In its 14th year, the Augmented World Expo (AWE) takes the lead as the vanguard of the spatial, extended, and metaverse industry. From its base in Santa Clara, California, the expo has become the defining platform for the latest innovations in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), and mixed reality (MR).
Augmented World Expo 2023
This year, the Augmented World Expo proudly welcomed a wide variety of 250 companies, each contributing to the future of the metaverse and XR technologies. The event was a smorgasbord of creativity and innovation, drawing in more than 6,000 attendees who were eager to explore the future that lies in the fusion of the digital and physical worlds.
AWE’s co-founder, Ori Inbar, opened the show not in person, but through a large white box with an integral screen from ARHT Media Inc., presenting a holographic-style version of himself. This innovation set the tone for what was to come in the following days: a symphony of ideas and demonstrations that pushed the boundaries of what we understand to be possible in the XR and metaverse space.
Meanwhile, Niantic Inc. brought its animated forest owl, Wol, to life with the help of large language model AI. Through the lens of Meta Platforms Inc.’s Quest Pro headset, attendees found themselves talking to a wise owl who was as knowledgeable about forest ecology as any naturalist.
Apple Inc.’s expected headset announcement took center stage, generating buzz and validating the industry’s progress. Neal Stephenson, author of “Snow Crash” and co-founder of Lamina1, participated in a keynote session, expressing his views on the perception of the metaverse and its implications.
The expo also served as a platform for upcoming companies to showcase their offerings. QUALCOMM Inc., Lenovo Group Ltd., and XREAL all took advantage of the event to exhibit their latest advancements in XR technology. It was clear from the range of exhibitors and the breadth of innovations that the Augmented World Expo is not just a conference, but a cultural phenomenon where technology, psychology, and creative expression come together.
As we look back on the 14th Augmented World Expo, it’s clear that the event was a vibrant gathering of industry proponents, tech evangelists, and the curious. The atmosphere was charged with a pioneering spirit, reminding us that we’re standing on the precipice of a future where AR, VR, AI, and metaverse technologies will become an integral part of our daily lives.
We’d love to hear from our readers about their thoughts on the expo and the future of XR and metaverse technologies. How do you envision the integration of these technologies in your daily life? What are the implications for society, for business, for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
