Augmented reality (AR) stocks have garnered significant interest from investors as the AR market is projected to reach a value of over US$130 billion by 2026. In this article, we will explore the different categories within the augmented reality market and discuss some of the best AR stocks to consider investing in. It’s important to note that this article is not investment advice, but rather a guide to help you better understand the AR markets and stocks that may be of interest to you.
To begin, let’s define augmented reality stocks. AR stocks are ownership pieces of publicly listed companies that are directly or indirectly involved in augmented reality. These stocks follow a supply and demand methodology, where their value and price per share are determined by the number of stocks available (supply) and the popularity of the stock (demand). Factors such as the company’s financial health and the performance of the AR markets can influence the demand for AR stocks.
Now, let’s delve into some of the top AR stocks to consider for 2023:
1. Alphabet Inc (GOOG): Alphabet, also known as Google, is rumored to be developing a dedicated operating system for AR Glasses. Google is also exploring the possibility of creating an AR Glasses app store. While Google recently closed its consumer AR Glasses development, it continues to focus on its moonshot project Starline, which aims to revolutionize immersive telepresence in the Enterprise Metaverse.
2. Apple Inc (AAPL): Apple is currently the most valued AR company due to its app store, which acts as a marketplace for AppAR. Apple recently announced its premium mixed reality headset, Apple Vision Pro, set to be released in early 2024. This will significantly increase Apple’s presence in the AR industry.
3. Meta Platforms (META): Meta, formerly Facebook, is planning to release multiple consumer-facing AR Glasses starting in the near future. The company is also investing in immersive hardware innovations and is a key player in the growing retail category called Immersive Commerce.
4. Qualcomm (QCOM): Qualcomm is a leading supplier of chipsets in standalone virtual reality headsets. In the AR space, the company is making strides with its XR development platform Snapdragon Spaces and its end-to-end XR platform Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1. Qualcomm recently released the Snapdragon AR2 Gen 1, a processing infrastructure for consumer and industrial AR Glasses.
5. Microsoft (MSFT): Microsoft has shifted its focus from immersive hardware to software infrastructure in the Enterprise and Industrial Metaverse. The company offers productivity platforms like Azure Digital Twins and Microsoft Mesh. Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 AR Headset is available in versions suitable for industrial Cleanrooms and the US Army.
6. Magic Leap: Magic Leap played a significant role in bringing AR to the mainstream. The company recently released its powerful AR Headset, Magic Leap 2, and has seen its competition ease with Microsoft’s exit from the AR hardware market. We expect Magic Leap to become an IPO in the near future.
7. NVIDIA (NVDA): NVIDIA is well-positioned to provide software infrastructure for the Industrial and Enterprise Metaverse. The company’s expertise in GPU and generative AI has enabled it to establish a leading presence in the field. NVIDIA Omniverse has become a go-to real-time 3D (RT3D) platform, particularly in industrial digital twins.
8. Unity Software Inc (U): Unity is a leading software development platform for the Social Metaverse, particularly when it comes to gaming experiences in AppAR. The company is also making headway in the Enterprise Metaverse with Unity Forma, which enables companies to build XR digital objects crucial for practical AR functionality.
9. Digilens: Digilens is a manufacturer of AR Glass waveguide optics. The company plans to release an AR Glass for enterprises and industries, positioning itself as a key provider in the enterprise AR Glasses market. We expect Digilens to become an IPO in the next few years.
10. Vuzix Corp (0LRL): Vuzix is an AR Glass manufacturer focused on enterprise AR Glasses. The company continues to develop and capitalize on its research and development efforts, solidifying its position as a leading provider of enterprise AR Glasses.
11. TeamViewer SE: TeamViewer is focused on developing enterprise AR Glass platforms for productivity and collaboration. The company is leveraging AI and enjoying the growing market value of enterprise and industrial AR use cases.
These are just some of the top AR stocks to consider for 2023. Each company offers unique opportunities and growth potential in the emerging AR market. However, it’s important to conduct further research and consider your investment goals and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.
In conclusion, augmented reality stocks present an exciting opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the emerging AR technology market. With the market projected to reach a value of over US$130 billion by 2026, there are numerous companies at the forefront of the AR industry with significant growth potential. By understanding the different markets within AR and exploring the top AR stocks, investors can make informed decisions and potentially benefit from this rapidly evolving technology.
Note: The content has been expanded to 760 words to provide more in-depth information on the topic.
