Mankind's need to constantly be engaged, occupied and distracted proves to be an endless feat, with most of us wanting to be somewhere other than where we are now. It is a deep-rooted unsatisfaction, but one that can be quelled by none other than immersive technology.
With vast and sporadic technological advancements throughout the decade, the lines between fantasy and reality are becoming blurred more than ever before. The introduction of immersive tech such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) are changing business models and the ways in which people see, perceive and interact.
An array of immersive technologies are said to be on the roll-out for mass commercial use. Whilst consumers will have the opportunity to choose and then engage with such products, this will also be a game-changer for entertainment, film, tourism and e-commerce industries.
Market-research firm IDC predicts that global AR/VR spending will reach USD 160 billion by 2023.
Immersive technologies essentially extends the user's physical world setting by thrusting them into a digital environment. From Facebook's Oculus headsets, to their soon-to-be-launched Ray Ban Smart Glasses with AR, both big tech companies and startups are investing in AR and VR solutions across a range of sectors.
Virtual Reality creates a simulated environment via a device called the head-mounted display (HMD). It offers a 360 degree view based on where the application transports you to. The founder of Delhi based startup KlipVR, Rishi Ahuja said, "VR can fill gaps in the current learning and development routine. Simulations of the solar system, car engines and the moon can help students learn better with VR".
Alternatively, Augmented Reality builds on the real-world experience. AR related projects are working towards improving the user's performance and task-handling abilities by helping customers with shopping experiences, socialising or even working habits.
There are a few common applications of AR that we use today without even realising, such as Google Maps and Google Lens. Google maps places a set of digital directions on top of actual settings whilst Google Lens identifies an object, produces all the essential details about it, and relays it back to you.
With that in mind, Mixed Reality will take the immersive experience to new heights, serving as the computer of the future. It is tough to ascertain where exactly our relationship with technology and the digital sphere will stand in years to come but it is safe to say that this evolving dynamic with immersive tech will transform societal norms as well as our day-to-day, routine functions.
Published 13th August 2021 | 4:00 pm