TLDR:
- Apple’s Vision Pro VR/AR headset is expected to be a major product in 2024.
- VR fitness is becoming popular, with VR headsets being used for exercise.
- Functionality is a key focus for VR and AR, with companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google working on making headsets more useful and versatile.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a role in enhancing the capabilities of VR and AR headsets, with the potential for AI-powered smart assistants.
- The goal is to make VR, AR, and smart glasses more practical and accessible to users.
Speaker 1 begins the article by discussing the current state of VR and AR technology and expresses excitement about the developments we can expect in 2024. One of the major highlights is the release of Apple’s Vision Pro VR and AR headset, which has already been demonstrated and is expected to have a significant impact on the market due to its high price tag of $3,500 and advanced features such as external camera quality and the blending of virtual and real worlds.
The article then shifts focus to the growing trend of using VR headsets for fitness purposes. The author personally experienced the benefits of VR fitness after being hospitalized with high blood pressure, using the Supernatural app on the Oculus Quest. VR fitness is seen as a practical and successful application of VR technology, highlighting the importance of functionality in this industry.
Functionality is identified as a central theme in the development of VR and AR technology. It is suggested that companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google are striving to make their headsets more than just gaming devices. For example, Apple’s Vision Pro is expected to function as a full computer, running all apps and services. Samsung and Google are also exploring similar ideas with their mixed reality devices, which could open up new possibilities for app development.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is another significant element in the future of VR and AR. AI is already playing a role in interpreting perceptual data and enhancing tracking and movement within headsets. However, there is potential for more extensive use of AI, with the possibility of using generative AI for on-the-fly graphics and incorporating AI assistants into smart glasses. This development is exemplified by the author’s experience with Meta’s RayBan Smart Glasses, which can analyze the environment and recognize objects.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the growing focus on functionality and practical applications in the VR and AR industry. The advancements made by companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google, along with the integration of AI, are expected to make VR and AR headsets more versatile and user-friendly. The goal is to make these technologies more than just gaming devices and provide users with useful features for various activities.