With every new technological breakthrough we make, we unlock more of Extended Reality’s (XR) vast potential and bring it another step closer to the mainstream. But what is it exactly? XR encompasses the real-and-virtual combined environments created in VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), MR (Mixed Reality) that create new ways to interact with the digital world. As XR’s global influence increases, so does the amount of analysis, studies and information available to us. So, let’s learn more about this revolutionary technology!
The Biggest Trends in XR
In January 2022, world-renowned futurist Bernard Marr outlined The 5 Biggest Virtual, Augmented And Mixed Reality Trends In 2022 on Forbes. Here are the main points: Firstly, the Metaverse will continue as XR’s main stage. As he mentioned in his article, “Although the metaverse doesn’t have to exclusively exist in XR, it’s the version of it that does that’s getting the most attention. This is because more immersive, experiential environments are central to the whole concept – something that XR interfaces lend themselves to very well.” Secondly, “the devices that need to be strapped to our heads. As well as lighter VR headsets, AR devices will get lighter, too.” Additionally, XR will be widely utilized in retail – providing “retail experiences far beyond what is possible with typical e-commerce websites” – as well as other industries like education, where it can implement technologies that make it easier for students to visualize concepts. Lastly, XR will also become commonplace as “The 5G rollout is gathering pace, and 2022 is looking like it will be the year where uptake becomes widespread enough that it becomes a mainstream proposition.” 5G – which is “around 20 times faster than the existing mobile networks” – will “lower the barriers for businesses wanting to deploy XR solutions.”
XR, A Rising Star
To support the rapidly expanding potential of XR, we are not only in need of software advancement (such as with mobile networks, audio and cloud computing systems) but also vast improvements in hardware. XR provides 360° viewing, spatial audio, and spatial mapping – which requires advanced devices that offer peak quality visuals to seamlessly merge simulations with the real world.
OLEDoS for Better XR Experience
The comparison between conventional display and OLEDoS (Source: LG Display YouTube)
Hardware’s impact on computer-generated spaces is already well documented, but how far have XR display technologies progressed? One of the biggest breakthroughs for XR displays comes in the form of LG Display’s OLEDoS (OLED on Silicon), raising the bar for XR displays dramatically. This next-generation display employs an OLED layer on its silicon wafer that makes it thinner and allows it to hold more pixels per inch (PPI) than traditional glass wafer displays. To compare, OLEDoS boasts thousands of PPI whereas conventional displays only house hundreds of PPI, meaning it represents more sophisticated and life-like picture quality among displays of the same size. What’s more, the cutting-edge panel even prevents the screen door effect – a phenomenon where users can visibly see gaps between pixels – to maximize immersion while minimizing fatigue.
Lively Images, Sturdy Quality
The smaller, lighter OLEDoS is also more comfortable to wear than heavier, bulkier conventional displays. In fact, OLEDoS is the only solution to have broken through the limitations presented by traditional display technology with its lightweight form that was built to last thanks to its highly durable components.
A virtual world powered by OLEDoS will provide the next-level experience metaverse explorers crave by inventing a new and unparalleled level of immersion. And it’s only going to get better, as LG Display is on a never-ending journey to discover and realize the full potential of its game-changing display technologies.
