Consider it an online disappointment. Perhaps it’s almost unsurprising. Let me say that I was a bit surprised.
No matter what pun you pick whatever you prefer, no matter what you decide to call it, the virtual reality sector has an explanation to make following the Consumer Electronics Show where the largest announcements for new products could be classified by the term “more of the same.”
Think about the computer maker Lenovo who showed off its VR headset, whose main benefit is that it’s priced lower than rivals like those priced at $599 like the Oculus Rift from Facebook or the $799 HTC Vive and HTC Vive however, Lenovo isn’t formally discussing pricing yet and the prototype on display does not actually function.
There’s another company, Osterhout Design Group, which showcased brand new smart glasses that run Google’s Android phone software, and with the most recent chips made by Qualcomm. The glasses were expected to be the most recent entry into the realm of AR also known as augmented reality that overlays computer-generated images on the reality you’re in. (Think Pokemon Go.) However, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’d confused the game with the previous model even though they’re promising superior performance and graphics. It’s expected to launch in mid-year with a price of $1500.
Then Intel, the world’s biggest chipmaker who is working on the company’s personal VR headset held a talk with nearly a year-old Oculus devices. Facebook’s Oculus.
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If you rely on CES to showcase the latest technology, then VR was basically a non-event.
“It is concerning that people haven’t invented as many cool things to do with VR,” said Gartner analyst Brian Blau, on the fringes of CES close to those exploring gadgets such as intelligent lock locks with fingerprint sensors, and this year’s redesign of the multi-function remote control, which appeared like it was a lot like the model from last year.
Ian Paul, chief information officer of the adult entertainment company Naughty America, said he’s worried that there doesn’t appear to be a genuine initiative from the creators of content, in contrast to his rivals in the game and video gaming industry. This means it’s difficult to find interesting material, which is often the reason people find it increasingly. “You don’t have a rabbit hole experience in VR,” he explained.
However, he’s not too concerned about the fact that there’s not a lot of energy directed towards VR hardware devices at this year’s event. Blau reiterated his sentiment by saying that the investment in hardware will likely occur in the coming years. “There may not be an iPhone-like aha moment for VR,” Blau said.
A major reason for this is the fact that after years of advanced demos, people’s expectations have shifted, said Lisa Zhao, co-founder of Chinese motion sensor company LYRobotix. “Average users, they want the perfect glasses now,” she explained. “That’s not how technology advances.”
Slow progress following huge hype
For a long time, VR was little more than a distant dream being relegated to the realm of stories, Hollywood props, and a handful of hardware geeks. However, that all was changed in 2012, as the company Oculus received attention for its promising high-quality, affordable goggles. Facebook purchased Oculus in 2012 for $2 billion.
