Spatial Computing Business Newsletter, November 2024

Disney, Porsche, Webex, and more are using spatial computing to extend customer experiences, enhance training, and advance virtual collaboration—plus new Meta and Apple updates for more seamless development.

November 15, 2024

🚀 Latest Real-world Spatial Applications 

  • November 14, 2024: Apple debuts The Weeknd: Open Hearts, an immersive music experience for Apple Vision Pro. It features a 180-degree video format with Spatial Audio, immersing fans in The Weeknd's new song from Hurry Up Tomorrow, with demos available at Apple Store locations worldwide. Read more

  • November 13, 2024: The YouTube app on Meta Quest now lets you watch videos with friends. The new feature enables users to share virtual spaces and watch content together in real-time, enhancing the social experience on the platform. Read more

  • November 8, 2024: Lamborghini introduced an Apple Vision Pro experience, offering users a way to explore and customize Lamborghini models. The experience lets users interact with detailed 3D renderings of the vehicles, viewing design features and personalization options. Read more

  • November 7, 2024: Algoriddim launched its djay app on Meta Quest, bringing a unique DJ experience to virtual reality. The app, which is already on the Apple Vision Pro, is a virtual DJ setup, enabling users to mix music with turntables while interacting with an expanded interface. Read more

  • November 1, 2024: Walt Disney announced the formation of the Office of Technology Enablement. This new unit, led by Jamie Voris, will coordinate the use of AI and mixed reality across Disney's divisions, aiming to enhance consumer experiences and creative work. Read more 

  • October 23, 2024: Vimeo rolled out its app for Apple Vision Pro, allowing users to view, upload, and share spatial videos. This app offers an immersive experience, adding depth and dimension to video content. Read more 

  • October 23, 2024: Webex unveiled new Cisco Spatial Meetings for Apple Vision Pro, offering users a 3D virtual collaboration environment. Additionally, AI-powered tools including the Webex AI Agent and AI Assistant was introduced. Read more 

  • October 22, 2024: CAE launched an immersive pilot training solution on Apple Vision Pro at the NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas. This app enables pilots to conduct training tasks remotely through high-fidelity simulations. Read more 

  • October 1, 2024: Sinclair's NewsON launched a local news app for Apple Vision Pro. This app enhances their 265+ live streaming local news experiences across the U.S. through interactive maps and 3D environments. Read more 

  • September 16, 2024: The New York Times announced the launch of the Wordle app for Meta Quest, allowing solvers to play the popular game in mixed reality on Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest Pro headsets. This initiative is part of a multi-year collaboration with Meta, expanding Wordle into an interactive virtual environment. Read more 

📅 Launches from earlier this year…

  • June 18, 2024: JD.com unveiled its JD.Vision app for Apple Vision Pro during JD’s 618 Grand Promotion. The app offers a realistic, immersive shopping experience through spatial computing. Read more 

  • April 26, 2024: Porsche AG and MHP introduced a virtual training application using Apple Vision Pro, providing highly realistic 3D training for industrial and production sectors. Read more 

  • April 19, 2024: Siemens and BILT launched a spatial computing training app for electrical assembly and installation using Apple Vision Pro. The app offers a 3D digital twin experience for guided, interactive assembly. Read more 

  • February 9, 2024: Sharp HealthCare introduced its Spatial Computing Center of Excellence to advance patient care through spatial computing technology using Apple Vision Pro. Read more 

🛠️ Operating System Announcements

Meta Spatial SDK

On September 25, 2024, Meta unveiled the Meta Spatial SDK, a framework tailored to make the development of spatial applications for Meta Horizon OS significantly more accessible. This SDK empowers developers to either expand existing Android mobile apps or create entirely new immersive experiences.

Using familiar development languages, tools, and libraries, the SDK aims to lower the barrier to entry, making spatial app development less daunting and more efficient.

Meta Quest v71 Update

On November 1, 2024, Meta rolled out the v71 update for Meta Quest headsets, packed with notable enhancements:

  • Horizon OS Redesign: Expect tweaks to the look and feel, optimized themes for improved clarity, and changes to panel behavior, control bar location, and UI element colors.

  • Calendar App Integration: Seamlessly integrate Google and Outlook calendars, including events from Meta Horizon Worlds and Meta Horizon Workrooms.

  • Travel Mode for Trains: Extend your immersive experiences to train journeys, ideal for passive activities like watching movies.

visionOS 2.1

On October 28, 2024, Apple released visionOS 2.1, a crucial update aimed at supporting the development of apps on Apple Vision Pro devices. This update boasts several enhancements and bug fixes designed to improve both app development and overall performance.

Developers are encouraged to update their apps to leverage the new features and test them against the latest API changes for a more robust and efficient development experience.

visionOS 2.2 Beta 2

On November 12, 2024, Apple's latest visionOS 2.2 Beta 2 brought a major update to Vision Pro's Mac Virtual Display, adding Wide and Ultra Wide modes for an expanded workspace and enhanced multitasking. Developers should update and test their apps with the new API changes to leverage these features.

Apple Vision Pro now available in UAE South Korea

On November 15, 2024, Apple launched the Vision Pro in the United Arab Emirates and South Korea, expanding its availability to 12 countries and regions. Initially released in the U.S. in February 2024, the device has since been introduced in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the U.K., China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.

🔎 Analysis & Insights

This lineup of recent launches underscores the momentum and innovation we’re witnessing across spatial computing and mixed reality applications, especially in industry-driven use cases. Major players from entertainment and training to healthcare are leveraging these technologies to elevate user experiences, streamline operations, and enhance training environments. Each release showcases how spatial computing isn't just enhancing virtual engagement but is also transforming the way we interact with real-world information and environments.

Looking ahead, we can anticipate further integration of spatial computing into high-value areas like customer service, training, and interactive media. The successful implementations by companies like Disney, CAE, and Siemens set a strong precedent for spatial technology to extend its reach in both consumer and professional domains.

🚀 Keep Innovating With Us

As these applications grow, we’re eager to hear from teams pushing the boundaries of spatial computing. Share your latest projects with us—whether they’re exploratory concepts or fully realized applications. We’re here to feature and highlight work that drives the field forward, helping others understand, adapt, and innovate within this evolving landscape.