TOP VIRTUAL REALITY INNOVATIONS IN CHINA’S SHOPPING MARKET

Virtual Reality used to be the stuff of science fiction. Today, we know it is no longer a pipe dream. Current generation VR Technology uses “VR Headsets” to render computer-generated environments, which are also used in conjunction with the physical environment the VR user is in and the objects around the user.

In the international scene, the top 4 Chinese tech giants Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, and JD.com are making waves in the tech industry by bringing the power of Virtual Reality to the hands of the average consumer. With their affordable prices and superb quality, they are revolutionizing the VR Scene, thus bringing a better shopping experience to the consumers.

Here are the Top Virtual Reality Innovations in China’s Shopping Market:

Alibaba’s Buy+ VR
The tech conglomerate’s most notable innovation is the launch of their Alibaba buy+ VR platform, which utilizes virtual reality technology to enhance the average shopping experience. The VR Platform allows consumers to shop items in a virtual mall as if they were on the physical location itself.

The best thing about it is that the purchases they make happen in real time — thanks to Alibaba VR Pay, which makes it easy to purchase products instantly. You don’t even need a pricey VR Headset like the oculus rift to navigate the virtual mall. Alibaba’s Virtual Reality Glasses are very affordable and support fully all the features of the VR Platform. They have also integrated Catch the Cat, an augmented reality game wherein the users’ reward for catching the cat is getting great deals for their VR Products on the shopping platform. This brings fun and enjoyment into the equation.

They also have the Magic Mirror VR App where the user can apply makeup and Virtual Reality Fitting Rooms where you can try out different clothing brands. Both are seamlessly integrated into their VR Shopping Platform which further enhances the average shopper experience.

Tencent VR headset
With the release Tencent’s latest innovation in the tech industry, the Tencent VR headset is set to overtake the cyber market this year. The headset is expected to support a wide array of applications and focuses on several platforms like the PC, Video Game Consoles, and Android.

The headset also features support for Live Streaming, Movie, and TV show streaming and is expected to gain a strong foothold in the entertainment market. Tencent has also made several strategic investments in VR companies like AltSpaceVR and Skydance Media. This is the move they need to break through the gaming and entertainment market. Once they do this, they can take the lead in developing a virtual reality ecosystem to improve collaboration between developers and consumers alike.

JD.com AR/VR styling station
JD.com launched a virtual reality styling station that allows the user to try on any brand of makeup they please before they make an online purchase. The users can try on different products like lipsticks, eyebrow pencils, blush-on, and the like. This has been a cutting-edge addition to the beauty industry since the common qualm of the average shopper is their inability to test out the products physically when shopping online. All the features of the styling station come fully integrated with their online shopping platform.

According to Carol Fung, president and CEO of JD.com, the goal of the JD.com AR/VR styling station is to give customers a truly interactive and personalized experience while adding the benefit of having the consumers’ product just a few clicks away in the comfort of their own home.

Baidu VR products
The tech giant Baidu with their Iqiyi VR Headsets line launched Qiyu VR II, one of the most sophisticated gadgets in the market today. The device can play 4k and 8k panoramic videos and has cutting edge motion sensors, media playback functionality, and can run modern Interactive VR Games.

Their Vivi VR assistant similar to Apple’s Siri and Microsoft’s Cortana has been the craze lately. This virtual reality assistant is included in their VR Headsets line of products, and it comes with a plethora of common features like answering queries, making suggestions to the user, and setting your schedule. It also boasts advanced features in their newer versions that can flirt with the user and interact sporadically. This update is expected to target male individuals from 18 to 35 years old.

Conclusion
In conclusion, With China’s Shopping Market taking the lead globally, the VR Industry is booming right now more than ever. The tech industry is an ever expanding market with technological advancements underway every single day. Thus, tech companies will need to adjust and take the bull by the horns or suffer the risk of getting left behind by the competition in this fast-paced industry.