Disney is actively embracing artificial intelligence and mixed reality technologies to enhance its film, TV and theme park experience. To this end, the company formed a new technical support office, led by Jamie Worris, former chief technology officer of Disney Film Studios, focusing on coordinating the company's application of these emerging technologies. This move reflects Disney's emphasis on the future development potential of AI and mixed reality technologies, as well as its strategic layout in enhancing consumer experience and creativity. The establishment of the new office will promote Disney's research and application in these fields, bringing consumers a more immersive and interactive entertainment experience.
Walt Disney Company is exploring applications in its film, television and theme park divisions, and is now forming a new team to coordinate the company's use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and mixed reality.
The newly formed technical support office will be led by Jamie Voris, chief technology officer at Disney Film Studios, who has been responsible for developing Disney applications for Apple Vision Pro mixed reality devices. Eddie Drake will replace Warris as the studio's chief technology officer.
Disney Entertainment co-chair Allen Bergman said the pace and scope of advancement in artificial intelligence and mixed reality are far-reaching and will continue to impact consumer experience, creative efforts and the company's business in the coming years. Bergman noted that the department will focus on rapidly evolving technology areas such as artificial intelligence and mixed reality, which bring together the physical and digital worlds.
People familiar with the matter said that the Technical Support Office had a core leadership team when it was established, and the number of employees was expected to increase to about 100.
Various departments within Disney are exploring the application of augmented reality, namely putting digital elements into the real world; virtual reality, immersing users in simulated environments; and mixed reality, combining the two. Disney has been building expertise throughout the organization to leverage emerging technologies.
Tech companies have sold about 1.7 million AR/VR headsets so far this year, according to market research firm IDC. Meta is still the market leader with a market share of 60.5%, but is beginning to face pressure from competitors such as Sony, Apple and ByteDance.
Disney's move indicates that the entertainment industry is actively exploring immersive technology. In the future, more innovative applications based on AI and mixed reality technologies will emerge, bringing consumers a richer entertainment experience. The formation of this 100-person team also marks Disney's strategic investment in the field of technology and demonstrates its ambition to lead the development of entertainment technology.