2017 was a good year for virtual reality, but 2018 should mark the beginning of its true democratization. Numerous technological advances have been made, and we should see the arrival of new headsets, far more affordable and user-friendly than their predecessors. You might not want to go back to the real world after that…
VR/VR, a technology that is gaining ground
At the end of 2017, the prices of headsets such as the HTC Vive, the Oculus Rift or the Playstation VR saw a significant drop, mainly due to competition from Windows Mixed Reality headsets, offered at much more affordable prices.
Video game arcades incorporating virtual reality are also increasingly common, and there’s a real public enthusiasm for trying out these new experiences. It has to be said that complete immersion in a fantasy world is undeniably captivating.
Especially since the performance issues have been gradually resolved, and today, fewer and fewer players still experience nausea or headaches. In short, the technology is adapting better and better to users’ desires, which is exactly what they want.
The advent of wireless headsets for virtual reality
For home use, however, headsets remain quite expensive, and you need either a game console or a powerful computer to use them. On top of that, a cable is always trailing at your feet, regularly breaking the immersion. It’s good, but far from perfect, especially for the price.
2018 should put an end to this frustration, as all manufacturers and new competitors are launching wireless, completely self-contained VR headsets. The computer and sensors are integrated directly into the headset, and a battery allows us to play for several hours without needing to plug in anywhere.
The Oculus Go is one of the most anticipated models, and Facebook has just announced its release for May 2018. Its price will not exceed $200, which is clearly more affordable than the first model. Its main competitor, the HTC Vive Focus, will also be released in Europe this year. It is already available in China for around $550.
These headsets seem to be much more anticipated, and their ease of use is sure to win over even more users. At the same time, adapters are being developed to allow the use of the original headsets (Oculus Rift and HTC Vive) without needing to plug them in. This is quite nice for early adopters who didn’t hesitate to invest significant sums.
An increasing number of virtual reality applications
Wireless headsets aren’t the only new products emerging in 2018. New arcade games are being developed, now allowing up to four players to compete in the same arena. It’s a great way to challenge friends to fierce battles or work together to progress through the game. The first images of the new Arizona Sunshine game are truly stunning in their realism and immersion.
Sports should also be in the spotlight. For example , the Black Box VR was presented at CES 2018 in Las Vegas. It’s a weight training machine equipped with a virtual reality headset. The user finds themselves facing an opponent or a coach in a virtual gym. They must exert themselves to the fullest to progress through the experience. A great way to motivate yourself to exercise without leaving home. Meanwhile, boxer Mayweather is offering his own VR app , allowing players to follow the same workouts as the undefeated multiple world champion.
Finally, we eagerly await the evolution of NextVR, the leader in 360-degree events. The application broadcasts football matches, concerts, the NBA, and more. While it was already possible to feel like you were in the arena, now you’ll be able to move around a few meters. A great way to circle a singer or run alongside your favorite basketball player.
In short, 2018 should bring us high-quality content for virtual reality, especially since the American giant Intel has just launched its own 2,300 m² studio, dedicated exclusively to creating VR content. Paramount Studios has also partnered with the project. While reality isn’t always beautiful, the virtual world should offer some satisfying results!
