As we saw with this month’s launch of Apple Vision Pro, lots of new ideas are flowing about the future of spatial computing and VR. As we peer into this glorious future, it’s clear that virtual reality and spatial computing are poised to revolutionize the way we interact with our environments. Fast forward 10 years, and we can easily envision a world where these immersive technologies seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, particularly within our smart homes and home health applications.
In the smart home of the future, virtual reality and spatial computing will elevate the concept of home automation to a whole new level. Picture walking into your living room and, with a simple gesture (or your frequent preferences), transforming it into a majestic forest, or a bustling cityscape. The boundaries between physical and digital spaces will blur as the environment adapts to our desires and needs, creating a truly personalized and enchanting living space.
Light switches, thermostats, smart locks and motion sensors will disappear as our needs will be anticipated and met based on the context of our wishes or the task at hand. Sensors near our bodies will detect our needs and adjust our environments accordingly.
Moreover, these technologies will play a pivotal role in enhancing home health applications. Imagine a virtual reality system that not only monitors your vital signs but also immerses you in soothing, nature-inspired environments to aid in healing and relaxation. Whether it’s physical therapy, mental wellness, or simply unwinding after a long day, the potential for virtual reality and spatial computing to positively impact home health is boundless. Future wearables will monitor your body signals – and perhaps those of your nearby (or far-flung) loved ones simultaneously – producing a constant feedback loop to improve our collective wellbeing, performance and recovery. Imaging how the “Focus” modes we set on our smartphones today will transform automatically based on what you are doing – or what your body needs.
As we anticipate the future, it’s crucial to be cognizant of the potential challenges and ethical considerations that come with widespread adoption of these technologies. Ensuring user privacy, creating inclusive experiences, and optimizing the accessibility of virtual reality and spatial computing devices will be paramount in harnessing their full potential. Eventually all this data must reside within the home or with the person, not mined for data from the cloud.
While some people (guilty) made news when they returned their Apple Vision Pro headsets because of discomfort felt by their eyes, face or wallet, it’s clear that the next decade holds immense promise for virtual reality and spatial computing in the smart home and home health sectors. With continued innovation, lower costs, and the steady march of Moore’s Law, these technologies have the power to enrich our lives in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.