Spatial computing will change many things. It’s a new human-machine experience, opening up new possibilities in the way we communicate, educate, interact…
Spatial experiences will completely change our relationship with our computers. Here’s my list of the top 5 things that will change with the rise of spatial computing:
1) Our way of interacting & communicating
Today, we interact and communicate online primarily through likes, comments, or private messaging. These interactions are not purely authentic and direct; there’s always a link between your real reaction and how you express it online. This often removes the authentic character of our interactions. For instance, we might come across a shared (supposedly) funny video that doesn’t make us laugh, yet we respond with a laughing emoji. All of this will likely disappear with spatial computing. I believe the next way of interacting will be directly tied to the transcription of our real emotions triggered by an action. For example, if someone sends you a message and the VR headset detects you smiling, you can share that reaction.
2) Our way of learning
Currently, learning online often happens in two steps: we learn and then we practice. This is due to a very simple reason: the limitations of our computers. It’s challenging to have a dynamic learning experience on a phone or computer. It’s tough to develop enterprise-scale solutions/applications, and even harder to create interactive educational content as individual creators. Now imagine being able to create content (like on YouTube) but as interactive as a mobile learning app (like Duolingo) in a very simple manner. This hybrid mode of education, which I believe will emerge with spatial computing, will mix lessons and exercises simultaneously in an ultra-immersive, personalized, and intelligent way. AI will significantly contribute to this paradigm shift.
3) How we navigate on the web
Currently, we navigate the web in augmented reality headsets like we do on our computers. However, the experience isn’t ideal. Since spatial computing is keyboard-less, searches via Google Search or other search engines become cumbersome. Regarding the results, the situation is the same. It’s very difficult to interact with Google search results on a VR headset. The list format is not at all suited to a spatial experience that allows interaction with the entire environment; rather, it’s limiting. Thus, the very experience of browsing the internet will change considerably with the advent of spatial computing. We will find a way to search for data efficiently and browse it intelligently leverage oyr space.
4) Our way of working
Since the announcement of Apple Vision Pro, we’ve seen a lot of use cases, but the most popular are those associated with professional use. The flagship functionality is literally being able to create and work in your dream office. No more limits on the number of desks (physical ones). No more limits on the work environment (satisfaction). Today, a large majority of workers have a specific place of work. Tomorrow, their workplace will most certainly be in an alternative reality by putting on a VR headset. What will likely develop are additional functionalities that allow people to work together, join another person’s configured office space, and so on.
5) Our way of sharing moments
Spatial computing will reinvent how people share moments online. Today, people are part of group chats where they engage together. They play together remotely. They call each other to share their lives. They follow and support each other on social networks. Very soon, spatial computing will offer numerous new experiences for sharing moments online. Artificial gatherings, virtual parties, Netflix & chill from different locations. In short, everything you know but much more immersive and real. This thesis might be the most contentious, but consider this: Imagine if 10 or 20 years ago someone told you that the new generation would spend 8–10 hours a day in front of an electronic box, watching videos and interacting far less in real life. It’s terrifying, sad for some, but it’s the trend we’re heading towards, not the opposite.