Augmented reality and virtual reality technology are most certainly two of the next big things alongside emerging technologies like generative AI or blockchain, for example. But does it mean that it’s okay to spend hundreds of dollars on AR and VR tech just now? Let’s find out.
AR & VR Uses
There are many use cases of AR and VR tech. But they are all still in a budding stage. They have a long way to go.
New apps and platforms are always cropping up. At this point, only time will tell where we settle. Here are some of the things you can use these headsets for:
Education, Training, and Skilling
One of the biggest use cases of these technologies is in educating and training others. From interactive tutorials and hands-on practical sessions to immersive classroom lessons—AR can transform the way we learn in the coming years. More interactive learning always helps get the point across more effectively, so it’s a big plus.
Gaming and Entertainment
It’s very likely that when you think of AR or VR, a game or entertainment use case comes to mind. Players can immerse themselves better in virtual worlds as compared to a PlayStation or a gaming PC, for example, and AR overlays can add digital elements to the real world, which can enhance features in many games, including casino ones.
Innovative online casino blackjack options today are trasitioning toward a VR-friendly landscape, and we couldn’t be more excited to unwrap it all! Imagine a VR-powered world, in which card games aren’t limited to their classic gameplay, but rather feature elements from the fantasy world, along with multiple game variants and themes. This is certainly something that leading casino providers are working on and will introduce in the future.
Purchasing
Retail, e-commerce, real estate, etc., are just a few of the industries that are poised to benefit from the proliferation of AR and VR.
Healthcare
Healthcare providers can use VR for various simulations and surgery practices to reduce or eliminate the risk of any complications. On the other hand, AR can be used to better overlay vital information during procedures where time is of the essence. R&D in healthcare might be small right now, but it’s growing at a significant rate.
Design
Designing buildings, creating prototypes for products, testing different features on automobiles, etc., are all becoming easier with the help of AR and VR technology.
Explosion in AR & VR Tech
Though both technologies have been with us for a while now, it’s only recently that we’re seeing a major proliferation in the segment. The latest news was Apple’s announcement of its Vision Pro—Marketed as a 3D camera with robust AR and VR capabilities.
The Vision Pro has renewed the enthusiasm of tech companies in the segment. It’s well-known that a polished product from Apple always brings in a loyal set of customers, and it’s generally good for the tech industry.
The headset, however, is going to be expensive for non-Apple loyalists. It’s going to retail at a whopping $3500! In comparison, Meta’s Quest 2 is a capable all-in-one VR headset with many immersive apps and games that sells for less than $300.
The Future
The idea is that different companies will provide the hardware and utilities, and then developers will take over. Developers will make and sell apps for different purposes like entertainment, gaming, streaming, social networking, meetings, productivity, creative work, and so on.
The power lies in the hands of the developers. And it’s only their creativity that will determine where we go from here. Sure, the companies themselves, like Apple and Meta can develop the basic apps/utilities and incentivize big companies like Netflix or Zoom to port their apps for their devices.
But only having a handful of apps, no matter how well-known, is not going to cut it. Simply put, you can’t have the common person using VR tech until there are many apps and options. Not to mention when there are hundreds of apps for all kinds of utilities.
So, it all depends on the developers. Incidentally, it also depends on how easy it is to build for the new hardware. The new hardware includes the next generation of AR and VR headsets or 3D cameras.
Should You Care? When?
In conclusion, we’ve certainly come a long way in VR and AR tech with new advancements in everything from medical services to VR gaming—But there’s still a long way to go.
You should not care just now unless you have an urgent benefit or need for AR or VR. If you don’t have an urgent need, then know that we’re still in the very early stages of development. It will take both, hardware manucturers and app developers to create more convenient and accessible utilities on VR and AR.
So, when should you care? When more commercially viable AR and VR headset versions are on the market!
These headsets will boast of hundreds of apps and utilities, and the increasing competition will ensure friendlier prices.
That’s when you should get into AR and VR to explore a new world!
