Virtual reality is one of the most talked about technological marvels of our time. This tech is an incredibly trendy topic among tech companies and everyday crowds, garnering tons of attention even when things are quiet on all fronts. While still a relatively new advance to explore, this technology has incredible potential. Its unique nature gives it the ability to enter countless fields and impact our way of life in ways many of us would never even think of! It’s a powerhouse of versatility, and if used correctly, it could lead to some incredible things.
In its early days, VR technology was approached with a narrow mindset. People saw it as a fun new feature that could be implemented in gaming, which still rings true today. While its use in gaming is still of mass interest, we’re happy to report that people have realized the mass potential VR has on a larger scale, now seeing its implementation in multiple fields that are far removed from just entertainment. With this in mind, here are a few ways VR will change our future.
Immersive Gaming
No matter how hard it tries, VR can’t escape its roots. Gaming is still one of the most popular activities tied to virtual reality, and we can’t say we blame people for associating the two. With VR, video games can evolve into something much more than we know now. This technology can potentially transport players into full-blown virtual worlds where they can do anything without limits.
We’ve seen the start of this take root in some areas. In online casino gaming, for example, VR tech is boldly being used to bring forth a more true-to-life at-home casino experience. These online casino operators are already hugely popular for conveniently bringing casino classics to the digital world, but this trend takes things further. VR casinos transport players into virtual venues that host fun casino games. Players can walk around these spaces and check out various slot machines, Poker tables, and more!
Of course, some companies take things even further. You’ve likely heard of Facebook’s rebranding to Meta and its consistent efforts to push the Metaverse. For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Metaverse is a VR World where users can explore the depths of the internet and interact with others as they do so. While not a game, per se, it does include tons of elements reminiscent of the classic gaming experience. These concepts are in their early stages, but with time, we’re sure they’ll grow into incredibly immersive gameplay options every gamer will be happy to get behind.
A More Comfortable Workspace
In many industries, working from home has become the norm nowadays. Most people have embraced this concept fully, as it allows them to organize their time and create a better work-life balance. Working from home has practically endless benefits, but there are a few downsides to it too. Mainly, communication isn’t always as clear as it is when working in the office. On top of this, not everyone has access to the same quality of equipment at home as they would in their designated workspace.
VR technology aims to improve the work-from-home methodology by setting up virtual offices you can access practically anywhere. This gives people a chance to meet their co-workers in a simulated office space, making communication far easier than what you get through a video call or a classic team meeting. Furthermore, most digital aspects of office functioning can go interrupted by this concept. If devices are connected through the virtual network, the workflow will go smoothly. Essentially, VR offices aim to cut down the cons of working from home effectively.
Improved Online Shopping
It’s no secret that most people prefer shopping online to visiting their local store in person. The convenience of this trend is unparalleled, but even with all the good it brings, there are some massive cons to it. Mainly, the items you’re viewing are in 2D pictures. This can make it hard to determine what exactly you’re buying, leading to lower customer satisfaction and a heap of products you’re simply dissatisfied with. What’s more, this leads to heaps of products being thrown out, which goes against most people’s wishes for online retail to go greener.
VR in shopping can help change this. By implementing VR tech in popular online shopping platforms, users will be able to get a feel for what they’re buying in a more realistic setting. 3D true-to-life models give a much better representation of what you’re buying, leading to happier customers. Of course, this can be a massive deal when shopping for clothes online. Sizing and fit tend to be the biggest sources for returns when shopping online, so having the chance to try things on virtually is undoubtedly a game-changer.
Consequence-Free Practical Learning
The final field we’ll explore in our VR venture is education. Practical learning is often a core part of many curriculums, but the way it’s implemented at the moment leaves much to be desired. Many of these programs require learners to partake in risky tasks that can have serious consequences attached. This can include practical learning in construction, medicine, and several other fields where getting your hands dirty is par for the course.
Of course, Virtual Reality might be the perfect solution to minimizing the risk that comes with this type of education. Instead of placing learners in potentially dangerous situations, they can test their practical skills safely in a virtual environment. This way, the consequences of any potential mistakes are either non-existent or minimal. Sure, this developing simulated VR spaces for some of these tasks might be a massive undertaking, but we’re sure this incredibly versatile technology will reach a point where this is more than just a dream.
