Chapter 4: XR Software Ecosystem, Platforms, SDKs & Development Tools
Abstract: The Extended Reality (XR) software ecosystem is a diverse landscape built primarily around powerful cross-platform game engines and specialized, device-specific SDKs . These tools enable developers to create immersive augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) experiences. Core XR Software Ecosystem Components The ecosystem can be segmented into enabling platforms, content creation tools, and application platforms. Operating Systems/Platforms : Key players include Google's new Android XR , a dedicated OS for spatial computing devices being developed in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm, and Apple's iOS ecosystem (with ARKit). Meta has its own platform SDK for the Quest line of devices. Real-Time Engines & Frameworks : These are the primary tools for building 3D content and include: Unity : The most widely used engine due to its versatility, cross-platform support, and a vast asset s...