#spatial computing

A year ago, spatial computing was the next big thing. Apple had just launched Vision Pro, Meta was on a Quest 3 roll, and every analyst had XR devices in their five-year forecast. In 2026, the picture is more nuanced — some genuine breakthroughs, some humbling reality checks, and a clearer sense of where this technology is actually going and for whom. Here’s where every major platform stands and…

Researchers in the emerging field of spatial computing have developed a prototype augmented reality headset that uses holographic imaging to overlay full-color, 3D moving images on the lenses of what would appear to be an ordinary pair of glasses. Unlike the bulky headsets of present-day augmented reality systems, the new approach delivers a visually satisfying 3D viewing experience in a compact, comfortable, and attractive form factor suitable for all-day wear. “Our headset appears to the outside world just like an everyday pair of glasses, but what the wearer sees through the lenses is an enriched world overlaid with vibrant, full-color 3D computed imagery,” said Gordon Wetzstein, an associate professor of electrical engineering and an expert in the fast-emerging field of spatial computing. Wetzstein and a team of engineers introduce their device in a new paper in the journal Nature.

With over 10 years of experience in spatial and location technologies, including Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband, and Cellular IoT, we at Estimote are thrilled about the newly announced iPhone 15 and its upgraded second-generation Ultra Wideband chip.

In this blog post, we'll explain why we're excited, we will try to forecast the potential use-cases of this second-gen chip, and highlight the opportunities for developers to create groundbreaking context and location-aware apps.

SPATIAL AWARENESS

Many people aren't aware, but every iPhone from the iPhone 11 onwards has a hidden super-power. It can measure the distance and orientation to nearby phones or other compatible devices. Think of it as an invisible string connecting your phone to objects with AirTags attached, a HomePod, or even your car.

This super-power is made possible by the first generation Ultra Wideband chip (U1 chip). This chip is a small radio transmitter that sends, receives, and processes tiny radio signals. These signals are so low-power that they're almost indistinguishable from the background noise in a broad range of frequencies (5-9 GHz). That's why it's called Ultra Wideband, or UWB for short.

Whenever a nearby device communicates with an iPhone using UWB, the phone calculates the duration of this interaction. The greater the distance, the more time it takes for the radio signal to make the round trip. The U1 chip then multiplies this travel time by the speed of light to determine the inch-level distance to nearby phones or tags.

Apple Vision Pro 設計的社交應用 AuraTap 預計於 2026 年 3 月 27 日推出。該應用以快速建立人際連結為核心概念，透過即時配對機制與 Persona 視訊互動技術，嘗試在虛擬空間中打造更自然且具安全性的社交體驗。 AuraTap 的運作方式相對簡潔。使用者進入應用後，系統將尋找同樣在線等待交流的其他 Vision Pro 用戶，並提供短時間互動窗口，使雙方能自主決定是否建立聯繫。若雙方同意，資訊將以類似數位名片交換的方式共享，並可於後續活動中保持聯絡。 在技術層面，AuraTap 強調 Apple Persona 所帶來的沉浸式呈現。此類虛擬化身技術被視為空間運算社交的重要基礎，使遠距互動更接近面對面交流。同時，開發團隊亦將隱私與使用者掌控權視為設計重點，以確保社交體驗在安全環境下進行。 從產業觀察角度來看，AuraTap…

If 2024 was the year we dipped our toes into the spatial computing pool, 2026 is the year we’ve decided to move the whole house into the deep end. The battle for your face has reached a fever pitch, and the two heavyweights, Apple and Meta, are no longer just selling gadgets—they are fighting for control over your very perception of reality. Think of it like the “Cola Wars” of the 80s, but…

To build Intangible Studio we made our own building blocks; a design system for UI/UX and an entity-component-system package for interactive 3D. It makes development easier and more robust for our engineers and works great with the LLMs we’re using. It’s also ideal for vibe coding product ideas. I was having so much fun I started posting “Friday Night Vibes” to our Slack. This one’s called…

The digital world is shifting from watching screens to stepping inside them. What began with playful AR filters on social platforms and isolated VR worlds is now evolving into a new era of interaction powered by spatial computing, AI, mixed reality, immersive design, and persistent digital environments. We are entering a future where real and virtual spaces merge — where digital experiences live around us instead of inside our phones.

The next chapter of interaction isn’t about novelty. It is about utility, immersion, emotional connection, and real-world value.

From Filters and Headsets to Spatial Ecosystems

AR filters introduced millions to augmented experiences, turning phones into windows that overlay digital creativity onto physical space. VR built fully immersive environments with avatars, spatial audio, and realistic 3D worlds. Both began as temporary moments — short sessions with limited scope.

Now the shift is from single-use effects to persistent spatial environments, always available, multi-user, and interactive.

What’s Fueling Interaction 2.0

The next wave of immersive technology is powered by: • Hardware innovation — lighter AR glasses, advanced VR headsets, better comfort and accessibility • 5G and cloud computing — real-time rendering and low-latency interaction • AI-powered personalization — adaptive content, emotion-aware interfaces, intelligent avatars • Spatial computing & AR cloud — digital objects anchored in real space, shareable and persistent • Cultural readiness — remote work, virtual collaboration, immersive learning, digital-first audiences

Immersion is becoming everyday reality, not experimental technology.

From Passive Viewing to Active Presence

The next stage transforms interaction from looking at content to inhabiting experiences. Gesture control, voice navigation, haptic feedback, spatial audio, and AI-guided environments let users feel present and connected.

The real and virtual worlds blend into a seamless hybrid where identity, storytelling, and creativity exist across dimensions.

Where This Transformation Matters Most

Immersive interaction is reshaping multiple industries: • Retail — AR try-ons, virtual stores, digital showrooms • Education & training — VR labs, simulation learning, AR field instructions • Healthcare — VR therapy, AR surgery assistance, rehabilitation environments • Social & entertainment — virtual concerts, mixed-reality events, spatial storytelling • Work & enterprise — virtual offices, digital twins, collaboration hubs • Tourism & public spaces — AR navigation, interactive city layers

Instead of watching content, users experience it.

Why Creators & Brands Should Care

• Immersive experiences build deeper emotional connection • Spatial creativity opens new business models beyond traditional advertising • UGC will evolve into co-created 3D experiences • Brand identity becomes environmental, not flat design assets • Early adoption creates competitive advantage and cultural leadership

Interaction becomes participation — not consumption.

Challenges to Overcome

Accessibility, comfort, affordability, privacy, ecosystem standards, and ethical transparency must evolve. Success demands value-first immersive experiences, not just visual spectacle.

The Future of Interaction

The next phase will be defined by: • Mainstream AR glasses • Persistent spatial digital layers • Hybrid real–virtual social spaces • AI-driven adaptive worlds • Community-designed 3D environments

The journey from filters to full worlds has already begun. The future of digital interaction is immersive, persistent, intelligent, and shared.