Post-PC era

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The post-PC era was a market trend observed during the late 2000s and early 2010s involving a decline in the sales of personal computers (PCs) in favor of post-PC devices; which include mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers as well as other mobile computers such as wearable and ubiquitous ones. These devices emphasize portability and connectivity, including the use of cloud-based services, more focused "apps" to perform tasks, and the ability to synchronize information between multiple devices seamlessly.

The term was first coined by MIT scientist David D. Clark. While both Microsoft's and Apple's former CEOs Bill Gates and Steve Jobs also predicted a shift towards mobile devices as the primary method of computing, as a complement to the PC, Jobs popularized the term "post-PC" in 2007 (the launch of the first iPhone), and in 2011 launched iCloud, a service enabling Apple's product line to synchronize data with PCs through cloud services, freeing their iOS devices from dependency on a PC.

Towards the middle of the 2010s, media sources began to question the existence of the post-PC era, at least as conventionally defined, stating that the so-called post-PC devices are just other portable forms of PCs joining traditional desktop PCs which still have their own operation areas and evolve.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} For example, gaming PCs are often considered still popular for many users.^[6][7]

However, despite the debate surrounding the post-PC era, there's no denying the continued evolution of computing devices. Alongside the rise of smartphones and tablets, another significant technological advancement has been the development of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices.

AR and VR technologies have gained traction in various industries, including gaming, entertainment, education, healthcare, and enterprise. AR overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of their environment. On the other hand, VR immerses users in a completely virtual environment, often through the use of headsets or goggles.

Companies like Oculus (owned by Meta, formerly Facebook), HTC, Sony, and Apple have been at the forefront of VR hardware development, releasing headsets such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, and Vision Pro Index. These devices offer immersive gaming experiences, virtual tourism, training simulations, and more.

In the realm of AR, technologies like Microsoft's HoloLens and Google Glass have paved the way for applications in fields like engineering, architecture, and navigation. These devices can overlay digital information onto real-world objects, providing contextual information and enhancing productivity.

Moreover, the convergence of AR and VR with other emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is opening up new possibilities. For instance, AR glasses equipped with AI capabilities can provide real-time language translation, object recognition, and personalized recommendations based on user preferences.

As these technologies continue to mature and become more accessible, they have the potential to reshape how we interact with computers and the digital world. Whether it's through immersive gaming experiences, enhanced productivity tools, or innovative solutions in healthcare and education, AR and VR are poised to play a significant role in the future of computing.