A newer version of this research is available.
Please refer to Augmented and Mixed Reality Devices and Enterprise Verticals to ensure you are viewing the latest forecasts.
This is the most recent iteration of ABI Research’s Augmented Reality database. Previous versions of this database included Virtual Reality data as well, but this has been moved to an independent database, MD-VR-104.This research contains data on the augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) markets. Smart glasses are the primary device type tracked, segmented between binocular (two displays) and monocular (one display) form factors, along with high-level breakouts for mixed reality shipments and consumer/enterprise splits. This data includes shipments, install base, device revenues, and value chain revenues, segmented both by vertical and by region. Verticals include Healthcare, Energy & Utilities, Manufacturing, Logistics, Education, Media & Entertainment, Government & Military, Retail & Marketing, Transportation, Tourism, Insurance, Sports and Fitness, AEC, and Other. Data is representative of the global market, with regional breakouts for North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Use cases and use case active users are included, specific to each vertical.
The smart glasses form factor is currently ever-changing, with some notable differences between devices and technology. Many devices are standalone, offering battery, display, processing, sensors, I/O, etc., in one package; some devices favor an external processing and/or battery component to preserve form factor and lower costs. For displays, monocular versus binocular display setup is the most noticeable difference, with binocular setups favoring high-end devices and interactive, three-dimensional content; monocular display devices are cheaper to both manufacture and purchase but offer a more passive experience. Some companies to watch for in the smart glasses space include (but are not limited to) Microsoft, Epson, Daqri, Osterhout Design Group (ODG), and Vuzix. Microsoft’s HoloLens is perhaps most well-known, but Daqri (high-end smart helmet), Epson (high manufacturing capabilities), ODG (years of experience in the market), and Vuzix (varied device lineup), all bring their own strengths. Mobile devices present another device possibility for AR, with machine vision a growing and maturing component in these devices. Outside of devices, there are players in input (Atheer’s AiR gesture platform), IoT (PTC with Vuforia), and content creation.