The Walt Disney Company is exploring applications across its film, television, and theme park divisions and is currently assembling a new team to coordinate the company's use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and mixed reality.
The newly established Technology Support Office will be led by Jamie Voris, the Chief Technology Officer of Disney's Studio Production, who has previously been responsible for developing Disney applications for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality device. Eddie Drake will succeed Voris as the Chief Technology Officer of the studio.
Allan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, stated that the pace and scope of advancements in artificial intelligence and mixed reality are profound and will continue to influence consumer experiences, creative efforts, and the company's business in the coming years. Bergman noted that the department will focus on rapidly evolving technology sectors such as AI and mixed reality, which blend the physical and digital worlds.
Insiders revealed that the Technology Support Office was established with a core leadership team and is expected to grow to about 100 employees.
Various departments within Disney are exploring the applications of augmented reality, which places digital elements into the real world; virtual reality, which immerses users in simulated environments; and mixed reality, which combines the two. Disney has been building expertise throughout the organization to leverage emerging technologies.
Data from market research firm IDC shows that tech companies have sold approximately 1.7 million AR/VR headsets so far this year. Meta remains the market leader with a 60.5% share, but is beginning to face pressure from competitors such as Sony, Apple, and ByteDance.
