2017 was a good year for virtual reality, but 2018 should be the start of true democratization. Many technological advances have been made, and we should see new headsets emerge, much more accessible than the previous ones and more practical to use. You might not want to come back to the real world after this…
VR / VR, a technology that is gaining ground
At the end of 2017, the prices of headsets such as the HTC Vive, the Oculus Rift and the Playstation VR saw a significant drop, in particular because of competition from Windows Mixed Reality headsets, offered at much higher prices. affordable.
There are also more and more video game rooms integrating virtual reality and there is a real enthusiasm among the public to test these new experiences. It must be said that complete immersion in a fantastic universe is bound to make you dream.
Especially since the fluidity problems have been gradually resolved, and today, players who still experience some nausea or headache problems are fewer and fewer in number. In short, technology adapts better and better to the desires of users, who ask for nothing better.
The advent of wireless headsets for virtual reality
For the home, however, headsets remain quite expensive, and you need either a games console or a powerful computer to use them. On top of that, a cable always drags at our feet and it regularly takes the player out of immersion. It’s good, but far from perfect, especially for the price.
2018 should put an end to this frustration, as all manufacturers and new competitors arrive with wireless and completely autonomous VR headsets. The computer is directly integrated into the headset, as well as the sensors, and a battery allows us to play for several hours without needing to plug in anywhere.
The Oculus Go is one of the most anticipated models, and Facebook has just announced its release for May 2018. Its price will not exceed $200, which is clearly more accessible than the first molding. The main competitor, the HTC Vive Focus, will also be released this year in Europe. It is already available in China for around $550.
These headsets seem to be much more anticipated and their ease of use will inevitably convince additional users. At the same time, adapters were developed to allow the first headsets (Oculus Rift and HTC Vive) to be used without needing to plug them in either. It’s rather nice for early aficionados, who did not hesitate to invest significant sums.
More and more virtual reality applications
Wireless headsets are not the only new things to emerge in 2018. New games for arcades are being developed, now with the possibility of playing with up to 4 players in the same arena. A good way to challenge your friends in merciless fights or to work as a team to advance in the game. The first images of the new opus of Arizona Sunshine are truly astonishing in their realism and immersion.
Sport should also be in the spotlight. The Black Box VR was, for example, presented at CES 2018 in Las Vegas. It is a bodybuilding machine, equipped with a virtual reality headset. The user finds himself facing an opponent or a coach, in a fitness room. He must make as much effort as possible to move forward in the adventure. A good way to motivate yourself to do sports without leaving home. At the same time, boxer Mayweather offers his VR application, so that the player follows the same training as the undefeated multiple world champion.
Finally, we impatiently await the evolution of NextVR, the leader in 360-degree events. The application broadcasts football matches, concerts, the NBA, etc. We could already have the impression of being in the room, but now we will be able to move a few meters. A good way to dance around a singer or run with our favorite basketball player.
In short, 2018 should bring us high-quality content for virtual reality, especially since the American giant Intel has just launched its own 2,300 m² studio, dedicated exclusively to the creation of VR content. Paramount studios have also joined forces with the project. If reality is not always magnificent, the virtual should bring us some satisfaction!
