Is VR ready for the masses now? Thanks to Google.
I’m guessing you’ve heard of Virtual reality before right? Probably. Because every tech site is talking it, companies are being founded with it solely in mind and huge companies such as Facebook and Google are investing.
Last year, Google announced it’s “Expeditions” programme to take ‘students on virtual field trips’ using their cheap VR Goggles, Google Cardboard. Since it’s launch last September, over 11 Million school children all over the world have experienced tours of places like the Eiffel Tower or Buckingham Palace, despite their geographical location or family income.
That’s great, but what about the rest of us I hear you say? I agree. I tried Google Expeditions at a Virtual Reality event, VRUK Festival, in February of this year and it’s great! Obviously the quality isn’t there, and Oculus and HTC Vive have the upper hand, but for the small price tag and ease of use, this could be a winner for the everyday person!
Yesterday, Google announced that finally, after months of VR fans begging that they would release Expeditions to the masses. But what does this mean, is it a step in the right direction for virtual reality finally becoming more mainstream and part of our everyday lives? Probably not. Not right now, the uses are slightly gimmicky. Buckingham Palace is cool in 360 images for sure, but right now Google is going to have to find practical uses for them to win the war of VR.
Although they won the battle because we’re all just happy we can experience Buckingham Palace in VR.
Tom Sharman — Social Media Strategist, Ogilvy Labs.
Come and experience new technologies and innovations at our very own lab day on 6th July 2016. Tweet us to find out more: @Ogilvy_Lon_Lab.
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