New research reveals immersive content will stretch wireless networks to breaking point, paving way for video and 6G innovation

Core Insights - The exponential growth in immersive content consumption is expected to strain current wireless infrastructure and necessitate new innovations [1][2] - The report highlights that the XR market is projected to quadruple the number of devices shipped by 2031, reaching 83 million units globally [2][5] - Current network limitations are evident, with 40% of consumers expressing dissatisfaction with network performance, particularly in relation to XR demands [2][5] Industry Trends - The paper titled "Media over Wireless: Networks for Ubiquitous Video" discusses the increasing consumer demand for video and immersive experiences over wireless networks [2] - XR applications are creating new demands on wireless networks, which are currently inadequate for the next generation of immersive entertainment [2][3] - By 2030, XR is expected to become a major category integrating 6G capabilities, alongside smartphones [7] Technological Developments - 5G-Advanced and upcoming 6G architectures are crucial for realizing the full potential of immersive and XR content [3] - The deployment of 6G is anticipated to align with the maturity of XR hardware and software ecosystems, expected between 2028 and 2032 [3] - The success of XR experiences will depend on ultra-low latency, responsive interactivity, and consistent media synchronization [4] Market Dynamics - Video accounted for 69% of all internet data traffic in 2024, significantly outpacing social media and gaming [5][6] - On smartphones, 74% of data consumption is attributed to video, driven by social media clips and streaming platforms [6] - By 2037, the XR market is projected to reach 130 million 6G-enabled devices, indicating a substantial growth trajectory [7]