One of the most amazing qualities about the world of technology is the way that expensive and seemingly unattainable equipment will, over time, become mainstream. A great example of this is virtual reality (VR). Once reserved for highly affluent people, VR is now becoming more accessible and affordable. With this in mind, check out the following ways that mobile VR is already going mainstream, and will likely continue to do so:
Mobile Platforms Already Include VR
Virtual reality positional tracking is a cool new feature that is currently being powered by some of the latest mobile processors and platforms. For example, Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile processors are designed to offer immersive VR experiences that feature brilliant graphics, crystal-clear audio and improved area awareness. For example, the Snapdragon 845 Mobile Platform enables Room-Scale 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) with Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), which is a first in mobile VR. These features allow users to explore a virtual world without bumping into walls and other objects while wearing the headset.
VR is Being Used in Marketing
After being in development for years, mobile VR is now becoming a common tool among marketers. Thanks to technology like the Oculus headsets, VR is allowing consumers to interact with a brand in a personal way while shopping in stores. In addition, furniture giant IKEA uses VR in its app so buyers now have the opportunity to virtually see how a bookcase or other items will look in their homes — all without setting foot in the store. Oreo also created a clever VR video that allowed viewers to check out and experience the new Oreo cupcake-flavored cookies while controlling their travels through a chocolate wonderland.
Other Cool Uses for VR
Until now, people who were anxious about going to the dentist would have relied on their own headphones and iPods to listen to music and calm their nerves during the procedures. But dentists may soon use VR to distract patients by outfitting them with a VR headset that depicts things like a relaxing coastal scene. In addition, professors at the University of Texas in Dallas have created a program that uses VR to help kids with autism to work on their social skills. The mobile VR puts the kids in social scenarios and helps them practice picking up and responding to social cues. VR can also be used to help train employees on how to use expensive or dangerous equipment before having to use it in person; this can reduce the risk of breaking it or harming themselves.
VR Headsets are Becoming More Affordable
Another reason mobile VR is becoming more mainstream and should remain that way is due to economics. Simply put, people who want to give virtual reality a try no longer have to take out a small loan. There are a number of affordable VR sets that use the power of a smartphone or other mobile device. An example is Samsung Gear VR, which costs around $100 and is powered by a Samsung phone. Google Cardboard has VR viewers available starting at $15; for schools that want to provide their students with VR experiences, this is a budget-friendly way to do it.
Thanks to the combination of readily available equipment, namely the mobile processors and affordable headsets, combined with innovative ways to use the technology, VR is definitely becoming more mainstream. As time goes on, it will be interesting to watch as mobile VR is adopted by more industries and used by more people in numerous ways.
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