Augmented Reality (AR) technology, an interactive solution that overlays digital content onto the real world, is rapidly gaining traction in diverse sectors, including entertainment, gaming, e-commerce, and manufacturing. Los Angeles, California — a global trendsetter in entertainment and technology — is home to a thriving AR industry brimming with innovative companies. These companies are pushing boundaries, effortlessly blending the digital and physical realms, and setting new standards for engaging user experiences. In this article series, we’ll take a closer look at some of these trailblazers situated in the heart of the AR industry.
AR solutions hinge on cutting-edge technology to offer a unique experience that brings digital elements into our everyday life. Such solutions range from AR applications, devices offering tactile virtual experiences, to platforms designed to create and share metaverse content. Some companies in Los Angeles are even integrating AI, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and other breakthrough technologies alongside AR to create next-level solutions. All this underscores the city’s position as a hotbed of AR innovation.
Listed below are some notable AR companies in Los Angeles, shed light on their innovative AR solutions, and their contribution to a technological future where the lines between the physical world and digital parallel continue to blur.
Within (VR/AR)
Founded by Aaron Koblin and Chris Milk, Within is revolutionizing the world of AR and Virtual Reality (VR). As a destination for innovative, entertaining, and informative story-based VR and AR, they bring together the best immersive experiences from the finest creators. Being compatible with all major headsets including Oculus Quest, Rift, HTC Vive, Sony PlayStation VR, and Samsung Gear VR, they bring you gripping tales and documentaries that provide an immersive experience like never before. You can also find them on social media platforms such as @within, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Emerge
Emerge, founded by Isaac Castro, Mauricio Teran, and Sly Lee, has creatively harnessed the potential of VR and AR to develop social virtual connection solutions. Their signature offering, Emerge Home™, is a virtual gathering space that lets users physically feel, connect, and play with others using visuals, audio, and touch with bare hands. Stay connected to their journey on @emerge_io, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
VUZ
VUZ, founded by Khaled Zaatarah, is a social app that allows users to stream XR and Metaverse digital experiences with a new level of immersive realism. The company aims to bring people together and connect the world through its largest premium immersive content library. Follow their journey on @360vuz, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Magnopus
Created by Oscar-winning visual effects artists Alex Henning, Ben Grossmann, and Rodrigo Teixeira, Magnopus has been designing and building XR experiences for high-profile companies for nearly a decade. They continue to break new ground in the entertainment industry, with award-winning VR projects and pioneering work in AR. Stay up-to-date with their ventures on @magnopus, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
VERSES
Artificial Intelligence meets AR at VERSES. Founded by Capm Petersen, Dan Mapes, Gabriel Rene, and Steven Swanson, this contextual computing company develops an AI-based operating system. Connect with them on @helloverses, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Octi
Octi, the world’s first AR social platform, empowers everyone to create vibrant content with digital objects and scenes. Founded by Brian Biggott and Justin Fuisz, Octi rewards creators with virtual and physical goods from leading brands. Learn more about them on LinkedIn.
Geenee
Geenee, an AI-based 3D Internet creator tools and infrastructure platform, enhances the way people interact and communicate. Formed by Cory Grenier, Evgeny Peshkov, Nancy Yang, and Philipp Holzschneider, Geenee enables dynamic 3D AR, multiplayer gaming, and communication products. Follow their latest updates on LinkedIn.
DAQRI
Nurtured by founders Andy Lowery, Brian Mullins, Gaia Dempsey, and Philip Tolk, DAQRI is a leader in Professional Grade AR™. They specialize in links between digital content and the real world to enhance productivity, communication, and business processes. DAQRI has presence on @DAQRI, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Jadu
Created by Asad J Malik, Jadu is an AR game world that merges aspects of our digital and physical lives through long-form storytelling and AR gameplay. Keep up with their latest updates on @JaduAvAs and LinkedIn.
Miralabs.io
Mira, co-founded by Ben Taft, Joseph May, Matt Stern, and Montana Reed, is an operator of a mobile AR company that provides industrial-grade wearables and hands-free software technologies. Connect more with their mission on @mirareality, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Second Spectrum
Second Spectrum, founded by Jeff Su, Rajiv Maheswaran, and Yu-Han Chang, is revolutionizing the world of sports through AI-based gaming software. Follow them on @SecondSpectrum, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
In Conclusion, these Augmented Reality industry companies have anchored their headquarters in Los Angeles and are pioneering groundbreaking applications and solutions that are shaping the landscape of AR technology. By bridging the gap between the digital world and the physical world, these companies demonstrate the endless possibilities of AR technology. Stay tuned for an interesting journey as we continue exploring more luminaries in this exciting AR industry.
