XR-related efforts have begun around the world. What is accelerating this movement in particular is the group of American tech giants, the so-called "GAFAM" (Google, Amazon.com, Facebook (currently Meta), Apple, Microsoft).
GAFAM companies are using the latest technologies such as sensing, robotics, and analytics and huge capital strength to play a new battle for leadership.
Facebook, among others, changed its name to Meta. CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Mark Zuckerberg said the reason for this is "to focus on building the Metaverse." The company has positioned the Metaverse as "the next frontier for connecting people" and has declared that it will invest 1 trillion yen in the XR area in 2021 and will further accelerate it in the future.
In response to these movements, the size of the XR market continues to expand. For example, US IT research firm IDC predicts that the AR/VR market will grow at a CAGR of 54% from 2020 to 2024.
The factors driving the expansion of the market are the spread of 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), which realizes high speed, low latency, and multiple connections, and smart glasses such as "Google Glass" and "Microsoft HoloLens." It is consumerization by increasing functionality and lowering prices.
In addition, Apple is focusing on the development of goggle-type devices. Overseas media expect it to be released by 2023. To date, the company has implemented a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) function that enables 3D scanning of space with laser light on smartphones and tablets such as "iPhone" and "iPad", and utilizes it for content that combines AR technology. is starting.
Apple popularized wireless earphones with “AirPods” and “Apple Music” and brought music to life. If the goggle-type device developed by the company becomes popular, the market expects very high as it seems that the generalization of life in which the real space and the virtual space are fused will become a reality.