XR: Expectations for 2025
Extended Reality (XR) will reach a turning point in 2025, driven by:
- Advances in hardware
- Integration of AI
- Competition between ecosystems
Following Android XR's announcement in late 2024 and trends from CES, MWC 2025 will be a key stage for innovation.
Mixed Reality: The Ultimate Goal
Mixed Reality (MR) headsets, such as Quest 3 and Quest 3S, are gaining popularity due to:
- Hybrid capabilities (AR and VR)
- Productivity, content viewing, and social experiences
- Less isolating, more human-centric approach
Major players like Apple and Google are adopting MR, intensifying ecosystem competition.
Battle of Ecosystems
Three major ecosystems will compete:
- Meta Horizon OS: Dominant in hardware and gaming, open to external manufacturers.
- Android XR: Google's open, multimodal ecosystem with Qualcomm partnership, integrating Gemini AI.
- Apple visionOS: Premium, disruptive product focused on unique user experiences.
AI as a Central Pillar
AI integration in XR glasses will enhance everyday use cases:
- Multimodal assistants translating languages, generating reminders, and interacting with surroundings.
- Success of smart glasses like Meta RayBan (2 million units sold) demonstrates consumer interest.
Smart Glasses with HUDs
Next step for smart glasses includes visual elements (HUDs):
- Teleprompting, instant translation, notifications, navigation.
- Ideal for sports and daily use.
- Companies like Even Realities and Brilliant Labs leading innovation.
Spatial AR: The New Frontier
Spatial AR prototypes (Meta Orion, Snap Spectacles 5) showcase future possibilities:
- Holographic waveguide technology for ultra-thin AR screens.
- Accessories like Meta’s Neural Wristband enabling microgesture interactions.
Services and Content: Finding Use Cases
XR content development focuses on three main categories:
- Entertainment: AR gaming, immersive live events.
- Education and Culture: Interactive training, virtual tours.
- Retail: Virtual product trials, enhanced shopping experiences.
Other sectors exploring XR include healthcare, industry, design, and marketing.
MWC 2025: High Expectations
MWC 2025 will highlight:
- Evolution of mixed reality.
- Popularization of smart glasses with HUDs.
- Ecosystem competition shaping XR's future.
With ergonomic, efficient, accessible, and intelligent devices, XR will progressively integrate into daily life.