Unearthing Hidden Gems in the AR and VR Space: A Deep Dive into Etsy, Roblox, Qualcomm, and Unity Software

The world of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) is expanding at a rapid pace, with numerous companies making significant strides in these areas. While some of these companies are household names, others are less so but still offer promising investment opportunities. This article shines a spotlight on four such companies: Etsy, Roblox, Qualcomm, and Unity Software.

Etsy (ETSY)

Etsy, a global marketplace for unique and creative goods, has been quietly leveraging AR technology to enhance the shopping experience. The company has introduced an AR feature on its mobile app that allows users to visualize how items would look in their homes before making a purchase. This feature has been a game-changer, particularly for sellers of furniture and home decor.

Financially, Etsy is in a strong position, with a market capitalization of $24.3 billion and a net income of $349.25 million as of the end of 2022. The company has also been in the news recently for its acquisition of Depop, a fashion resale app popular with Gen Z consumers.

Roblox (RBLX)

Roblox, a platform where users can create and play games created by other users, has been making significant strides in the AR and VR space. The company's platform is one of the most popular for VR gaming. Roblox's VR games are immersive and interactive, allowing players to experience games in a whole new way. Recently, Roblox announced a partnership with Meta to launch VR headsets, marking its entry into the metaverse.

As of the end of 2022, Roblox had a market capitalization of $39.6 billion and a net income of -$494 million. The company has been in the news recently for its partnerships with various music artists and its efforts to create safe gaming environments for children.

Qualcomm (QCOM)

Qualcomm, a leader in the semiconductor industry, has been making significant investments in AR and VR technologies. The company's Snapdragon processors are used in many AR and VR devices, and Qualcomm has also developed platforms specifically for AR and VR applications. Recently, Qualcomm announced a collaboration with Microsoft to develop custom AR chips for power-efficient, lightweight AR glasses.

Qualcomm's financials are robust, with a market capitalization of $175.9 billion and a net income of $8.4 billion as of the end of 2022. The company has been making news with its advancements in 5G technology and its efforts to create an augmented reality ecosystem.

Unity Software (U)

Unity Software provides a platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D content. The company's software is used in a wide range of industries, including gaming, film, architecture, and automotive. In the AR and VR space, Unity's software is used to create immersive experiences. Unity recently partnered with Meta Immersive Learning to expand VR education and inspire creators.

Unity's financials show a market capitalization of $17.02 million and a net income of -$1.646 billion as of the end of 2022. The company has been in the news for its work in the generative AI market and its efforts to create safe video gaming environments.

The Future of AR and VR

Experts predict that AR and VR technologies will continue to evolve and reshape our lives in the coming decade. Bernard Marr, a strategic business & tech advisor, predicts that AR and VR will revolutionize sectors like education, healthcare, and entertainment. Similarly, the Forbes Tech Council anticipates that AR and VR will play a crucial role in the future of work, enabling remote collaboration and immersive training experiences.

The future of AR and VR is expected to be transformative, reshaping our lives in ways we can't yet fully imagine. Technological advances are on the horizon that will make these technologies faster, lighter, more affordable, and more immersive. The integration of LiDAR technology in devices like the iPhone and iPad Pro is enhancing AR capabilities by creating a 3D map of surroundings, providing a sense of depth to AR creations and making them appear more rooted in the real world.

VR headsets are expected to get smaller, lighter, and incorporate more features like hand detection and eye tracking. Hand detection will allow VR users to control movements without clunky controllers, leading to more expressive and immersive experiences. Eye tracking technology will focus the best resolution and image quality only on the parts of the image that the user is looking at, reducing lag and the risk of nausea.

The future also holds the promise of full-body haptic suits that simulate the feeling of touch through vibrations, providing a leap forward for VR experiences. AR contact lenses are already in development, with the potential to project information directly into the wearer's eyes, augmenting the world around us in real-time.

The metaverse, a virtual world where we can experience many of the same social events and interactions that we enjoy in the physical world, is also a significant part of the future of AR and VR. As the metaverse develops, the expansion of AR, VR, and MR is inevitable. These technologies are expected to help close the skills gap, lower maintenance and service costs, and increase design and production efficiency.

The future of AR and VR is not just about technology, but also about the new opportunities and challenges they will create across all industries. From enhancing everyday tasks to creating more compelling marketing efforts, AR and VR are set to revolutionize the way we live, work, and play.

This future vision of AR and VR aligns with the strategies of Etsy, Roblox, Qualcomm, and Unity. These companies are investing in AR and VR technologies, developing new use cases, and forming partnerships to leverage these technologies for growth. As AR and VR continue to evolve, these companies are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities these technologies present, making them potentially good investments for the AR and VR space.

While Etsy, Roblox, Qualcomm, and Unity Software may not be the first names that come to mind when thinking of AR and VR investments, they each offer unique opportunities in this growing market. Their specific use cases, recent news, and partnerships highlight their potential for growth and their commitment to advancing in the AR and VR space.

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