Virtual Reality Trends of 2019
Virtual reality (VR) technology is changing the way that people live and learn. It affords users the convenience of digitally accessing nearly any conceivable environment without traveling an inch.
The use of advanced technology in the classroom is on the rise. In the United States, for instance, more than 30 million school kids use Google education apps. Virtual-reality is positioned to become the next trend that improves educational outcomes for young learners.
Despite the remarkable possibilities of VR, it’s still a fledgling field. Consequently, it’s exciting to look forward at what lies ahead for the future of this evolving industry.
Virtual Reality Training Will Increase
Technology is invading the nation’s classrooms. Well, it’s not so much an invasion as it’s a transformation in the way that educators are engaging learners.
The VR revolution, however, isn’t limited to academia. Commercial enterprises will increasingly leverage virtual reality and augmented reality (AR) training solutions.
With VR and AR training technology, professionals in industries that range from construction to air transportation can enhance their skills. Physicians can use the technologies to practice surgical procedures without placing patients at risk. Furthermore, students can learn in augmented environments where trainers can make changes on the fly as industry-related developments emerge, and in the retail sector, the diminishing price of VR hardware will allow enterprises to train employees in skills that range from customer service to policy compliance.
Cognitive Computing Will Drive Advances in VR
Cognitive computing is a science that’s ahead of its time. However, researchers suggest that advancements in technology will change this.
Virtual reality is already expanding the realms of possibility, and in business, cognitive computing is positioned to once again disrupt industries by delivering processing speeds that are inconceivably faster than the human mind.
Now, computers can do more than imitate human functions. They can intelligently interact with humans. VR systems powered by cognitive computing technology can enable executives to identify and eliminate workplace bias, make mission-critical decisions and enhance leadership performance. As 2019 unfolds, the innovation promises to enhance the ability of professionals to accomplish groundbreaking achievements.
More Consumers Will Adopt VR
Since its introduction, consumer VR hardware has grown steadily in popularity, but the current crop of VR content isn’t quite on par with other consumer entertainment experiences. This may change, however, as developers make amazing breakthroughs in virtual reality design concepts.
Although consumers have taken a liking to virtual reality technology, the hardware required for VR experiences could also use some improvement. Technology experts believe that 2019 may be the year that virtual reality hardware developers find creative ways to free consumers from large, expensive hardware – enhancing mobility – and pack more processing power into smaller devices.
Several major VR hardware manufacturers plan to launch powerful consumer units this year. In anticipation of this equipment combined with increased consumer adoption of the technology, experts forecast that VR software developers will create more realistic virtual environments. Overall, industry watchdogs expect a banner year for virtual reality on both sides of the platform – hardware and software.
People Will Start Using Virtual Reality to Get Social
A growing number of big technology players are betting that virtual reality will become an essential part of the online social experience – and not just for exploring digital realms with family and friends. Today’s technology leaders also see VR as a tool for important business functions such as virtual conference calls.
Other tech firms are leading the way in the VR business space by introducing innovative products such as virtual whiteboards, and technology advocates are on the edge of their seats as they wait for major players such as Facebook to bring their VR solutions out of beta.
VR hardware manufacturers are geared up for an increase in consumer demand. To date, there are more than 200 VR headgear manufacturers waiting to cash in on this emerging market. Many of these ambitious startups are hoping that their proprietary features will put them ahead of the pack when a wave of consumers accepts VR technology as a standard household item.
Analysts forecast that the sale of VR and AR hardware will indeed rise in 2019. For many consumers, this year will be their first year experiencing the technology.
Moving forward, virtual reality will find its place in the business realm in more ways than one. Experts expect a new crop of B2B software applications to emerge, while at the same time more businesses will find exciting ways to leverage the technology for their unique needs.
In 2018, many large enterprises developed VR concepts that will become a reality in the coming months. As these remarkable applications emerge, the commercial potential for virtual reality will become apparent. This year, consumers and business leaders will recognize the value of VR and the possibilities that the technology enables.
