The State of XR at the End of 2024: A Year of Big Leaps and Bold Shifts

Extended Reality (XR) has had a blockbuster year in 2024. With major players introducing groundbreaking devices, shifting focus, and showcasing the future of immersive tech, the industry’s trajectory has become clearer—and more competitive.

Let’s take a deep dive into what’s shaping XR as we close out this transformative year.

Apple Vision Pro: Setting the Standard?

When Apple unveiled the Vision Pro earlier this year, the XR world held its breath. The device, branded as a "spatial computing" marvel, delivered on Apple’s promise of innovation. With its ultra-high-resolution displays, intuitive hand-tracking, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, it was less a gadget and more a paradigm shift.

However, with a premium price tag, Vision Pro catered to an elite audience. Despite this, it has sparked widespread enthusiasm about what’s possible with XR—especially in professional and creative fields. Developers are flocking to the platform, and industries like design, education, and healthcare are already exploring its potential.

Google and Android XR: Entering the Arena

Google turned heads this year with the public announcement and first look at its XR headset. Android XR’s entry has brought much-needed competition to the space, providing a platform for a broader range of devices and price points. Designed with openness and adaptability in mind, Android XR is expected to empower hardware manufacturers with tools to create diverse, affordable XR solutions.

Google XR’s new headset also marks a return to the forefront of immersive technology for the company. Positioned (possibly) as a bridge between AR and VR, it’s an intriguing alternative to Apple’s premium offering. While the device is still in its early stages, the buzz is undeniable, and developers are watching closely.

Meta’s Strategic Shift: AR and AI Take Center Stage

Once synonymous with VR, Meta’s strategic pivot this year surprised many. The company announced a reduced focus on standalone VR initiatives, instead doubling down on its AR glasses project and integrating AI into its ecosystem. This shift indicates a long-term bet on augmented reality’s broader accessibility and everyday utility.

The decision to emphasize AR seems prescient, given the slowing growth of VR adoption. Meta’s new AR glasses prototypes, designed for social and professional use, have garnered praise for their sleek design and robust capabilities. Meanwhile, its AI developments, ranging from generative tools to enhanced personal assistants, aim to create a cohesive, intelligent XR environment.

The Competition Heats Up

The XR space in 2024 isn’t just about Apple, Google, and Meta. Smaller companies and startups are thriving too, pushing boundaries in haptics, eye-tracking, and mixed reality. Devices that blend affordability with high performance are emerging, making XR more accessible than ever.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite the excitement, the industry faces hurdles. High hardware costs, fragmented ecosystems, and consumer skepticism remain significant barriers. Developers are also grappling with the challenge of creating compelling, practical content to justify these devices’ adoption.

What’s Next for XR?

Looking ahead, the XR landscape in 2025 promises even more innovation and consolidation. As the technology matures, expect:

• Enhanced hardware: Slimmer, lighter, and more powerful devices.
• Ecosystem growth: Greater interoperability and cross-platform solutions.
• Broader adoption: Expansion into mainstream use cases beyond gaming.

The XR revolution is far from over—if anything, it’s just beginning.

So what's in store for me personally in 2025? Well, I have formed a formidable team at Fooh Studios to create the future of out of home.

And sister Foih Studios, creating the future of in home.

So...

Are you ready for what’s next in XR? Share this article with friends and colleagues who love to stay ahead of the tech curve! Let us know your thoughts on this exciting evolution in immersive technology.

Thank you to all the readers this year, have a great holiday break, and an awesome new year!