The 15th annual Augmented World Expo (AWE) took place in Long Beach, CA, featuring over 500 speakers and 300 exhibitors. The focus of the conference was on mobile AR and Mixed Reality, with AI taking a backseat. The exhibit hall showcased a variety of innovations and announcements from a range of players in the industry. Distance Technologies, a company targeting the automotive and aerospace markets, displayed a prototype utilizing eye tracking technology for a 3D map. Additionally, a unique outdoor roleplaying game for mobile AR was demonstrated, offering an immersive gaming experience in any outdoor space.
At the entrance to the exhibit hall, notable companies such as Spacetop, Meta, Tap, and Qualcomm showcased their latest technologies and products. Spacetop introduced a laptop that utilizes XR glasses for a large screen monitor experience, while Tap presented a wristband that replaces traditional keyboards, mice, and controllers. Meta and Qualcomm also had a strong presence on the expo floor, engaging with developers and showcasing their latest offerings. The majority of exhibitors focused on enterprise solutions, with companies providing hardware and software for training and simulation purposes.
HaptX announced the shipment of its new G1 haptic gloves, which have garnered significant preorders. The Gloves offer improved ergonomics, expanded haptics, and multi-user collaboration features. The Playground at the expo featured interactive experiences, innovative XR campaigns, multiplayer games, and immersive VR installations. Notable installations included BurnerSphere, a VR app offering a virtual experience of Burning Man, Spacebar, a VR barcade, and Creator Campus, a mixed reality theme with various games and activities.
Attendees were impressed by the immersive experiences offered at the show, including the Neon Arches that led to the XR Museum showcasing vintage XR devices. The Auggie Awards recognized achievements in various categories such as Best Consumer App, Best Art or Film, and Best Location-Based Entertainment. The Best in show Awards, presented by AWE co-founder Ori Inbar, highlighted exceptional advancements in the XR industry. The event concluded with the Nextant Prizes from the Virtual World Society, recognizing individuals making significant contributions to the virtual world.
Overall, AWE 2024 showcased a diverse range of innovations in the XR industry, from cutting-edge technologies to immersive gaming experiences. The focus on mobile AR, Mixed Reality, and enterprise solutions demonstrated the growing impact of XR technologies across various sectors. The event highlighted the collaboration between industry players, developers, and creators to drive innovation and push the boundaries of immersive experiences. With a record number of exhibitors and attendees, AWE continues to be a premier event for those at the forefront of XR technology and its applications.
