Walt Disney has announced the creation of a new division, the Office of Technology Enablement, to oversee the integration of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and mixed reality (MR), across its various entertainment sectors, including film, television, and theme parks. This new unit will be led by Jamie Voris, who previously guided Disney’s app development for Apple’s Vision Pro mixed reality headset.
Embracing Emerging Technology in Entertainment
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman emphasized the importance of this new division in an internal email, noting, “The pace and scope of advances in AI and XR (extended reality) are profound and will continue to impact consumer experiences, creative endeavors, and our businesses for years to come.” The Office of Technology Enablement will not centralize these projects but will ensure they align with Disney’s overall strategy in rapidly evolving tech fields like AI and mixed reality.
Building on Disney’s Foundation in Mixed Reality and AI
Earlier, Disney established a task force dedicated to studying AI and its potential applications within the company’s wide range of entertainment platforms. Disney is actively exploring applications in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) to enhance consumer experiences. With Kyle Laughlin, an experienced Disney executive with a background in AR, VR, and AI, rejoining the company in March as Senior Vice President of R&D at Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney is set to leverage his expertise to advance its theme parks and attractions. Laughlin had briefly departed Disney in 2019 to lead Amazon’s Alexa Gadgets division.
Expanding Market Competition in AR/VR
As competitors like Meta and Snap launch lighter, more stylish augmented reality glasses, Disney is reportedly assembling a team focused on harnessing this technology for its theme parks and consumer experiences at home. The AR/VR headset market is steadily growing, with Meta currently holding a 60.5% market share. However, the company faces increasing competition from tech giants like Sony, Apple, and ByteDance, according to data from IDC.
