These are the most important mixed reality companies
Mixed reality, also known as extended reality or MR is a technology that allows users to interact with a virtual environment while being aware of the physical world around them. With the increasing demand for this technology, companies in the mixed reality space are at the forefront of innovation. Here are some of the most important mixed reality companies that are driving the industry forward.
MR company 1: Apple
Apple is reportedly set to unveil its mixed-reality headset. According to Bloomberg, the headset will feature dedicated sports, wellness and gaming apps and include other iPad apps for the new headset so that users can access the existing apps in a 3D interface.
As per Mark Gurman’s newsletter, Apple has been showcasing its MR headset to key decision makers at the organization and will include some of the nascent technologies such as pass-through cameras, in-air typing, hand and eye control and ultra-high-resolution displays. It will also have an external battery and main uses that may not immediately appeal to mass consumers.
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MR Company 2: Magic Leap
Magic Leap started as a company focused on developing mixed-reality headsets for consumers. Although the Magic Leap headset was a sleek, lightweight and impressive MR device, it failed to make its mark in the consumer arena due to high cost and limited field of view.
Following the appointment of a new CEO, Peggy Johnson, there has been a strategic shift in focus for Magic Leap. The company has now redirected its efforts towards catering to businesses. The introduction of the AR headset Magic Leap 2, aims to provide various mixed reality use cases for enterprises such as training, remote assistance, and visualization.
Moreover, Magic Leap is working towards bidding for a contract with the US Army. With Magic Leap 2 army officers will be able to detect and engage before the enemy.
MR Company 3: Microsoft
When it comes to mixed reality, Microsoft is definitely one of the most influential MR companies in the world. It has partnered with a number of businesses including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Volkswagen to develop MR applications for the headset.
For example, HoloLens 2 can be used to help engineers and technicians visualize and interact with 3D models of products. This can help to improve the design and manufacturing process. Additionally, it can be used to provide surgeons with real-time information and assistance during surgery. This can help to improve patient outcomes.
HoloLens 2 is being used by organizations around the world to improve their operations. For example, Mercedes-Benz is using it to provide remote assistance to its technicians, which has improved technical efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and saved the company 40% in travel costs.
MR company 4: Varjo
The Finnish company, Varjo is one of the MR companies that specializes in mixed reality solutions. Currently, it is providing high-end hardware and software for professional use cases such as industrial training and VR simulation, design and engineering and academic research.
For example, Flight Safety International is using Varjo XR-3 focal to effectively train pilots for demanding operations such as taxi, takeoff, landing, and formation flights.
Additionally, Red Bull allowed visitors to experience first-hand what the extreme watersports of Red Bull athletes feel like, which teleported visitors to the 27-meter-high cliff in Sisikon using the state-of-the-art mixed reality technology from Varjo.
As per XR today, Varjo has partnered with Twinmotion to allow architectural designers to view projects at scale in high fidelity. Last year, the company raised $40 million to expand its cloud-based XR Platform.
MR company 5: Meta
Meta has been experimenting with mixed reality through its presence platform which includes features like passthrough, spatial anchors and scene understanding. Although these features are available in Meta Quest 2, Meta’s latest device, Quest Pro takes the virtual content creation to the next level.
For example, developers can take full advantage of its high-resolution sensors to create colour pass-through scenarios. Additionally, Meta is planning to integrate MR technology for its next-generation consumer headset, Meta Quest 3.
Mark Zuckerberg envisions a future where Meta’s mixed reality technology could potentially replace traditional desktop setups and instead create virtual workstations equipped with digital monitors and keyboards.
MR company 6: Niantic
Pokemon Go developer Niantic has been working on a number of MR projects including an outdoor MR headset based on the Snapdragon AR2 that will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Spaces platform. The headset is expected to be released in 2023.
Moreover, Niantic launched the Lightship developer platform, which allows developers to create AR experiences that are anchored to the real world. Lightship uses Niantic’s VPS technology to track the user’s location and orientation and to place virtual objects in the correct position in the real world.
Additionally, Niantic has partnered with other companies to develop AR content from Microsoft and Disney to Warners Bros and Google. For example, Niantic partnered with Warner Bros to create Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.
MR company 7: Unity Technologies
Unity provides a variety of toolkits and features that makes it easy for developers to create MR experiences. Additionally, it supports a variety of MR headsets including Hololens, Magic Leap and Vive.
With Unity, developers can create a variety of MR Games including first-person shooter and puzzle games. In addition, Unity’s capabilities extend beyond entertainment. For example, developers can create industrial VR training simulations or web-based AR applications.
Recently, Unity announced some new features including that make it easier to create and debug mixed reality experiences.
MR company 8: Google
Google is working on a number of mixed-reality projects. One of the biggest initiatives is that it is coming up with a new mixed-reality platform in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm. Although no details on its technical features have been provided yet, each company will bring its own expertise on creating the platform.
Apart from that Google launched a new cloud tool, Immersive Stream to help make mixed-reality experiences. The tool allows users to access mixed reality experiences by scanning a QR code or clicking a link.
Immersive Stream for XR was first announced at Google I/O in 2022, but alongside its wide availability on Thursday, Google also revealed that it now supports content made in Unreal Engine 5.
Mixed reality is rapidly developing, with the potential to change how we interact with the world. The mixed reality companies listed above are at the forefront of mixed reality development and are working to make it more accessible and affordable. As mixed reality matures, it is likely that these companies will play an even more important role in shaping its future.
