ABI Research’s latest market tracker report pinpoints more than 80 new companies in the AR and VR space all bidding on an immersive future

Competition in the AR/VR ecosystem heats up. Source: shutterstock.com

ABI Research has tracked over 750 companies that operate or support AR/MR and VR technologies, highlighting both new players and companies that have ceased operations. Trends surrounding enterprise digitization continue to push the market forward, while consumer opportunities are beginning to slot into a realistic market rollout and size.

AR and VR companies tend to expand their partnerships with more hardware and software providers to increase the value of their services. Oculus and HTC remain the main leading players in VR, while HoloLens, Vuzix, and Realwear are primary smart glass providers in AR. Some consumer opportunity is beginning thanks to hardware players like North and nReal. Apple’s official role in the space is still to be determined. Other notable names have been part of M&A in the past year; PTC acquired TWNKLS, Apple acquired Akonia Holographics, and UltraHaptics acquired Leap motion. A handful of small startups were also acquired, hinting at a maturing market with increasingly capable operators.

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