Will Covid-19 change the fate of virtual reality and augmented reality?

When the world reopens, it will be flooded with opportunities and tools that extended reality platforms have to offer.

  • Published On Apr 16, 2020 at 01:41 PM IST
Read by: 100 Industry Professionals
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By Nikhil Joshi

A third of humanity is in self-isolation. Billions are now at home with access to only the most basic services. In many parts of the world, people are only venturing outdoors to buy essential supplies. The remainder of their time is spent indoors.

People are social creatures who visit places like malls not only to buy products but also to socialise. Being confined to their homes goes against peoples’ social instincts. Anxiety levels among the masses are rising. People feel like prisoners in their homes; they miss not being able to step outdoors. They miss not being able to talk to friends face to face and shopping for products in showrooms.

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A Broader Behavioural Change

The Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down. Yet the virus has initiated perhaps the first stage of a good behavioural change. The lockdown in place today is unprecedented, yet its timing is fortuitous. Work in technologies like AR/VR/MR allows people to shop, talk, and socialize using these immersive platforms.

These technologies are affordable and readily available. Though people cannot satiate their social instincts in person with them, they can fulfil them virtually. The Covid-19 pandemic has likely given rise to a new phenomenon wherein many more will become reliant on tools like AR, VR, and mixed reality to work and shop.

Socially Distant, Virtually Close

Even after the lockdown ends, the behavioural change it instigated will last considerably longer if not forever. People will remain socially distant, but using technologies and extended reality they will be virtually close. These platforms and technologies will allow businesses to run and grow irrespective of the challenges posed by social distancing.

More and more people will work on smartphones. Better internet connectivity makes it possible for the masses to work online.

Time to Scale AR, VR, Mixed Reality

The time is right to scale these technologies. AR, VR, and mixed reality aren’t science fiction; they are fully developed technologies that are as reliable as laptops and smartphones. The only thing missing for their widespread adoption was an impetus to meet and shop in virtual worlds. That impetus has come with the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown.

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Shopping Virtually

One of the most pleasant ways to spend time is by shopping. With augmented reality systems, people can shop for products and see how they look inside their home. A household that wants to buy new furniture can browse a retailer’s online, virtual catalogue, select furniture it likes, and superimpose it to its intended location. Hence without leaving their house, a family can see exactly how furniture would look in their home. Products like apparel can also be selected with augmented reality systems. Shoppers can try on different clothing without the hassle of repeatedly entering changing rooms.

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Over the next few months and years, more shoppers are likely to adopt augmented reality to shop for products.

Businesses Preparing to Cater Virtual Visitors

Companies are catching on to consumers preferences by serving them virtually. Virtual events and conferences are happening with increasing frequency. Activations, product launches, and brand awareness campaigns are now hosted as live virtual events where thousands of people engage and interact.

The frequency with which virtual events, conferences, product launches, and showcases happen online is likely to increase. A simple reason for this is that the Covid-19 pandemic is causing a behavioural change that will outlast the virus itself. It has given marketers a reason to explore these tech enabled platforms and realize their fullest potential.

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A Transformation in Education

In addition to impacting the workplace, shopping, and online events, augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality will impact education as well. Millions of students across India who cannot attend school and university worry that the current lockdown and future lockdowns will adversely affect their learning.

To alleviate students' concerns, schools and colleges are likely to adopt tools that make it possible for students to learn through experiences. Among these tools, platforms like virtual reality are likely to be most widely used.

When the world reopens, it will be flooded with opportunities and tools that extended reality platforms have to offer. The masses will adopt these platforms leading to radial shift in how we work, learn, and interact with each other.

The author is Co-founder, Digital Jalebi
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETCIO.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETCIO.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.

  • Published On Apr 16, 2020 at 01:41 PM IST
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