In the world of technology, everything is happening at lightning speed. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things – these terms are already part of our everyday life. Prominent among them are virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which bring unique experiences. We put on our goggles and move to another world or enhance the reality around us. However, what’s next? Is Apple’s decision to end production of the Vision Pro a sign that the time of VR and AR is coming to an end?
Let’s start with the basics. What is VR and what is AR? Both technologies, although similar, have completely different applications and specifics.
VR, or Virtual Reality is a completely digital world. By putting on special goggles, such as Oculus or Vision Pro, we enter an environment that does not exist around us. It’s ideal for games, simulations or visualizations. VR allows you to move to a completely new place.
AR, or Augmented Reality is a technology that superimposes digital elements on the real world. Seeing the environment, through AR goggles, we can simultaneously view additional information, images or statistics. With AR, we can better understand our surroundings, such as when working in a manufacturing plant.
VR and AR are mainly associated with games, but their capabilities are much broader. How else can they support your daily work?
Construction and design companies are already using VR to create simulations of new buildings. With VR, clients can walk through a building that doesn’t yet exist, feel its space and assess its future appearance. Simulations allow them to test solutions without having to physically build them.
Workers requiring specialized skills can train using VR goggles. With digital workstations, people can learn how to operate machines or equipment in a safe, virtual environment. VR allows employees to monitor their progress in real time and assess their readiness for work.
Imagine that a machine in your plant breaks down and a specialist is hundreds of miles away. You put on VR goggles and connect with a remote service technician who can see exactly what you see. This allows the repair to take place without the need for a specialist to be physically present, saving you time and money.
Augmented reality can act as an interactive instructor. With AR goggles, instead of reading an instruction manual, you see a digital guide in front of you, showing you step-by-step how to perform a given task. This makes work easier and more precise.
The VR and AR market is growing every year. It is expected to reach more than $62 billion by 2029. The biggest contributors to the growth are the entertainment industry, education and manufacturing. In Europe, sales of these devices are growing by as much as 30% a year, which shows how much demand there is for the new technologies.
One of the biggest problems is the cost of the devices. VR goggles are an expense that not everyone can afford. Cheaper models often have limitations, and their compatibility with various systems leaves much to be desired.
Many users find VR goggles uncomfortable and bulky, especially with prolonged use. They often require additional devices, such as a computer or phone, to operate, which reduces mobility and convenience.
VR software is expensive. Developing advanced VR applications requires specialized tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as the work of experienced programmers. This is an additional expense for companies implementing VR.
It was recently reported that Apple has halted production of its new Vision Pro goggle model. Does this mean that the era of VR is coming to an end? Not necessarily. Apple estimates that the amount of goggles produced will last for several years and meet current demand. It seems that the company is waiting for technology developments that will reduce costs and increase user comfort.
Is it worth getting interested in VR and AR? High costs and technological challenges can be a deterrent, but experts predict that VR and AR will become increasingly important. A growing number of industries are embracing their potential, and the need for interactive digital experiences continues to grow.
VR and AR could become a key technology in everyday life in the future. Developments in sensor, image and touch recognition technologies suggest that VR and AR will become more intuitive and easier to use. This is a direction that will certainly change the future of digital interaction.
VR and AR are an integral part of Industry 4.0, helping manufacturing, education and medical companies operate faster, more efficiently and more safely. Despite the challenges, VR and AR have a promising future. The question is: how quickly will these barriers be overcome to realize the full potential of virtual and augmented reality?
Are you interested in the topic of new technologies? Check out the eleventh episode of my video podcast.
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