Let’s first start by asking “What does virtual reality (VR) mean?” our favorite definition comes from the Virtual Reality Society (UK) ‘The definition of virtual reality comes, naturally, from the definitions for both ‘virtual’ and ‘reality’. The definition of ‘virtual’ is near and reality is what we experience as human beings. So the term ‘virtual reality’ basically means ‘near-reality’. This could, of course, mean anything but it usually refers to a specific type of reality emulation.’ 

Let’s not confuse Augmented Reality (AR) with Virtual Reality (VR) - they’re quite different. 

Augmented Reality (AR)  adds digital elements to a live view while using your camera and phone, while Virtual Reality (VR) is a complete immersion into another space, cutting off the physical world.   

Where is VR being used? The possibilities are endless for this space.  

We have seen VR and AR being used in the healthcare industry, for architecture, education, automotive, product design, manufacturing, retailing, transportation, logistics, exploration and even military.  

Interesting examples  we’ve picked out for this article: 

Education 

• Not sure what kind of environment potential jobs offer? BetterCloud lets you experience the office ambiance and culture of a company! Caters to office tours, the hiring process and experiencing workplace environments 

Real Estate 

• 3D experiences in the real state segment - the best example is Matterport which uses Virtual Reality and 3D that invites users to take virtual tours and explore places as if they were really there 

Health 

• Live 360 Video was quite the buzz in the health industry. In 2016, we had live streaming of a cancer-based medical procedure, which was recorded in live 360° video for 13.000+ medical students from all around the world to learn and take notes for complicated medical operations.

Retail  

• If you own shoes from TOMS, you know that they match every pair of shoes purchased with a new pair of shoes for a child in need!  TOMS started the “TOMS Giving Trip” and had the latest VR experience to allow viewers to tag along with TOMS in Peru through a four-minute 360-degree film. Buyers can understand the mission and vision of the company because they were there! 

Major players in the market that you should know:  Microsoft(HoloLens), Google, Samsung, HTC vive, Song, GoPro, Jaunt, Magic leap, NextVR, Bubl, Cast AR, OSVR, CryWorks, Atheer labs, SoftKinetic, Jingweidu Technology, Baofeng Mojing, ANTVR, Vr BOX, Virglass, TVR, Sureal, and Dreamerkr.

Why did we mention Augmented Reality earlier? Because the future of these two technologies are tied to one another. These technologies have massive benefits to both businesses and consumers, and the industry is steadily growing.  

If you start thinking of all the ways we could use these technologies -  We’re sure it will be endless.