Virtual Reality: A New Era in Entertainment and Beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced us to novel methods of connecting with others, particularly through the use of video and live-streaming technologies.

The actual world or the virtual world must normally be chosen when using these communication methods.

Think again if you believe AR and VR won't affect how e-commerce is conducted. These two cutting-edge technologies will herald in a new era for internet enterprises as well as the common person.

Virtual reality has increasingly become a ubiquitous part of modern society. Although initially conceived for recreational purposes, virtual reality has witnessed extensive adoption across various industries for diverse applications.

Our article will give you a quick run through virtual reality while giving examples of some of its basic applications.

What Is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Virtual reality, commonly known as VR, is an immersive technology that enables users to view and interact with entirely computer-animated or live-action settings captured in 360 degrees.

In contrast, mixed reality (XR) refers to the fusion of virtual and augmented reality technology. In contrast, augmented reality enables users to interact with the actual environment through a camera or live stream.

People from all walks of life can connect on a level that transcends physical boundaries through AR and VR technologies.

In a Facebook post, it was said that 74% of respondents believed that augmented reality would tie up all the loose ends that stopped the online and offline worlds from coming together.

This figure illustrates the level of sophistication that augmented reality has attained in respondents' thoughts and offers a promising business prospect for e-commerce firms.

Wide-spread Adoption:

The level of technology now indicates that people are more ready than ever to participate in virtual experiences.

The Facebook post claims that 82% of people questioned globally have used augmented reality (AR) technology, which is easily available to more than 3.3 billion people through smartphones.

With more individuals adopting all-in-one wireless gadgets that are becoming more accessible, virtual reality (VR) is also gaining popularity.

The implementation of 5G technology is anticipated to accelerate the usage of AR and VR even further and will probably result in the birth of new consumption models that are revolutionizing the e-commerce industry.

What Does This Mean for Businesses?

Consumers' expectations of brands are evolving, and they are increasingly seeking more interactivity and consistency between the online and offline worlds.

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly accelerated the adoption of these new technologies, with nearly half (44%) of those who tried AR and VR for the first time using them to explore products or services during the pandemic.

The usage of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) is boosted by entertainment, presenting an opportunity for e-commerce brands.

Entertainment brands are increasingly offering virtual experiences using AR and VR, resulting in a new era of consumption.

Kylie Minogue's album launch, DISCO, for instance, offered fans an augmented reality experience on Instagram, and the campaign reached 6.5 million people.

The gaming industry has long exploited these technologies, and they are now being utilized in new areas to build brand awareness and engage fans.

In the cultural world, VR is used in films like Colette, which was featured in the VR title Oculus Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond and won the Oscar for best documentary short.

Van Gogh's masterpieces can also be discovered in 3D through AR and VR. Brands need to recognize the challenge and quickly seize the opportunity to adopt this new era of consumption, which goes beyond a trend.

Applications of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality:

1. Medical Applications:

One notable example of virtual reality in action is the numerous training solutions available to the healthcare industry.

In this field, VR technology provides an efficient platform to acquaint trainees with medical equipment and expose them to realistic scenarios involving patients.

In addition, virtual reality is now being used as a type of treatment in the fields of psychology and counseling.

Guess which treatment VR can help with? It's PTSD. Its high level of realism is being tested around the clock as an exposure treatment tool to treat patients with phobias and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

In order to emphasize safety for high-risk employment, businesses that operate in the utility sector, such as oil, electric, and gas corporations, have included virtual reality into their training programs.

For instance, technicians are trained using VR technology so they can practice replacing high-voltage power lines in a secure office environment.

Similarly, emergency and response organizations, including police, fire stations, EMTs, and the military, have also begun to utilize virtual reality technology for training purposes.

Just like in medical training, VR is employed to immerse trainees in tense situations, enabling them to apply de-escalation skills or respond appropriately in an active shooter scenario.

Virtual reality has the advantage of eliciting stronger emotional responses from users compared to other forms of training, such as videos or simulation apps on a personal computer.

2. Business Applications:

Virtual reality technology is being used by utility firms, including those in the oil, power, and gas sectors, to concentrate on safety in dangerous occupations.

As an illustration, VR may be used to teach workers to repair high-voltage power lines in a virtual office environment rather than on the actual job site.

Another industry that is incorporating VR technology is Emergency and Response organizations, including police, fire stations, EMTs, and military personnel.

VR is used to replicate real-life events and put people in stressful situations, such as an active shooter scenario, so they can practice and use de-escalation tactics.

This is similar to medical training. Strong emotional reactions are elicited by VR, which may not be possible with more conventional training techniques like film or computer-based simulations.

3. Other Applications:

Virtual reality has many applications. Several sectors benefit from the implementation of this technology.

One such sector is design, where virtual reality and augmented reality have long been used to provide designers with the ability to examine and feel their designs in a 3D environment.

These solutions are now easier to use and more affordable because of the development of XR headsets.

A virtual space station where clients and employees may connect can also be built using virtual reality technology, facilitating social networking and virtual meetings.

In order to implement virtual or augmented reality solutions, New Era's engineers will evaluate the space of interest and consider several methods to implement XR.

• The use of virtual projection systems involves combining multiple projectors to create an immersive display on either a curved 180-degree surface or a flat projected display on multiple walls.

• Alternatively, LED displays can be used, which are made up of either a curved or flat wall or panels. While LEDs do not require projectors, New Era will still consider factors such as alignment, pixel pitch, and power management.

• Domes are another option that can be easily set up for virtual reality content, featuring a foldable rig with a stretched canvas and an ultra-short, wide-angle projector. Finally, headset viewers are a popular solution for viewing VR/AR content, ranging from simple smartphone setups to wireless PC backpacks.

Final Thoughts:

A new age in entertainment and beyond is undoubtedly brought on by virtual reality.

Virtual reality technology enables the creation of immersive experiences that blend the real and virtual worlds, revolutionizing areas such as gaming, education, healthcare, and e-commerce.

Consumers have eagerly embraced these entertaining experiences, prompting companies to use AR and VR as tools to boost customer engagement and brand loyalty.

So, strap on your seat belts and enjoy the ride! It's one in which the entire landscape of our modern world will change.

More exciting, brain-orgasmic, useful, and innovative applications of virtual reality are on the way as technology advances and becomes more accessible.