What’s Going To Happen With VR In 2018
The year of 2018 entails a big leap for Virtual Reality. Since the initial launch of the innovative technology, users have seemed to struggle with the hardware required for VR as the systems have to be connected to an external computing device in order to work. The VR headsets are usually tethered to a PC or gaming console because of the high requirements for computing power necessary for the hardware to work.
However, technology is constantly being improved and these advancements enable more efficient computing systems. This has paved the way for a possibility for standalone VR systems, and it has been predicted that there will be several launches this year. This will be the arrival of the first standalone VR system that will free people from wires and the need for external computing systems. Furthermore, it will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of VR.
VR will be cheaper for purchase as it comes in a standalone system, no longer having the need to purchase a tethered headset with a PC. Portability is another benefit as everything is bundled in one single device. An intangible benefit will be the removal of pesky wires that posed common issues with VR demonstrations, allowing the user to gain “freedom” in exploring the virtual world.
There will be a few notable standalone systems that are expected to transform the VR landscape in 2018:
1) Oculus Go
http://bit.ly/2FahIgV
This set will have one of the lowest price points amongst the other releases. However, it only offers 3 degrees-of-freedom (3DOF) which are typically good for watching movies or limited social VR experiences.
2) Google Daydream
http://amzn.to/2t2KR8U
Tech giant Google announced that they will be working alongside two brands to build a standalone version of their Daydream platform. It was also added that the upcoming standalone device would feature Google’s WorldSense system, offering positional tracking without wires and 6DOF. The release date and price has yet to be revealed.
3) Vive Focus
http://bit.ly/2t5Anpw
The Vive Focus is HTC’s first standalone VR device, which has been officially launched in China. It features inside-out positional tracking with 6DOF and does not require an external system such as smartphones or a powerful computer for the VR to work.
4) Oculus Santa Cruz
http://bit.ly/2Cusvl8
Currently, Oculus is still working on launching a second standalone system, the Oculus Santa Cruz. It offers 6DOF providing users the freedom to move around in 3D within virtual environments.
These are just a few examples of the upcoming improvement for VR, and it will be no doubt that once the standalone systems gain traction, more companies will begin to invest in further development for VR.
On another note, the technological improvements are not the only thing to keep a look out for in 2018. With all that is going on for VR right now, it is only natural for more advertisers to adopt to this innovative technology and integrate it with their strategies to attract more customers. The application of VR in advertising takes the overall customer journey to new heights and the possibilities are virtually endless.
While the future has yet to be written, the foundation for VR in the modern age has already been laid, and it is soon becoming a necessity for businesses and marketers to use this new technology in order to remain competitive in an ever-changing digital landscape. We can only aim to stay updated, learn as quickly as possible, and sit on the edge of our seats for more technological progress in the days to come.