Blog: Pufferfish Predictions for Immersive AV in 2024
Pufferfish Predictions for Immersive AV in 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of immersive audiovisual experiences, Pufferfish takes pride in being a frontrunner, crafting state-of-the-art spherical display technology that caters to various sectors, from entertainment and education to visitor centres, science, and corporate environments. As we venture into 2024, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, predicting the trends that will shape the immersive AV industry.
Today we’re sharing our thoughts on five trends that we expect to have the greatest impact in shaping the AV industry over the next twelve months.
- Generative AI: Crafting Personalised Engagements
We’re about to enter realms of storytelling beyond human conception. Artificial intelligence is set to become the linchpin for creating engaging, personalised content for immersive experiences swiftly and efficiently. Beyond speed, it’s about the quality and relevance of the content, which will ensure memorable experiences that speak to the individual. The magic happens when it resonates with visitors, forging a personal connection.
Beyond the application of AI in content generation, we anticipate AI generating 3D environments and artwork, and even powering the characters to inhabit these digital worlds, from customer service chatbots to lifelike characters in entertainment-oriented spaces.
- Multi-Sensory Technology: Engaging Beyond Sights and Sounds
The immersive AV landscape will expand to engage more of our senses. Haptic gloves, for instance, will provide users with sensations of weight and pressure, enhancing the realism of virtual reality (VR). At the Sphere, visitors have already experienced groundbreaking multi-sensory haptic experiences during events like Darren Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth. The Sphere’s integration of 10,000 haptic seats with Powersoft’s infrasound system immerses attendees beyond visual and audio stimulation. Experiments with smell and taste will further enhance the sensation of immersion in digital worlds.
- Immersive Retail Environments: The Rise of Augmented Reality
Retail is poised for a revolution this year. Augmented reality (AR) will play a pivotal role, enabling customers to virtually try on clothes or visualise home decor in their own spaces before making a purchase. As AR technology matures, mixed reality retail experiences will emerge, intensifying competition as retailers vie for customer attention. Offline stores will integrate more online retail elements, creating immersive environments that transform shopping into a memorable event. Touch-enabled displays are likely to play a role in the in-store experience, as online elements are brought into the offline environment to curate a retail experience that offers the best of both worlds.
- Spherical Display Technology: Where Magic Meets Engagement
While VR and AR have their merits, not everyone wants to wear a headset. Spherical displays offer a captivating alternative. They transcend mere content display, transporting us to other worlds or bringing elements of fantastical realms into our reality.
In the realm of interactive exhibits, a shift has occurred, moving away from large-scale displays towards personalised, one-to-one experiences. Visitors now seek tailored interactions aligned with their individual interests and comprehension levels. The advent of spherical screens marks a significant development in this context. These screens facilitate intimate one-to-one conversations with visitors, enabling multiple individuals to view and interact with content in a manner that feels individual and tailored.
Furthermore, spherical displays have an innate power to capture viewer attention. Human fascination with spherical shapes is well-documented, supported by extensive research. This year, Pufferfish will delve deeper into the reasons why humans are drawn to spheres, exploring the scientific research that underscores these ideas and how this impacts those who leverage our technology.
- More Authentic Immersion and Interaction
With VR and 360-degree video gaining momentum, staying competitive in the immersive AV space demands innovative thinking. Solutions may require incorporating interactive elements or utilising displays with unique properties, such as spherical displays. Research indicates that spherical displays have the power to engage viewers more effectively than alternatives. Combining interactivity with touch-enabled spherical displays creates a potent mix for immersive experiences.
As we launch ourselves into 2024, the world of immersive AV holds exciting prospects. Whether it’s the rise of generative AI, multi-sensory experiences, immersive retail innovations, or the enduring appeal of spherical displays, Pufferfish remains at the forefront, pioneering immersive solutions that captivate and engage. Stay tuned to experience a year filled with innovation, discovery, and the magic of spherical technology.