Is mixed reality really going to be a thing?
There’s a lot of talk in the IT industry about mixed reality. Microsoft even announced that it’s newest SharePoint update will include AI capabilities and mixed reality experiences.
And with the expansion of VR gadgets into a broad variety of industries, it seems like mixed reality just might catch on.
In construction, for instance, this technology offers great resources for professionals to design, build, and operate. It also helps customers have a better understanding of the project by directly interacting with it. For example, VR tech allows potential home buyers to walk through the buildings before they’re even built.
Likewise, in the medical field surgeons are beginning to use VR headsets to practice especially sensitive and technical surgeries before performing the operations on patients.
And yet, in spite of its potential, some people still doubt that mixed reality will stick around in the long run. And here’s why.
We’ve been wrong before
Remember when we thought 3D televisions were going to be a thing? Or when we thought that interactive video gaming was going to replace the traditional experience?
Well, we were wrong.
Which makes it easy to doubt the potential of mixed reality, especially when it requires a heavy and not-so-practical gadget. But while VR devices might not be the best gadget for gaming experiences (yet), we still think that they might still be a great resource for businesses.
Why mixed reality might be different
While it may be tempting to pigeon-hole mixed reality to sectors such as engineering, architecture, landscaping, and others that often require designing and prototyping, it’s application has the potential to be much broader. Mixed-reality allows for the simulation of real-life scenarios, which could make it useful for VR remote training of new employees, and can enhance communication and collaboration through virtual environments, both of which are relevant to almost every industry.
Imagine being able to train for a new job from the comfort of your own home. Or meeting with business partners around the world in a virtual conference room. These just scratch the surface of the many uses of mixed reality in the enhancement of the workplace.
Additionally, mixed reality can also be a very powerful marketing tool, since it allows a real-life engaging experience for potential clients. If you really want to “awe” your target-audience, mixed-reality might just be the way to go. Audi is going so far as to provide dealers with VR kits to help clients visualize what cars will look like and decide how they would like to customize their vehicle before purchasing.
What are your thoughts on this technology? Leave your opinion in the comments section!
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