Meaning of spatial computing | Babel Free

Definitions

A computing paradigm powered by three-dimensional desktop environments, such as an extended reality window manager, usually accessed through wearables such as headsets.

uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“I define⟳ spatial computing as human interaction with a machine in which the machine retains and manipulates referents to real objects and spaces. Ideally, these real objects and spaces have⟳ prior significance to the user. For instance, a system that allows users to create⟳ virtual forms and install⟳ them into the actual space surrounding them is spatial computing. A system that allows users to place⟳ objects from their environments into a machine for digitization is spatial computing. Spatial computing differs from related fields such as 3D modeling and digital design⟳ in that it requires the forms and spaces it deals with to pre-exist and have⟳ real-world valence. It is not enough that the screen be used to represent⟳ a virtual space—it must be meaningfully related to an actual place⟳.[…] It is an essential component for making our machines fuller partners in our work⟳ and play⟳.”

“Apple insists that its $3,500 Vision Pro ski goggles, which officially debuted Friday, is not virtual reality but “spatial computing.” One problem: No one agrees on the definition of spatial computing. Ask⟳ 10 people in technology and you might get⟳ 12 different answers. What Apple calls a spatial computer, some technologists call⟳ “mixed reality” — or possibly “augmented reality,” “holographic computing,” “the metaverse” or “XR,” which some people say⟳ is shorthand for “extended reality.” […] “Even I can’t get⟳ my head on straight of what things mean⟳ all of the time,” said Alex Coulombe, co-founder of Agile Lens, which calls itself an XR company. Coulombe started to tell⟳ me that spatial computing and XR are the same — but changed his mind⟳ midsentence. […] What is spatial computing, anyway? I’m going to define⟳ it as an immersive video feed⟳ of the physical world plus the internet. […] Some experts instead use⟳ spatial computing as a catchall term for a range of technologies, including 3D images, virtual reality and smartphone games such as “Pokémon Go.””

CEFR level