The concept of metaverse has recently gone viral among news such as Facebook going Meta and Microsoft announcing a plan to launch a software tool for metaverse in the coming months, which has largely contributed to the rapid development of AR/VR/mixed reality (MR) technologies.

Currently, numerous consumer electronics and related companies worldwide have entered the AR/VR/MR market and unveiled their prototypes, including Vuzix, TCL, Xiaomi, Varjo, Pimax, Huynew Technology and EM3, while Apple will also allegedly announce its first MR headset next year. Display technologies of the said prototypes involve the use of Micro LED/Mini LED/Micro OLED.

Because AR/VR/MR devices are highly promising, players in the LED display supply chain are gearing up for competition. LED chip, packaging and display suppliers are striving to secure a share in the AR/VR/MR market. For example, Nanjing SmartVision Electronics Co., Ltd. (SmartVision) officially launched a self-developed Micro LED chip for AR/VR scenarios.

Image source: PAIXIN.COM

Founded in 2017, SmartVision specializes in the R&D of smart display chips and produces silicon-based LCoS, OLED and Micro LED microdisplay chips and spatial light modulators, targeting at emerging fields such as AR/VR/MR display, automotive HUD, optical communication, optical computing and 3D printing.

On October 31, 2021, SmartVision hosted an inauguration ceremony of the “Xinji-Liandong” AR/VR Integrated Circuit Public Service Platform and 2nd AR/VR Seminar at the Jiangbei New Area in Nanjing. The company unveiled its first self-developed silicon-based Micro LED chip, namely the Tianmu III-010-A.

The Tianmu III-010-A chip measures 18um x 18um with a 0.39-inch monitor and features a resolution 480 x 270, brightness of >25000 cd/m2, contrast of 100,000:1, and refresh rate of 60Hz. Currently, SmartVision has applied various patents for the Micro LED chip, aiming at markets of lightweight AR glasses, automotive HUDs and smart automotive headlights.

After releasing its new product, SmartVision announced a plan to kick off the B+ financing round with an aim to expand its business to the next-gen microdisplay equipment market for metaverse. SmartVision revealed that the plan will help strategic investors—under industry chains collaboration—to better serve upstream and downstream partners, thereby facilitating supply chain integration.

As SmartVision suggests, the year 2021 marks the rise of metaverse, into which Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, and other multinational giants have increased investments. Particularly, XR glasses serve as the medium for users to enter the metaverse, while microdisplay chips are indispensable for the production of such equipment.

The thriving metaverse market has been attracting investors and created opportunities for supply chain vendors including SmartVision. As the metaverse concept has been promoted by investors and businesses, new products are likely to be launched, thereby narrowing the gap between real and virtual worlds. (Compiled by Janice from LEDinside)