I guess so, unfortunately I think it might be one of those things that doesn't take off like everyone thinks it will. VR is better than 3D technology - but take 3D TV's as an example, a lot of manufacturers are not bothering with it now. If someone could invent some sort of technology in which you wouldn't need glasses to watch the 3D TV, it would probably be more popular.
In which way would you consider getting into the industry? making hardware, games or just retailing?
In which way would you consider getting into the industry? making hardware, games or just retailing?
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Carl "Excel-Expert" Nixon
- Original Poster
- #4
If we exclude gaming, VR and AR has yet to find the killer the app that makes everyone need it. Same story with the smart watch (even Apples watch sales figures have dropped through the floor).
But as Brennerz hinted at it depends on what you want to do in that sector. Without investing millions in software and/or hardware development it is probably tool late to get involved in the developing of standards (unless you have a killer design for something that will turn the market upside down).
There maybe some mileage in renting out the kit. No one really wants to fork out hundreds of pounds just to experience VR but you will find people willing to pay £20 to hire one for a week.
But as Brennerz hinted at it depends on what you want to do in that sector. Without investing millions in software and/or hardware development it is probably tool late to get involved in the developing of standards (unless you have a killer design for something that will turn the market upside down).
There maybe some mileage in renting out the kit. No one really wants to fork out hundreds of pounds just to experience VR but you will find people willing to pay £20 to hire one for a week.
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There's a lot of products in development for both of the top 2 that The Byre mentioned. You want a small niche with little competition and no cash, avoid those 2. If you want a small slice of the big pie, jump into one of those, though I'm thinking rentals in #2 is probably something to avoid, unless you're a great cleaner.
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It has already been done and released in commercial TVs by Toshiba. Problem is that you have to sit very still at 90 degrees to the centre of the TV for it to work, move your head or sit off to the left or right and the effect is lost...
John
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I've recently been to a few events where VR has been the main attraction for a load of stands. It is going to get bigger but I then I said that a few years ago about smart watches as @Carl "Excel-Expert" Nixon says!
I wouldn't bet against VR becoming a 2 or 3 horse race between Sony / Samsung .et.al so to compete with hardware is a no go. Renting could be the place to be - there are already a number of gaming lounges and cafes etc inc Pitch contestant 'Alt Gaming' in Nottingham that have dedicated rooms to hire for VR.
I wouldn't bet against VR becoming a 2 or 3 horse race between Sony / Samsung .et.al so to compete with hardware is a no go. Renting could be the place to be - there are already a number of gaming lounges and cafes etc inc Pitch contestant 'Alt Gaming' in Nottingham that have dedicated rooms to hire for VR.
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I think the rental market will be good for a while yet. We supply lots of customers with large numbers of headsets for a fraction of the cost of actually buying them.
As time goes on I'm sure more and more people will buy them but I think as long as the technology is popular the hire market will always be there.
TVs can be bought cheaply these days yet the AV hire industry is still thriving.
As time goes on I'm sure more and more people will buy them but I think as long as the technology is popular the hire market will always be there.
TVs can be bought cheaply these days yet the AV hire industry is still thriving.
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Carl "Excel-Expert" Nixon
- Original Poster
- #21
I would guess a £50 headset would be little better than the Google Cardboard model and not capable of playing any real games or applications.
I think the big game changer on the horizon is Microsoft - their Hololens looks amazing and I think they already have their killer app in Minecraft. (Its just a theory but I suspect that is why they spend so much on buying the game and getting it in to as many hands as possible - People playing Minecraft on the PS4 are going to want to play it on Hololens and may make the switch)
I personally think AR will be bigger than VR as it (a) has more applications and (b) it doesnt shut you off from the rest of the world
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I thought MineCraft died just before Pokemon Go came out. Regardless, anyone trying to take the high end of the market is going to have to dislodge Oculus Rift which has massive first mover advantage in that space.
Do you really want to be renting to the rage-quit, throw the controllers and headsets crowd? Who else is going to want one and rent it, rather than buying it?
Do you really want to be renting to the rage-quit, throw the controllers and headsets crowd? Who else is going to want one and rent it, rather than buying it?
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The Byre
- Original Poster
- #26
Well, there is a whole range of large fairs dedicated to VR, the Siggraph in particular, which happens 30th July in LA. The CeBIT in March has a very large VR and AR section (over 100 exhibitors!) and is always worth a visit, if you have the stamina to schlepp round 24+ huge halls and can find somewhere to stay within 100 km of Hanover! http://www.cebit.de/en/news/topic/virtual-reality/
Headset prices are going to hit $199 for tethered by that time, so get ready for a surge in demand!
Headset prices are going to hit $199 for tethered by that time, so get ready for a surge in demand!
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The Byre
- Original Poster
- #30
Just remember that the CeBIT is HUGE - hundreds of thousands of people and many thousands of stands, with business opportunities lying strewn on every corner. You will need somewhere to stay and finding that ain't easy. If I go there, I have friends in Hanover, but if that were not the case, I would hire a camper van or take my estate car and sleep in that. Hotels at that time are booked YEARS in advance! For large companies like HP, SAP and IBM, they invest millions into a stand and build whole office blocks inside the halls with open tops for VIPs.
It is on for five days and you will need all five to see everything just once.
It is on for five days and you will need all five to see everything just once.
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Carl "Excel-Expert" Nixon
- Original Poster
- #31
Nope, still going very strong. Its now on almost every platform going and still selling like crazy. The online and YouTube scene built around it, is stronger than ever. One of the biggest players and Minecraft YouTubers (Dan TDM) has just completed a sell out tour. Toy shops cant stock Minecraft merchandise quick enough and it is even used in education these days.
The demo of the Hololens version is just amazing.
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