this post was submitted on 21 Jul 2023
37 points (100.0% liked)
Technology
19 readers
2 users here now
This magazine is dedicated to discussions on the latest developments, trends, and innovations in the world of technology. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a developer, or simply curious about the latest gadgets and software, this is the place for you. Here you can share your knowledge, ask questions, and engage in discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and more. From the impact of technology on society to the ethical considerations of new technologies, this category covers a wide range of topics related to technology. Join the conversation and let's explore the ever-evolving world of technology together!
founded 2 years ago
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
I'll just come out and say it, VR is a neat trick but doesn't solve any problems people have with computers.
Most people have zero interest in wearing screens on their head and cutting themselves off from the outside world.
Further once you've strapped it on and played a couple rounds of beat saber there's not much to do with it.
Consumer VR as currently envisioned is not going going to ever get out of the niche it's in.
As an OOOOLD geek who has listened to the promise of VR for decades, it's AR I'm excited about. Give me lightweight glasses that provide an overlay to interact with either everything or even only specific things and I am so there.
I don't mean something like Google Glass, I mean more like an affordable, compact Hololens. (and I hate MS, but damn Hololens is cool)
Edit: I probably used a couple too many 'O's there. I'm OOLD, not OOOOLD yet. ;-)
Had the opportunity to try out and develop for the hololens 2. I don't dig it at all. It's still big, has a tiny field of view, and when I compare it to VR, it's so much less immersive. Not that it's not impressive technology - it totally is. The best IMO would probably be a mix of both - high FOV, direct, no-camera passthrough that can be blacked out on demand. Meanwhile, VR is king, although a bit of a niche because of all the setup, required room etc.
I was just using it as the only example I know of that has really demonstrated some of what AR can do. I agree (based only on what I've seen) that it's not ready for primetime, and plus it's expensive.
However - my son has a Quest 2, we've played it, I love it. But whereas I can't imagine wanting to spend my day in VR all day every day, even if it were smaller and lighter, I would LOVE to reach the point before I die where everyone has some normal looking glasses (or even contacts) that are adding a functional or decorative (but mostly functional) layer over everything they do all day long - that seems both useful and futuristic in a way that could be a paradigm shift as big or bigger than smartphones were.
VR is cool, it's fun, and I'm sure it will get cooler and more fun - but while I am guessing it really will finally revolutionize gaming someday, and may also revolutionize very specific industrial or medical uses, AR seems (to me) like it's got a lot more potential to become ubiquitous and life-changing for more people in more circumstances.