5 Future Predictions for the Virtual and Augmented Reality Industry
17 Mar , 2018 News Mark Metry

1. Standalone Headsets Are the Mainstream VR Devices

2. Emergence of Augmented Reality will Fuel Virtual Reality
Augmented reality is VR’s sister industry. Based on statistics the augmented/mixed reality industry will be MUCH larger than VR by 2023. Virtual reality’s reboot started in 2012 with Oculus’ Kickstarter being successfully funded and purchased by Facebook. Why? VR from a time standpoint is much more time-consuming than augmented reality.
Additionally, Magic Leap is one of the most funded startups in history. ML promises a mixed reality device that is coming soon for creators this year. Many speculate and say VR won’t take off because it can’t be used in public or in tandem with other activities. I believe this is a narrow point of view and doesn’t address all of the uses that VR will mostly be used in entertainment, and other completely immersive scenarios.
Common usage of augmented reality will lead people to fully immersive virtual reality experiences. By the time AR picks up in the coming years, VR content and experiences will be much better and appeal more to mainstream audiences rather than the current niche uses.

3. Limitless Unfathomable Experiences
4. 5G Networks Are the Gateway
- Faster speed: Data transfer speeds are projected to be about 10 times higher with 5G than is possible with 4G. Expect significantly faster transmission of images, videos and immersive content. With 4G/LTE, downloading a high-definition movie might take about 10 minutes. With 5G, it is reported to take less than a second.
- Shorter delays: Though it’s not always noticeable, there is often a brief lag in time from when data is sent to when it’s received. 5G should reduce this so-called latency, making it possible, for example, to watch high-speed virtual reality video with no delays or glitches.
- Increased connectivity: Cell towers equipped with 5G technology would have greatly increased capacity over 4G/LTE. Which means more people with devices should be able to communicate at the same time without any volume lag errors.

5. Industry will Develop Universal Protocols and Frameworks
Virtual reality can be a bit confusing and even intimidating for newcomers looking to join. Most frequently, I hear issues about compatibility and how content is distributed and even how VR games look and feel with controls.
Just like the Web has brought out API’s SDKs, OS, virtual reality is converging into a collected and unified platform. Voluntary guidelines and standards are sure to improve the industry for consumers and developers.
Organizations are on the move to achieve this future goal like the VRARA, IEEE, VRSB, and the Virtual Reality Industry Forum (VRIF). IEEE announced that a working group will establish definitions, categories of VR and AR devices, and standards for quality, user interfaces, and file formats.

What are your predictions for VR & AR in the coming years?
Let us know in the comments section below or on any social media channel!
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