The Mixed Reality Industry

Mixed reality (MR) merges the physical and digital worlds for a spatial computing experience that overlays your physical environment with digital information. As you can imagine, this opens the door to applications that are much more useful and powerful for businesses and consumers.

Today’s mixed reality hardware targets businesses primarily for manufacturing, warehousing, training & education, and construction applications. As hardware slims down and becomes more financially accessible to consumers, applications that target consumers will flourish.

This is the next generation of computing that has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the digital world in every industry and everyday life.

There are a number of companies driving innovation in mixed reality hardware and software that we will explore in this article.

Mixed Reality Hardware Companies

Some of the most notable mixed reality hardware companies in the industry include Microsoft, with their HoloLens 2 headset, Varjo, Magic Leap, and Meta with their Meta Quest Pro. These companies are focusing on creating high-quality and user-friendly MR devices that can be used for a wide range of applications. 

In order to experience mixed reality, users typically wear a head-mounted display (HMD) that covers their eyes and displays the virtual elements of the experience. Currently, the most popular mixed reality hardware is the HoloLens 2, which is a lightweight, self-contained HMD that uses advanced sensors and cameras to track the user's movements and map their surroundings. This allows the device to accurately overlay virtual objects onto the real world, creating a seamless blend of the two. The HoloLens 2 also features built-in spatial audio, which enhances the immersive experience by providing realistic sound that changes as the user moves through the virtual environment.

The Magic Leap 2 launched in September of 2022. Compared to its predecessor, the Magic Leap 2 boasts greatly improved capabilities and offers an unprecedented AR field of view that is both larger and taller. A unique feature of the headset is its ability to dim the display, allowing for improved focus on virtual objects by blocking out external light. Additionally, developers will find the new Android-based operating system easier to work with.

Mixed Reality Software Companies

The development of mixed reality software platforms is possible because of companies like Unity, Unreal Engine, and Vuforia. In combination with MR hardware manufacturers, these AR/VR/MR companies are providing developers with the tools needed to create interactive and immersive extended reality experiences.

In the field of training and education, MR is being used to create immersive and interactive learning experiences. Mixed reality companies like goHere AR, HoloAnatomy, CAE, and Enklu are developing MR software that can be used in classrooms and work environments to enhance the learning experience for students and employees. These software platforms allow teachers and trainers to create interactive and engaging lessons that can help to improve student and employee engagement and retention. 

MR is also being used in the field of architecture and construction. Mixed reality companies like HoloBuilder, Mix Your Realty, and IrisVR are using MR to create virtual walkthroughs of buildings, allowing architects, builders, and clients to experience a building before it is even constructed. This technology can help to improve the design process, reduce errors, and save time and money. 

Many organizations are now investing in MR research and development, creating new hardware and software platforms that can be used for a wide range of applications. As MR technology continues to evolve, it is expected to become more accessible and user-friendly, making it possible for a wider range of users to experience its benefits.

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