Contextual computing will help drive the adoption of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in the coming years, according to a new analysis by tech market advisory firm ABI Research.
Contextual computing, or context-aware computing, is the use of software and hardware to collect and analyse data about a device’s surrounding environment in order to present relevant, actionable information to the user, TechTarget explains. The technology relies on stored data about the user’s preferences and previous actions as well as data gathered in real time.
Advances in the technologies that enable contextual computing will play a critical role in the growth and capabilities of AR and VR solutions to provide the visual and human-facing component and deliver a customised user experience, ABI Research believes.
With the synergy between contextual computing and AR/VR unlocking new opportunities for more immersive, interactive and personalised applications, the research firm predicts that vendors will ship more than 40 million ‘smarter’ AR smart glasses by 2023. Shipments of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integrated AR smart glasses are expected to exceed 12 million, in addition to over 29 million shipments of AR smart glasses with embedded vision capabilities like sensors and cameras.
“Integrating AI assistants in AR glasses is an upcoming trend that adds more value to the device, allowing users to more quickly accomplish tasks and better interact with applications,” said Eleftheria Kouri, research analyst at ABI Research. “Real-time language translation, navigation and hands-free access to information without breaking the workflow are highly valuable applications for smart glasses. For AI assistants to reach maximum value, a combination of numerous technologies spanning multiple areas is required, and only when seamlessly combined, the best product and experience will be possible.”
Kouri added: “Contextual computing technologies in combination with AR/VR tools are able to provide valuable insights and metrics across use cases to optimise products and services and efficiently manage assets and workflow. AR is the bridge between digital and physical worlds, which brings to life virtual elements and assists users to communicate and interact with any item — physical or digital — naturally and in context.”
In a survey for our Next-generation connectivity report, over three-quarters (78%) of senior executives said they see particular opportunities to be gained from augmented, virtual and mixed reality. Download your free copy to read more!
Tags: Virtual reality, AI, AR, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, VR
