From its beginnings at the start of the 1900s, television has captivated households with its almost hypnotic broadcasts and central role in family and social life. Today, this cornerstone of home electronics is facing its greatest existential crisis since its invention, threatened by more flexible and immersive technologies like smart glasses.
A changing landscape
Television has come a long way since its early days. But its nature as a fixed screen in a specific place in the house may belong to the past. Caspar von Allwärden, a journalist experienced in digital media for nearly twenty years, suggests that televisions could soon be rendered obsolete by newer, more flexible alternatives.
In this shift, virtual screens emerge as the next major revolution. These screens are projected into the user’s field of vision through devices like smart glasses and head-mounted displays, offering unprecedented flexibility. Apple, with its Vision Pro product (released in early 2024), exemplifies this trend: the device allows for content consumption anywhere in the house without the need for a physical screen attached to the wall. Meta also emerges as a serious competitor in this developing field with its smart glasses.
Advantages and limitations of new technologies
Virtual screens bring adaptability and mobility that traditional televisions cannot offer. Imagine being able to move your “screen” from one room to another or watch your favorite series from the kitchen. This flexibility allows for a personalized viewing experience, tailored to each user’s preferences and space. These new modes of interaction are set to disrupt how we consume media.
However, the transition is not without challenges. Prolonged use of devices like mixed reality headsets can become uncomfortable, leading to fatigue and headaches. Their predominantly individual nature also risks socially isolating users. Collective experiences, a hallmark of traditional television, do not easily translate to these new tools: watching a movie together on a mixed reality headset becomes almost impossible, raising significant social and cultural challenges.
