Today, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announced the publication of its first-ever standard addressing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies. CTA-2069, Definitions and Characteristics of Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies introduces various terms defining emerging consumer technologies such as AR, mixed reality, outside-in-tracking, VR video and VR images, room-scale VR and X reality (XR). 

“Our first AR/VR standard represents an important step in addressing key emerging technology areas,” said Brian Markwalter, senior vice president of research and standards, CTA. “The industry created this standard to build upon definitions created by CTA’s AR/VR Working Group that provide consumers insight on the broad range of technologies and experiences available. With this standard, the industry has created a blueprint to more effectively support AR/VR technologies and bring them to a broader market.” 

According to this year’s CTA Sales and Forecasts report, virtual reality technology has become a $1 billion sector in the U.S. CTA projects 4.9 million units will be sold in 2018 – up 25 percent from 2017 – and generate $1.2 billion in revenues (up 18 percent). Increasing popularity among gamers and a competitive market for AR/VR accessories are among the drivers supporting the growth of AR/VR.

“Standardized, market-centric definitions are an important first step for the industry,” said David McIntyre, senior vice president, strategy and standards, Xperi Corporation, and chair of the CTA AR/VR standards group. “I look forward to increased industry involvement as CTA works on other areas of XR standardization in service of the industry and consumers.”

CTA-2069 joins a robust library of standards covering key aspects of the consumer tech industry including audio, video, health, fitness, wellness, networking, energy management, custom installation, drones and wireless power – now available for free at CTA.tech. 

To get involved or learn more about CTA’s standards activities and events, please visit standards.CTA.tech.