Spatial computing will revolutionize how we interact with the world and each other. Learn what it is, how it works, and why you need Kreitech, a Unity official vendor as part of the OINO group, to create amazing spatial computing products for entertainment and productivity.
What is Spatial Computing?
Spatial computing has redefined what we understand as XR. It is a reality pushed by the market that has set new standards and possibilities. It is already transforming the way we work around experiences, the world and will change how interact with each other and our manners.
Spatial computing is the technology that enables us to create, manipulate, and navigate digital content concerning the physical environment. It combines elements of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and artificial intelligence (AI) to create immersive and interactive experiences that blur the boundaries between the real and the virtual.
Spatial computing is not limited to gaming or entertainment. It has applications in various domains such as education, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, retail, and more. Spatial computing can enhance learning outcomes, improve patient care, enrich travel experiences, optimize industrial processes, increase sales, and more. It will revolutionize social connection, collaboration, and creativity across distances and cultures.
But how does spatial computing work? And what are the challenges and opportunities of this technology? To answer these questions, we need to understand the key components and concepts of spatial computing.
What are the key components of spatial computing?
Spatial computing relies on four main components: sensors, processors, displays, and software. Let’s take a look at each of them.
- Sensors are devices that capture data from the physical environment, such as cameras, microphones, GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc. Sensors enable spatial computing devices to perceive the world and track the user’s position, orientation, and movement.
- Processors are the hardware that processes the sensors' data and run the algorithms that enable spatial computing. Processors can be embedded in the devices themselves, and have evolved a lot in recent years, proof of this is the M2 and R1 chips included in Apple´s Vision Pro.
- Displays are the devices that present digital content to the user, such as screens, projectors, speakers, haptic feedback, etc. Displays can be integrated into the devices, such as head-mounted displays (HMDs) or smart glasses, or projected onto the environment, such as walls, tables, floors, etc. Displays can also vary in the degree of immersion and interaction they provide, from fully immersive VR to partially immersive AR to non-immersive MR.
- Software is the code that creates, manages, and delivers digital content to the user. The software can be divided into two main categories: applications and platforms. Applications are the specific programs that provide the functionality and content for the user, such as games, simulations, training, etc. Platforms are the frameworks that enable the development and deployment of applications, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, ARCore, ARKit, etc.
What are the key concepts of spatial computing?
Spatial computing is based on three main concepts: spatial mapping, spatial understanding, and spatial interaction. Let’s see what they mean.
- Spatial mapping is the process of creating a digital representation of the physical environment, such as a 3D model, a point cloud, a mesh, etc. Spatial mapping enables spatial computing devices to align the digital content with the real world and provide a consistent and realistic experience for the user.
- Spatial understanding is the process of interpreting and analyzing the data from the spatial mapping, such as identifying objects, surfaces, boundaries, landmarks, etc. Spatial understanding enables spatial computing devices to provide context-aware and adaptive content for the user, such as occlusion, collision, physics, lighting, etc.
- Spatial interaction is the process of enabling the user to manipulate and navigate the digital content in relation to the physical environment, such as gestures, voice, eye tracking, controllers, etc. Spatial interaction enables spatial computing devices to provide intuitive and natural interfaces for the user, such as menus, buttons, sliders, etc.
New players take part
Recently Apple has revolutionized the concept with its Apple VisionPro headset and its VisionOS which has some unique characteristics for Spatial Computing. Now developers can make windows, volumes, and spaces that can be either shared or private. This lets apps put virtual things in the real world or take users to completely digital places.
It also has it's unique perks and tools:
SwiftUI and RealityKit: The platform uses SwiftUI and RealityKit to make immersive experiences in windows, volumes, and spaces, with the ability to show 3D content.
ARKit Integration: VisionOS works with ARKit to do things like map the world, detect objects, and adjust to the light, making sure that apps use ARKit’s features.
Eye and Hand Gesture Tracking: VisionPro’s smart tracking systems let users interact with apps in easy and natural ways, from using SwiftUI elements to playing with 3D content.
Audio Design: VisionOS has a multi-channel audio system with different kinds of sounds, such as spatial, ambient, and channel sounds, that let developers make realistic and immersive audio experiences.
Unity Integration: Developers can also use Unity’s tools to make new apps and games for VisionOS, using both VisionOS and Unity’s features like AR Foundation.
Conclusion
Spatial computing is the next frontier of technology that will revolutionize how we interact with the world and each other. It enables developers to create, manipulate, and navigate digital content concerning the physical environment, combining elements of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) to create immersive and interactive experiences that blur the boundaries between the real and the virtual.
How can Kreitech help you to be part of the spatial computing era?
Spatial computing is here to stay and will create new opportunities and challenges for businesses and individuals whether it is for entertainment or productivity, so it's a great time to step into it.
As part of OINO group, Kreitech is an official Unity vendor, the technology that Apple's VisionOS relies on. With more than 10 years of experience in developing Custom Software for entrepreneurs and companies, we understand how important is to hit the market on time and with a good MVP.
Kreitech can help you with every aspect of your spatial computing project, from ideation and prototyping to development and deployment. Kreitech can create custom-made spatial computing applications that suit your needs and goals, whether you want to create a game, a simulation, a training, or anything else.
Or if you have already started a project we are also able to help you with the integration and optimization of your spatial computing application with other technologies and platforms or to provide staffing services for it.
Kreitech has a team of talented and passionate developers, designers, and artists who can bring your vision to life and deliver a high-quality and engaging spatial computing product as we have done before.
