Computing Evolution Stages

Furqan Rydhan shares his perspective on the evolution of computing interfaces, particularly focusing on how younger generations are driving the shift from traditional computing to mobile and spatial computing platforms.

Key Points:

• Current Generation's Computing Preferences:

  • Teenagers (13-15 year olds) view mobile phones as superior to computers/desktops
  • Mobile devices are preferred because they're always with the user
  • Traditional interfaces (TV, desktop, laptops) feel "ancient" to younger users

• Next Computing Evolution:

  • Spatial computing (VR/AR) is the natural next step for computing interfaces
  • Putting computing around your eyes makes more sense than traditional screens
  • Young users don't have the same biases towards traditional computing that older generations do

• VR Market Validation:

  • Quest has sold over 20M units
  • Quest 3 has sold 1M units at $500 price point
  • Outpacing PS5 sales
  • Some VR games showing significant success:
    • Gorilla Tag reaching $200M in revenue
    • Social multiplayer games particularly resonating with younger users

• Market Development Pattern:

  • Started with entertainment and gaming as natural first use cases
  • Evolving towards more practical applications (productivity, social interaction)
  • New generation adopting spatial computing without preconceptions
  • Small teams can build successful products in this space due to market readiness

• Evidence of Market Maturity:

  • Teams like Fluid building productivity tools (browser in VR)
  • 5,000 weekly active users even in pre-store phase
  • Success of social VR applications showing user adoption
  • Growing ecosystem of developers and applications