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Anyone else think this VR stuff is going to crash and burn hard? I'm really not sure why there is so much optimism around this area, it seems way too niche to d

Anyone else think this VR stuff is going to crash and burn hard? I'm really not sure why there is so much optimism around this area, it seems way too niche to drive general trends in computing.

bduerst 10y ago
I'm on the fence because I'm biased against something that requires changing user behavior, like wearing headgear. With rehashing of 3D tv in the last few years, it was obvious that it was more of a product gimmick with manufacturers than real value. With VR, you're seeing big companies pushing into the space from a spectrum of angles, ranging from re-imagining the workspace to 3D gaming. The bigger question is whether or not VR will become commonplace before augmented reality advances enough to replace it.
- criddell 10y ago
  Other than for gaming and watching certain kinds of videos, I can't see VR (or AR) being a huge deal. I can think of all kinds of neat things that could be done with it, but the production costs are just too high and the equipment is too clunky. Even in gaming, I expect VR games will be only moderately successful.
  - bduerst 10y ago
    I can see AR taking over the workspace, where you put on an ergo headset and see a digital overlay of multiple screens.
    - criddell 10y ago
      I'd be surprised if that became a thing outside of specialized cases like doctors seeing a patients vital signs and AI advice while they operate. One thing I've expected to see more of is Second Life. I thought for sure all the VR hype would reinvigorate Second Life for things like online classes and virtual meetings.
      - bduerst 10y ago
        No way! I can totally see replacing monitors with AR glasses. Six monitors costs $1,000+, which a headset would probably be cheaper than.
artursapek 10y ago
I'm very skeptical. I think something like Voxiebox has a better chance of creating an immersive 3D experience, because it doesn't require you to hijack your senses. http://www.voxiebox.com/ http://www.voxiebox.com/
- FiatLuxDave 10y ago
  I agree with your assessment. I saw a voxiebox demonstrated at the NIAC symposium last year, and I was quite impressed. Being able to display a real-time 3D picture of my face as I made expressions was pretty cool. However, with the price point and mechanical manufacturing required for it, I don't think it will ever become mass-market in its current form. The state of the technology reminds me of the PDP-11 before PCs became a common thing; the basics are in place but it's just not quite there yet. I don't want to invest in a voxiebox, but I think I would bet strong on whatever replaces it.
  - artursapek 10y ago
    I met them and saw it at Barcade in Brooklyn about two years ago. I was blown away, but it definitely did have the Apple ][ feel. Very bulky prototype. I bet they continue to refine it though. Those guys seemed really sharp and motivated.
kirrent 10y ago
While I understand the scepticism if you've used a VR headset then you'd likely know that it's a very compelling experience in a way a 3d tv isn't. I don't know if it'll get big enough to drive trends in computing but I think its niche is likely to be large enough to be sustainable.

Anyone else think this VR stuff is going to crash and burn hard? I'm really not sure why there is so much optimism around this area, it seems way too niche to drive general trends in computing.

bduerst 10y ago

I'm on the fence because I'm biased against something that requires changing user behavior, like wearing headgear. With rehashing of 3D tv in the last few years, it was obvious that it was more of a product gimmick with manufacturers than real value. With VR, you're seeing big companies pushing into the space from a spectrum of angles, ranging from re-imagining the workspace to 3D gaming. The bigger question is whether or not VR will become commonplace before augmented reality advances enough to replace it.

criddell 10y ago
Other than for gaming and watching certain kinds of videos, I can't see VR (or AR) being a huge deal. I can think of all kinds of neat things that could be done with it, but the production costs are just too high and the equipment is too clunky. Even in gaming, I expect VR games will be only moderately successful.
- bduerst 10y ago
  I can see AR taking over the workspace, where you put on an ergo headset and see a digital overlay of multiple screens.
  - criddell 10y ago
    I'd be surprised if that became a thing outside of specialized cases like doctors seeing a patients vital signs and AI advice while they operate. One thing I've expected to see more of is Second Life. I thought for sure all the VR hype would reinvigorate Second Life for things like online classes and virtual meetings.
    - bduerst 10y ago
      No way! I can totally see replacing monitors with AR glasses. Six monitors costs $1,000+, which a headset would probably be cheaper than.

artursapek 10y ago

I'm very skeptical. I think something like Voxiebox has a better chance of creating an immersive 3D experience, because it doesn't require you to hijack your senses. http://www.voxiebox.com/ http://www.voxiebox.com/

FiatLuxDave 10y ago
I agree with your assessment. I saw a voxiebox demonstrated at the NIAC symposium last year, and I was quite impressed. Being able to display a real-time 3D picture of my face as I made expressions was pretty cool. However, with the price point and mechanical manufacturing required for it, I don't think it will ever become mass-market in its current form. The state of the technology reminds me of the PDP-11 before PCs became a common thing; the basics are in place but it's just not quite there yet. I don't want to invest in a voxiebox, but I think I would bet strong on whatever replaces it.
- artursapek 10y ago
  I met them and saw it at Barcade in Brooklyn about two years ago. I was blown away, but it definitely did have the Apple ][ feel. Very bulky prototype. I bet they continue to refine it though. Those guys seemed really sharp and motivated.

kirrent 10y ago

While I understand the scepticism if you've used a VR headset then you'd likely know that it's a very compelling experience in a way a 3d tv isn't. I don't know if it'll get big enough to drive trends in computing but I think its niche is likely to be large enough to be sustainable.