2024 has been a landmark year for immersive technology. From groundbreaking hardware to innovative platforms and expanded use cases, the tech landscape has transformed how we work, learn, and interact. This blog will highlight key advancements in immersive technology, including new hardware, platforms, and applications, and how these developments are revolutionising industries.
Apple Vision Pro: Pushing boundaries in spatial commuting
Apple’s Vision Pro made waves this year, setting new standards for augmented and virtual reality. With a focus on seamless integration between physical and digital worlds, it’s not just a device but a statement about the future of immersive experiences. The Vision Pro’s applications are not yet utilised much in gaming. Instead, it’s a device intended for enhancing productivity, education, and collaboration. Apple recently announced that they will halt production of the Vision Pro, a move some have labeled as a failure for the device. However, with its substantial price tag, it was likely never intended for mass-market appeal. Instead, Apple appeared to aim at showcasing a groundbreaking use of technology and putting the device into the hands of developers to explore its potential.
The Vision Pro’s impressive specifications captured widespread attention, and its future impact depends on how developers innovate with the platform. It’s also reasonable to anticipate that Apple is already working on the next iteration. This could be a more powerful version or perhaps a slightly more affordable model designed to reach a broader audience.
Meta’s New Hardware and Education Platform
Meta unveiled exciting new hardware this year, including advanced AR glasses and a more affordable VR headset. The AR glasses, named Orion, feature state-of-the-art displays and an innovative wristband equipped with electromyography (EMG) technology. Unlike traditional head-mounted devices, which rely on cameras to track hand gestures within their field of view, Orion’s wristband enables hand gesture recognition regardless of the hands’ location. This represents a significant leap forward in user interaction, removing the limitations imposed by camera-based systems. The consumer version of Orion is not yet available, but it was certainly interesting to see the progress that wearable tech is making.
Meta also launched the Quest 3S, a refined version of the Quest 3 VR headset. While maintaining similar core specifications, the Quest 3S delivers enhanced visuals, faster load times, and smoother performance. Despite these improvements, the headset remains budget-friendly, underlining Meta’s commitment to driving mass adoption of VR technology.
Of particular interest to Mersus, Meta has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing immersive technology in education. By partnering with universities, Meta is enabling students to access innovative apps and virtual workspaces designed to enhance learning experiences. These tools empower students to engage with content in dynamic, interactive ways, bridging the gap between traditional and digital education.
Additionally, the creation of digital “metaversities” represents a significant leap forward, extending the traditional campus environment into the digital realm. These virtual campuses provide students with immersive, interactive spaces for collaboration, exploration, and skill-building, redefining what it means to learn in a connected world. There will definitely be advances made here that will be relevant to Avatar Academy, and immersive training and education in general.
Unity 6
Another significant development for immersive technology in 2024 was the launch of Unity 6. This latest iteration of the Unity engine marks a significant milestone for immersive technology development. With its powerful new features, enhanced performance, and improved workflow, Unity 6 provides creators with unprecedented tools to push the boundaries of augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality experiences.
- Enhanced Graphics and Realism
Unity 6 introduces advanced rendering capabilities, including improved ray tracing and real-time global illumination. These updates enable developers to create more visually stunning environments, enhancing the realism of immersive applications across industries such as gaming, training, and healthcare. - Seamless Multiuser Experiences
The new networking tools in Unity 6 make it easier for developers to build collaborative, multiuser experiences. This is especially valuable for applications like virtual meetings, group training sessions, and online events, where real-time interaction and synchronisation are critical. - Optimised Performance for AR/VR Devices
Unity 6 focuses on optimising performance for next-generation AR and VR headsets, reducing latency and improving frame rates. These improvements enhance the user experience, making it smoother and more immersive, even on portable devices. - AI-Powered Tools
Unity 6 integrates AI-driven features, such as automated environment generation and intelligent behaviour modelling for virtual characters. These tools simplify development processes and open new possibilities for adaptive, dynamic experiences in immersive tech. - Sustainability Features
Recognising the importance of sustainable development, Unity 6 includes tools for creating efficient applications that consume fewer resources. This is particularly important for VR and AR applications running on battery-powered devices.
With its launch, Unity 6 is set to empower developers to create more sophisticated, engaging, and impactful immersive experiences. Whether it’s revolutionising training programs, elevating entertainment, or advancing industrial simulations, Unity 6 will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of immersive technology.
Impact of 5G
The widespread rollout of 5G has revolutionised immersive technology by enabling low-latency, high-bandwidth experiences. This advancement has been particularly transformative for multiuser VR applications, facilitating smoother real-time collaboration and supporting larger, more dynamic virtual events.
One of the common criticisms of VR is its potential to feel isolating. However, with 5G making the creation of seamless multiuser experiences more accessible, this issue is being addressed. Multiuser VR allows people to connect with friends and colleagues in shared virtual spaces, fostering social interaction and collaboration.
Immersive experiences must be seen to be truly understood, as their impact is difficult to convey through words, 2D videos, or still images. The increasing ability for users to share these experiences with others will only accelerate the development of more innovative, engaging, and groundbreaking applications. 5G is not just enhancing the technical capabilities of immersive tech—it’s also reshaping how people interact and connect within these environments
Expanded Adoption of VR in Training and Education
2024 marked a significant surge in VR adoption for workforce training across various industries. Organisations leveraged VR to reduce training times, improve safety, and enhance knowledge retention. Among the many challenges businesses face, skills gaps and employee retention are often highlighted as critical concerns. For years, we have emphasised that immersive technology is a powerful tool to address these issues, and this year demonstrated its growing acceptance.
Our experience in the VR training industry has shown that while organisations recognise the value of VR and other immersive technologies, many were previously hesitant to embrace the leap into new technology. However, hardware manufacturers have worked diligently to bridge this gap, offering more affordable and powerful headsets to ease the transition.
In 2024, we observed a noticeable increase in industries integrating immersive technology into their education and training systems. Of particular note to Mersus Technologies, companies in the life sciences and biopharma sectors have increasingly adopted VR for training purposes. Beyond these industries, VR has demonstrated its versatility in areas like superconductors, energy production, and advanced manufacturing.
This momentum underscores VR’s pivotal role in shaping the future of workforce training, making it an indispensable tool for addressing modern business challenges. Looking ahead, the trend toward immersive technology adoption is set to grow even stronger, unlocking new possibilities for learning and productivity.
Google’s XR Push: Android XR
2024 marked Google’s renewed commitment to immersive technology with the announcement of Android XR, a cutting-edge operating system designed for extended reality) devices like headsets and glasses. This OS represents Google’s effort to unify virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality under one ecosystem, supporting a wide spectrum of hardware in collaboration with manufacturers such as Samsung.
A standout feature of Android XR is its integration with Google’s Gemini AI, poised to revolutionise the immersive experience. Acting as a personal digital assistant, Gemini enables multimodal interactions, including the creation and analysis of audio and video content, making headsets and glasses more intuitive and versatile than ever before. With immersive versions of popular apps like Maps, YouTube, and Photos, and support for multitasking in Chrome, Android XR is designed to blend virtual and real-world functionality seamlessly.
While Google’s earlier ventures into headsets didn’t gain widespread traction, the combination of AI innovation, advanced XR software, and partnerships with key players signals a bold new chapter. As developers begin crafting applications for Android XR, the stage is set for a transformative impact on the wearable tech landscape in 2025 and beyond.
AI Integration in Immersive Experiences
Artificial Intelligence has profoundly enhanced immersive technologies, creating smarter, more personalised, and efficient experiences. From generating adaptive training scenarios to empowering virtual assistants, the fusion of AI and Virtual Reality is unlocking transformative opportunities for learning and productivity.
One of AI’s primary applications in immersive technology is procedural generation, a technique that accelerates the creation of detailed and complex environments. This method not only saves time but also allows for the generation of unique levels and layouts in gaming, though it remains in its early stages of development.
Another significant advancement is the integration of large language models with voice recognition systems. These models enable users to interact seamlessly with AI-powered avatars capable of providing realistic and context-aware responses. Such systems are already being utilised in education and training, offering personalised feedback and guidance. They hold immense potential for broader applications, such as customer service, where they could revolutionise how businesses interact with their clients.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in immersive technology will expand, driving innovation across industries and reshaping how we learn, work, and connect.
Augmented Reality in Everyday Life
Augmented Reality (AR) is transforming industries such as retail, real estate, and healthcare by enhancing consumer experiences and enabling more informed decision-making.
In retail and fashion, AR is becoming a game-changer. AR mirrors, for example, allow customers to visualise how they would look in specific outfits or with different hairstyles and hair colours—all without taking any risks. As someone who would have loved this technology in my teens and 20s, it’s incredible to see how AR removes uncertainty in personal style choices. Similarly, AR is making waves in the jewellery market, where virtual try-ons for rings and other accessories offer customers access to a wider selection—especially important for significant, once-in-a-lifetime purchases like engagement rings.
Beyond retail, AR is playing a crucial role in improving device setup and troubleshooting, offering step-by-step guides through augmented overlays. This hands-free, intuitive approach simplifies processes for users and reduces the need for extensive manuals or professional assistance.
While we’ve yet to see a comfortable, affordable AR wearable paired with a “must-have” app that drives mass adoption, the advances in AR software and hardware over the past year bring us closer to that tipping point. In any case, many of the examples of AR in this blog work on a mobile phone. The potential for AR to seamlessly blend the digital and physical worlds is more promising than ever.
Environmental Sustainability in VR
Immersive technology is proving to be a powerful tool for promoting environmental sustainability. Companies across various industries are leveraging virtual reality (VR) to create virtual prototypes, eliminating the need for physical materials in the design and testing phases. This approach significantly reduces waste, energy use, and the carbon footprint associated with traditional prototyping.
For example, manufacturers can simulate and refine product designs in a virtual environment, avoiding the need to produce multiple physical models. This not only cuts down on material usage but also speeds up the design process, reducing the overall environmental impact. Similarly, in architecture and construction, VR enables teams to visualise and test building designs virtually, leading to fewer on-site changes and waste.
Additionally, VR facilitates remote collaboration, eliminating the need for travel and further reducing carbon emissions. By conducting virtual site visits, training, and meetings, businesses can minimise their environmental impact while maintaining productivity.
As the technology continues to evolve, VR’s potential to support green initiatives will only grow. By embracing immersive solutions, companies can contribute to sustainability goals while enhancing efficiency and innovation.
2024 has been a pivotal year for immersive technologies, showcasing their growing influence across industries. From the groundbreaking advances in AI-enhanced VR to the transformative impact of 5G and the increasing adoption of AR in sectors like retail, healthcare, and real estate, it’s clear that immersive tech is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a present-day reality reshaping how we work, learn, and connect.
Companies have embraced virtual reality for training, education, and even environmental sustainability, leveraging its potential to reduce costs, improve safety, and minimise carbon footprints. The strides in hardware, affordability, and user experience have addressed many barriers to adoption, enabling businesses to explore the immense possibilities of this technology.
As we look to the future, the growing synergy between AI, VR, and AR promises even greater breakthroughs. With immersive experiences becoming more accessible and impactful, industries are only beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible. Whether it’s designing virtual prototypes, creating multiuser VR applications, or enhancing consumer experiences with AR, immersive technologies are set to redefine innovation.
The horizon is bright, and the advancements made this year lay a solid foundation for an even more transformative future. Immersive tech isn’t just changing industries—it’s shaping a more connected, creative, and sustainable world.