Chinese companies are making notable strides in the XR display market, posing challenges to South Korean firms. Meta collaborates with JBD for its AR glasses prototype, utilizing the unique LEDoS display technology produced exclusively by JBD. Concern is growing that South Korea could lose its technological edge in AR to China, necessitating rapid innovation among domestic companies.
In a significant shift within the global display industry, Chinese companies are increasingly entering the extended reality (XR) display market, presenting a formidable challenge to South Korean leaders such as Samsung Display and LG Display. This momentum is epitomized by Meta’s collaboration with China’s JBD, which will serve as the exclusive supplier of LEDoS displays for Meta’s augmented reality (AR) glasses prototype, known as “Orion.”
Since September of last year, Meta has developed around 1,000 Orion prototypes, aiming for mass production by 2027. Notably, JBD is the sole global producer of LEDoS displays, a key technology that enables information projection directly in front of the user. This unique position of a Chinese firm in the AR lens ecosystem underscores important shifts within the display market, eliciting attention from industry experts regarding its implications for global competition.
An industry insider remarked, “While there is a high possibility that Meta will adopt its self-developed LEDoS for AR glasses in the future, the fact that a Chinese company is the only one currently entering the AR lens ecosystem is significant.” Such developments highlight the evolving competitive landscape wherein Chinese firms may increasingly disrupt established players.
Meta’s AR initiative is not a new venture; the company sold 1.5 million units of smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban last year and aims to increase sales to 5 million this year. Although these glasses currently lack the specialized lenses for direct information display, their market performance indicates a robust demand for AR technology among consumers.
The burgeoning AR sector, spurred by advancements from companies like Meta, gives rise to concerns that South Korea may cede critical technological development to China. Both Samsung Display and LG Display are investing in XR lenses, with a focus on OLED on Silicon (OLEDoS) for VR applications, yet they face scalability hurdles amidst Sony’s reported supremacy in OLEDoS technology.
Another industry insider stated, “The global IT industry is focusing on the growth of the AR market and micro lenses,” urging Korean companies to accelerate efforts in building related ecosystems. This sentiment underscores the necessity for South Korean firms to innovate and adapt promptly in the face of rapid technological shifts.
In conclusion, the emergence of Chinese firms in the XR market signifies a transformative trend that challenges the dominance of South Korean players. Meta’s partnership with JBD not only represents a milestone for AR technology but also highlights the urgent need for Korean companies to enhance their competitiveness. To maintain relevance in the evolving landscape, innovation and strategic ecosystem development will be essential for South Korean firms.
Original Source: www.businesskorea.co.kr
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