Virtual Reality – Not Just For Gaming

Virtual Reality

Three weeks ago I bought the Oculus Rift DK2, not just because I think it’s cool (which I do) but because I honestly believe computer monitors are going to look like ancient technology ten years from now. If there is one word I could use to describe the virtual reality experience it would be immersive. Virtual Reality isn’t just for gaming or touring beautiful scenery from the comfort of your desk, it will soon represent a very viable alternative to getting in your car, driving to the mall, and shopping in a physical store.

It might sound crazy now but it’s actually not that crazy, even now. According to VentureBeat two-thirds of consumers say they’d like to shop using Oculus.

With Oculus, which Facebook bought last year for $2 billion, there’s plenty of reason to think shopping can be a richer experience. That’s because users can see a highly-detailed 3D visualization of just about anything. In a way, it’s ideal for looking at products without having to go anywhere. (Source – VentureBeat)

Now let me be clear, I don’t think that Virtual Reality is going to turn us all into hermits that avoid human contact and sit at home hiking the Andes in our PJs, but I do think that I’d rather shop from home on a Saturday then drive to the mall. Over the next few years we are going to start to see some very impressive shopping experiences delivered through VR and I can tell you that I’ll be one of the first to try them.

What about you? Would you shop via Oculus or do you still like the good old fashioned mall experience?

Morgan Linton

Morgan Linton