plus, many vendors are creating lightweight, flexible, and convenient AR smart glasses, designed for both consumers and enterprise employees. The most advanced solutions combine augmented reality displays with spatial tracking solutions, AI and haptic feedback, like Meta’s Orion glasses.
Other solutions give users an easy way to experiment with all kinds of virtual content by connecting directly to smartphones and laptops. There are even AR glasses specifically designed for certain industries – like manufacturing – with ruggedized designs. Beyond headsets and glasses, some cutting edge developers are even beginning to explore the potential of AR contact lenses. For instance, XPANCEO displayed a range of lens prototypes at AWE Asia 2024.
3. Combining AI with Augmented Reality Displays
Artificial intelligence and extended reality have long been closely connected. In the world of augmented reality displays, artificial intelligence plays a significant role. It powers the spatial computing and mapping capabilities of AR tools, ensuring apps can recognize objects in the real world and blend 3D assets naturally into an environment.
AI and AR are even being used to help create more realistic “avatars” for extended reality. For instance, the Apple Vision Pro’s digital persona feature scans a user’s face and uses AI to recreate an avatar they can use in immersive meetings and FaceTime calls.
On a broad scale, vendors like Meta are embedding AI into their smart glasses to enhance their functionality and performance. The Orion glasses, for instance, use AI to deliver a multimodal experience to users. The AI system can understand what people are looking at in the real world and share information based on their instructions. For instance, you could wear a pair of these specs, look at your fridge, and ask the system to point out the ingredients you need for a recipe.
4. Enhanced Interactivity in Augmented Reality Displays
Innovations in spatial computing, combined with more advanced camera systems, tracking technologies, and sensors, are transforming the way we interact with AR displays. Users don’t necessarily need to rely on accessing their smartphone or a connected device to interact with augmented reality content anymore.
Increasingly, companies are introducing new features that allow users to interact with virtual content through gestures and spoken commands. The Meta Orion glasses even come with a wristband that tracks tiny movements in a person’s hand. This band can tell when users are pinching their fingers, moving their fingers to swipe across screens and more.
Other vendors are even experimenting with things like rings that allow for quick and easy content control without relying on a connected smartphone.
5. Improved Connectivity and Wireless Solutions
In the world of wearable augmented reality displays (such as smart glasses), we’re also seeing an increasing focus on the development of truly wireless experiences. In the past, many AR specs needed to be connected to phones or laptops at all times. Now, however, vendors are beginning to build cutting-edge chips and computing systems into the glasses themselves.
This eliminates the need for users to have a wire linking a smartphone and a pair of specs on the move, improving comfort and user experience. As connectivity technologies evolve, thanks to the rise of 5G and edge computing capabilities, wireless glasses will become more reliable and advanced.
However, vendors will need to find ways to add computing systems and batteries to smart glasses without introducing too much weight or bulkiness to the frames themselves.
6. Evolving Use Cases for AR Displays
The days of augmented reality displays being seen as a “novelty” or a fun tech gadget for consumers aren’t entirely over. However, use cases, particularly in the enterprise landscape, are definitely evolving. Companies in various industries are relying on smart glasses connected to remote assistance tools to support engineers on the field.
Teams are using AR display technology to quickly design prototypes of new products, run performance simulations, and fine-tune new solutions. We’re also seeing a rise of augmented reality solutions in the educational space. AR glasses and displays promise an excellent way to improve immersion during all kinds of learning and training experiences.
Plus, AR displays are making their way into other industries too. They’re expanding into the healthcare system, where companies like AccuVein use AR to scan a patient’s body and show doctors the exact location of patient veins. As mentioned above, they’re also appearing in the retail sector, and they’re beginning to transform navigation and travel, too. For instance, in the automotive industry, countless companies are experimenting with augmented heads-up displays for cars.
7. Simpler AR Display App Creation
Finally, while augmented reality development kits are nothing new, they are becoming more advanced and accessible in the enterprise space. Beyond simple solutions that make it easy to design AR applications for smartphones and the web, we’re seeing an increase in advanced development tools that allow anyone to build highly immersive experiences.
Innovators like Varjo have even introduced intelligent solutions like “Teleport” which empower users to scan an environment and instantly create digital twins they can use for XR experiences.
The rise of new software development solutions, metaverse as a service systems, and platforms for content creation will further drive the adoption of augmented reality displays. It will give every company in any industry an easy way to design custom AR content.
The Future of Augmented Reality Displays
Augmented reality display technology has officially entered the mainstream. While we may have a while to go before everyone is wearing augmented reality specs, using AR projectors in their office, or even investing in AR contact lenses, the market is on the move.
Investing in the latest augmented reality trends could be the key to giving your business an edge, whether you’re looking for a boost in productivity, better training experiences, or you just want to transform your approach to customer service.
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