Virtual reality (VR) has been a tantalizing concept for decades, often hailed as the “next big thing” in tech. From the clunky VR headsets of the ’90s to Meta pouring billions into the metaverse, VR has promised a fully immersive digital experience like no other. Are VR and AR ready to fulfill their potential, or is it still too early?
Meta’s recent Meta Connect 2024 event announced significant upgrades to their immersive technology ecosystem. This includes the new Quest 3S headset and a deeper push into AR with their Orion glasses. It seems like VR and AR are once again on the verge of mainstream adoption. But for creators, founders, and innovators, the question remains: Are these technologies ready for their moment, or are we still a few years too early?
The Early Days of VR and AR: From Sci-Fi Fantasy to Clunky Reality
VR’s origins date back to the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the early ’90s that the concept really entered mainstream consciousness. Nintendo’s Virtual Boy flopped due to poor graphics, uncomfortable design, and causing motion sickness. These early attempts at VR were plagued by technical limitations that made them more of a gimmick than a revolution.
Fast forward to the 2010s, when Oculus (now owned by Meta) reignited the fire with the Oculus Rift. For the first time, VR felt more tangible. The graphics were better, the experiences more immersive, and the applications wider. Sony, HTC, and Valve entered the VR market, believing its breakthrough moment had finally arrived. Yet, even as the hardware improved, VR struggled to gain mass adoption.
Meanwhile, AR began to make its mark with smartphone applications like Pokémon GO and early smart glasses like Google Glass. AR promised to overlay digital information onto the real world, offering a different kind of immersive experience. Despite the initial excitement, AR devices faced challenges similar to VR: high costs, bulky hardware, and limited practical applications.
Why Real Reality Still Outshines VR and AR—For Now
As of 2024, real reality still outshines virtual and augmented reality in most people’s daily lives. Despite significant investments from companies like Meta, most consumers haven’t embraced VR and AR as daily necessities. Headsets and smart glasses are still relatively bulky, expensive, and not something people are eager to wear for long periods. Plus, real-life interactions, social connections, and experiences are still more appealing than what current VR and AR can offer.
Meta has tried to change that narrative with the Quest 3S VR headset and the introduction of the Orion AR glasses, showcased during the Meta Connect 2024 event. The Orion glasses stand out, resembling normal glasses while being packed with advanced technology. They feature custom Micro LED projectors that beam graphics onto silicon carbide lenses, offering a 70-degree field of view. Controlled by a neural wristband that reads neural signals for hand gestures, they represent Meta’s vision of the future.
Due to high $10,000 production costs, Meta has delayed releasing Orion as a consumer product for now. Despite advancements, the question remains: Are users ready to spend significant time in virtual or augmented environments? According to data from Statista, the VR and AR markets, while growing, still struggle with user retention. Users often find these technologies exciting at first but then lose interest, reverting back to familiar apps and platforms that don’t require wearing additional devices.
This reality check is crucial for creators, founders, and businesses. The question shouldn’t be just “How can we use VR and AR?” but “How can we use them meaningfully?”. There’s no denying the immersive power of these technologies, but without widespread practical applications, their appeal remains niche.
The Potential of VR and AR for Creators: Why It’s Still Worth Watching
Despite these challenges, VR and AR have enormous potential, especially for creators. As the technology evolves, its applications in content creation, entertainment, and even education are becoming clearer. Here’s why creators should keep VR and AR on their radar:
- Content Creation and Storytelling: VR and AR offer unparalleled opportunities for immersive storytelling. Unlike traditional media, these technologies allow users to experience content from within the environment. Meta’s Orion glasses, for example, enable users to interact with “holograms” overlaid on the real world. Imagine playing a virtual game of Pong in your living room or experiencing a film where you’re part of the scene. This could revolutionize how filmmakers, artists, and creators build deeper emotional connections with their audiences.
- Virtual and Augmented Events and Collaboration: The COVID-19 pandemic normalized remote work and virtual events, but platforms like Zoom can only go so far. VR and AR can take virtual meetings to the next level, creating spaces where participants feel truly present. Meta is investing heavily in this area, developing virtual meeting spaces that replicate the dynamics of in-person collaboration. For creators looking to host events or offer virtual experiences, this is a field ripe for innovation.
- Educational and Training Applications: Beyond entertainment, VR and AR have the potential to revolutionize education and professional training. Medical students can practice surgeries, architects can showcase 3D models, and teachers can bring history to life virtually. The Orion glasses’ ability to overlay digital information onto the physical world opens up new possibilities for interactive learning.
- Interactive Advertising: For brands and marketers, VR and AR offer a whole new world of possibilities. Imagine creating fully interactive ads where users can “walk” through a branded virtual environment or see products overlaid in their real-world surroundings. Brands like Nike and Coca-Cola have already dabbled in virtual reality marketing, and the trend is likely to grow as the technology improves.
How Creators Can Leverage VR and AR to Stay Ahead in Tech
For creators and founders, the key to staying ahead in the tech space is understanding how to leverage emerging technologies—like VR and AR—before they go mainstream. While devices like Meta’s Orion glasses aren’t available to consumers yet, the groundwork is being laid for a future where these technologies play a significant role in everyday life. Here’s how creators can get started:
- Explore VR and AR Platforms: Begin experimenting with VR platforms like Meta’s Horizon Worlds or AR experiences available on smartphones. These are spaces where early adopters are already creating and consuming content. Learn the tools, familiarize yourself with the audience, and explore the types of content that resonate.
- Integrate VR and AR into Existing Projects: If you’re a creator working in film, design, or gaming, consider how you can integrate VR and AR into your current projects. Even if your audience isn’t fully on board with these technologies yet, offering VR and AR-compatible content can give you an edge and attract early adopters who are.
- Collaborate with VR and AR Developers: As a content creator, you may not need to build VR and AR environments from scratch. Consider collaborating with developers who can help bring your vision to life. By leveraging their expertise, you can focus on your strengths while still creating cutting-edge content.
- Stay Informed on VR and AR Trends: The landscape is evolving quickly, and major announcements—like those from Meta—are shaping the future of the technology. Keep up with VR and AR trends by following tech news, attending related conferences, and engaging with developer communities. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to take advantage of the opportunities these technologies present.
Future Projections of VR and AR’s Role in Everyday Life
So, is VR and AR too early to the party, or are we just in time for their breakout moment? The answer lies somewhere in between. While virtual and augmented reality have yet to reach their full potential, the groundwork is being laid for a future where they play a significant role in everyday life.
For creators, this means that the time to start exploring VR and AR is now. As companies like Meta continue to refine the technology and integrate AI—like their Meta AI assistant—into VR and AR devices, the gap between the digital and physical worlds will shrink. Mark Zuckerberg envisions a future where AR glasses become as ubiquitous as smartphones, offering endless possibilities for content creation, collaboration, and innovation.
For now, the key is to stay informed, experiment, and prepare for the coming wave of virtual experiences. Whether these technologies become a core part of your creative toolbox or remain a niche interest, understanding their potential will help you stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.