Not a bad start for a technology that should have costed less. People complain that this is way too expensive, but every new thing costs a lot even if it is “just a bunch of sensors with a display”.
The more interesting question is if VR can fill more than some niches?
Nothing profound. Just a sense that there is no real impediment to the progression of technology from today's clunky form factor to something unobtrusive.
You don't have to look beyond the spread of the cell phone to see that there would be a huge demand for an "immersive iphone".
Google glasses failed not just for technological reasons. There are lots of people who are just not keen to wear glasses, or watches for that matter. I doubt we will see a future where everyone is walking with a giant cooking pot on their head.
I can see some common usage, like working in a plane. You can face a giant spreadsheet that you only can see. For 3d modelling this will be certainly useful.
Is it going to change significantly our way of life like mobile phones did? I can't see how.
You're likely to look back with a bit of a chuckle about not having seen it coming. Just my guess of course, i've been wrong before.
Google glasses were still way too clunky; ubiquity may not happen in earnest until the technology comes as contact lenses. That's still science fiction, but far from impossible. And many of us wear glasses already, so wearing something discrete that doesn't look as ridiculous as google glasses did, would already be embraced.
There is a huge opportunity for such tech to change our life as much as the cell phone. Discrete heads up display with instructions for new objects, forgotten names, dates, places etc.. Beautiful, personalized artwork and decor at the office and home. The list is endless.
Contact lenses for VR/AR? Given the complaints that I hear from my wife each time she has to wear contact lenses, I really doubt that this would be popular..
Nice looking "VR sunglasses", this could become widespread, yes.
I am sure that models in 10 years will not be these huge plastic pieces but they will nevertheless cover the eyes to overlay anything useful. I don't like wearing glasses or anything else on my head. I don't think that will change.
> I don't like wearing glasses or anything else on my head. I don't think that will change.
As you get older, you will likely develop presbyopia, and, at some point, get comfortable with glasses.
And for the 30-40% (in Europe+USA [1]) of people who (unlike you) are already near-sighted and are thus already wearing glasses anyway (unless they have contact lenses), VR glasses shouldn't be a problem.
I was wearing glasses for years when I decided I'd rather not see perfectly and not have to wear them. I only do when driving now. Which is why I am less than excited with the perspective of having to carry more stuff on my head.
And I am sure that many people will.
I am not saying that VR headsets won't be useful. I can see a future when your laptop will basically just be a keyboard, and your VR headset your screen. Doesn't mean you will wear it all the time though.
If you look back through the history people have always said that.
People were saying headphones will never become a thing because no one likes to put something clunky like that on their head and ears. Now it has become a fashion item too.
There is an ever longer list of stillborn technologies. And just to mention some recent casualties: xbox kinect, 3d TVs, google glass.
And I am not saying VR headsets will be stillborn, I fact I even pre-ordered both the Oculus and the Vine! But I do not believe we will be wearing those all day long.
The more interesting question is if VR can fill more than some niches?