The Augmented World Expo (AWE) recently held its 15th annual conference and exhibition in Long Beach, CA, featuring over 500 speakers and over 300 exhibitors. The focus of the event was on mobile AR and Mixed Reality, rather than AI as initially predicted. The expo showcased a variety of players, including Distance Technologies, which demonstrated a prototype using an LCD panel for automotive and aerospace applications, and a mobile AR roleplaying game by Johnny Monsarrat.
On the expo floor, attendees encountered innovative technologies and products from companies such as Spacetop, Tap, Meta, and Qualcomm. Spacetop showcased a laptop without a monitor, Tap featured a wristband that replaces traditional input devices, Meta offered grants for developers interested in new apps, and Qualcomm presented Snapdragon Spaces for developers using its chipset. The floor was predominantly focused on enterprise solutions for the XR industry.
One notable announcement at the expo was the launch of HaptX’s G1 haptic gloves, which have already generated significant preorders. Additionally, the AWE Playground featured interactive experiences, such as BurnerSphere by Big Rock Creative, a VR barcade called Spacebar, and an immersive lunar base experience by Lunar Light. Creator Campus, created by Brent Bushnell, offered mixed reality games for various settings, including themed electric wheelchair races.
Fanport, developed by Draw & Code and 302 Interactive, showcased a social, interactive VR experience designed to handle large numbers of users simultaneously. The XR Museum featured over 80 vintage XR devices and paid tribute to the first 101 XR pioneers. Immersive experiences presented by The Immersive Archive Project allowed attendees to explore the first Head Mounted Display from 1968 and the Sensorama from 1961.
During the Auggie Awards ceremony, various companies and individuals were recognized for their contributions to the XR industry. Some of the winners included Meta Quest 3 for Best Headworn Device, Campfire for Best Enterprise Solution, and HaptX for Audience Favorite. The event concluded with Ori Inbar announcing the Best in show Awards, with winners receiving tech giveaways from Pico, Looking Glass Factory, and bHaptics. The Virtual World Society also awarded the Nextant Prizes to individuals making significant contributions to the virtual world.
