A new landscape: Augmented Reality companies
Why are these new Augmented Reality companies emerging? With the incorporation of new technologies in society, changes are occurring that are also affecting businesses. The use of AR or VR is bringing new ways of working and relating with the consumer.
That is why companies specializing in this field have begun to emerge. Augmented Reality companies that aim to provide technological solutions that help this digital transformation.
Magic Leap, the "mysterious" Augmented Reality company
The famous company Magic Leap is getting closer and closer to unveiling many of the best-kept secrets to date. A silence that has provided, to this Augmented Reality company, an image of mystery and intrigue that has caused much curiosity and stir among those interested in AR technology.
Last March launched through its website its own software development kit (SDK) for making Augmented Reality content. An action that has broken some of the mystery, revealing its character as an Augmented Reality company, and that has allowed developers to start creating compatible content.
After this step, in an interview with the CEO of Magic Leap, new clues have been leaked about the expected launch of the AR Magic Leap One device.
How much will they cost?
Their price will be in line with that of a"premium device,"since according to Rony Abovitz:
"Magic Leap is like a cell phone or tablet of the highest end."
From these statements we can deduce that the base price of its launch will be around €1,500-2,000.
However, the purpose of Magic Leap is to extend its use and come to replace the supports and AR devices that we usually use. So it is likely that, over time, new versions will be developed aimed at market segments with lower purchasing power and more basic knowledge of technology.
When will I be able to buy a Magic Leap One?
While all reports point to its launch being announced during this spring, the companyhas begun shipping its device to a small group of lucky ones.
The startup continues its eagerness to maintain as much secrecy as possible. However, it has shipped a limited number of glasses to certain industry-savvy developers and some of its partners. Among them could be the NBA, with which they have already signed an agreement to collaborate in the future.
Only a privileged few have had access to this hardware. However, they have had to meet a series of conditions demanded by the company, which wants to avoid any leakage of information. They have been forced to sign a strict confidentiality agreement, to use the product in highly controlled environments and to keep it in a safe during the time they are not using it.
Leap Motion, in the "pole position" of Augmented Reality companies?
Magic Leap is not the only Augmented Reality company that has managed to develop new AR devices that seek to revolutionize the market.
The company Leap Motion presented "Project North Star", an AR platform based on a tracking system through the hand.
Company's goal
Although there are many similarities to the mount created by Magic Leap, the company's goal is not to commercialize this new hardware.
Leap Motion will share in the coming weeks the hardware and software specifications needed to develop this AR device through an open source license, which may put it at the forefront of Augmented Reality companies, taking the lead over Magic Leap.
Like Alice's App, Leap Motion aims to democratize Augmented Reality. To do so, it makes available to anyone the information needed to develop their own Augmented Reality solutions. In addition, it facilitates the implementation, without depending on a few manufacturers or having to pay a license.
What does this Augmented Reality device consist of?
The helmet is composed of two screens on which the images are reflected and cause the AR effect. In addition, it also has a scanner that detects a 180-degree field of view, capable of detecting hand movement. This is something that allows users to manipulate objects with great precision.
According to the creators themselves,a mass production of the device will allow it to be sold for less than $100. Something that makes Augmented Reality accessible to a hitherto neglected market segment.
It is clear that VR, AR and Mixed Reality represent an increasingly present future.
The advances, which several Augmented Reality companies have been publishing, make us think that we are living the beginning of a new era. An era in which the most advanced technology will be more accessible and necessary.
