The Influence of Haptic Technology on Immersive Entertainment
Haptic technology, which incorporates the sense of touch, is increasingly being woven into connected experiences to enrich communication, services, and entertainment. A recent white paper commissioned by InterDigital, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDCC) sheds light on this growing trend. The report reveals that haptics is now being recognized as a key media type, alongside audio and video. This evolution opens up exciting new avenues for consumers to connect with content using touch, in addition to sight and sound.
Rising Demand for Haptic-Enabled Consumer Devices
The report highlights a significant surge in the market for haptic technology. By the end of 2024, it's projected that there will be 4.1 billion consumer devices equipped with haptic features globally. Looking further ahead to 2028, it's estimated that 53% of consumer devices will include haptic capabilities. While smartphones currently dominate the haptic landscape, the market is expected to broaden, incorporating gaming consoles, tablets, headphones, smartwatches, and virtual reality (VR) headsets.
Haptics in Extended Reality
Extended Reality (XR) is recognized as a vital area for haptic technology. The report forecasts that as touch enhances user experiences, global shipments of XR devices are set to triple, surpassing 60 million units by 2028. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on haptic gloves, with gaming expected to account for 75% of total XR unit shipments.
Challenges of Standards and Interoperability in Haptics
Historically, the absence of standardized measures has posed challenges for developing interoperability among platforms and vendors within the haptic ecosystem. This has resulted in prolonged development cycles, proprietary methods, incompatible solutions, and limited adoption rates. Fortunately, major standards organizations such as MPEG, IEEE, and the Khronos Group are now joining forces with industry leaders to establish coding mechanisms for haptic content. This collaboration is crucial for achieving seamless integration across devices and platforms on a global scale.
Technological Advancements and Future Outlook
According to Lionel Oisel, VP and Head of Wireless Labs at InterDigital, advancements in electronics and material science are driving the progress of haptic technology. He notes that haptics signifies a major transformation in how individuals engage with technology, providing deeper interactions with content and services through immersive and sensory experiences. The future commercial success of these services will largely depend on the development of evolving standards.
About InterDigital
InterDigital is a leading global research and development firm focused on wireless, video, artificial intelligence (AI), and related technologies. The company is committed to developing essential technologies that enable connected, immersive experiences across a wide range of communications and entertainment products and services. Their innovations are licensed globally to companies involved in producing wireless communication devices, consumer electronics, IoT devices, automobiles, and cloud-based services, including video streaming. Since its establishment in 1972, InterDigital has been at the forefront of wireless technology and continues to spearhead advancements in video processing and encoding/decoding technologies.
Contact Information
InterDigital Contact:
Roya Stephens
Email: roya.stephens@interdigital.com
Phone: +1 (202) 349-1714
Frequently Asked Questions
What is haptic technology?
Haptic technology enhances experiences by adding the sense of touch to communication, services, and entertainment.
How many consumer devices will be haptic enabled by 2028?
By 2028, it is expected that 53% of consumer devices will feature haptic capabilities.
What industries will benefit from haptic technology?
Industries such as gaming, virtual reality, and personal electronics are poised to greatly benefit from advancements in haptic technology.
What challenges does the haptic technology industry face?
The industry faces challenges due to a lack of standards, which leads to interoperability issues between different platforms and devices.
Who is InterDigital?
InterDigital is a global research and development company specializing in wireless, video, and AI technologies, providing foundational tech solutions across various industries.
