Predicting the future of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Two of the most prominent phrases currently circulating anytime someone says the words “what will the future of technology look like”. Its clear to see why. Microsoft, Sony, Facebook, HTC, Valve, Google have all invested a large amount of money into research and development of products which offer these experiences. It is important to understand what both Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality entail in order to understand exactly why there is so much interest in these technologies.

Virtual reality is a system providing a three-dimensional environment, which fully encloses the user in its graphically generated world. Typically, this involves the user wearing a headset. The key difference between the two is that Augmented Reality is a combination of both a real and virtual world whereas, Virtual Reality is completely enclosed.

I am hugely excited for both of them and i’m hoping neither of them are a short lived gimmick (anyone remember 3D TV’s, Xbox Kinect or the Playstation move?). In my opinion, Augmented Reality is better equipped for longevity and wider exposure in comparison to its Virtual Reality counterpart.

Firstly, is the fact Augmented Reality is more flexible in its delivery. Augmented Reality can be delivered through Mobile Phones, Tablets, Desktops, Laptops and specialized Headsets. In comparison, Virtual Reality solely relies on the user wearing some sort of headset with a screen inside. Therefore, a Augmented Reality concept can be developed for a range of devices. Therefore, it could potentially be made available for a wider audience of people.

Secondly, Augmented Reality experiences can be developed for a more sociable experience. A recent shining example which has surfaced is the mobile phone application Pokemon Go. This mobile game uses augmented reality to encourage people to explore their real world environment to catch as many of the beloved Pokemon characters as possible. The game is a huge success, and has brought people together. To train the Pokemon, the users have to visit “Pokemon Gyms,” which are situated in real life places of interest. It has had a huge impact on society, and is a raging success. Proving the potential and benefits of Augmented Reality. In comparison, Virtual Reality experiences are more likely to be antisocial. It is not designed for mobility, unlike Augmented Reality, and completely encloses the user in the virtual world. Therefore, Virtual Reality could only promote social interaction through using internet connections between people. It’s designed to be a tailored, personal experience with only the user wearing the headset being able to fully experience the application.

I also feel that the Augmented Reality experience is naturally better at promoting productivity. Google recently conducted research for implementing Augmented Reality for the mass market. Although “Google Glass” was a failure in the end. I feel that it explored some interesting points, which other companies might choose to incorporate into their own devices further down the line. The prototype demonstration video google published showed a number of features such as navigation, google searches, voice calls, taking photos and videos etc. The features it demonstrated seemed extremely useful and it acted as an extension of the user, as opposed to engulfing the user in their world like Virtual Reality does. I felt like the demonstration summed up the big vision for these companies in providing its audience with their own personal assistant. And in truth, the headset/glasses seemed to provide a much better, more natural delivery system than any of the current smartphones and smartwatches.

When assessing Virtual Reality, my thoughts are that its current potential is in media and it lacks productivity. Some people might argue it has productive values as it can be used for simulations to train people in using equipment safely etc. But, my view is that an augmented reality headset is much more capable and could be used in a vast number of different industries. I feel that, because Augmented Reality provides a natural extension to a persons day to day life. Furthermore, it will be easier for people to understand and adopt into their lives faster. This is why Augmented Reality has the greater potential to succeed.