Is VR the next 3D?

Recently, hype surrounding virtual reality has really picked up. Numerous headsets have been announced. After decades of virtual reality being the future, we have moved one step. Well, not really.


Virtual reality is the concept where you can simulate being in a virtual world. What we are seeing is head-mounted displays being marketed as virtual reality. Proper virtual reality should translate your actions to the virtual world. Most of these devices require separate controllers that will ensure that people don't really get lost in the fact that the world is fake.

This new batch of head-mounted displays is essentially the latest version of 3D. Functionally, these devices don't have a lot to add. Instead, they are focusing on a more advanced display.

The question with this pseudo-VR craze is simple. Will the mainstream pick these displays over their television sets? I feel that most people will fit one of two categories.

The category that will benefit the most are people who refuse to admit to themselves when they waste money. They will force themselves to like head-mounted displays no matter what.

The other category is more open to honest evaluations. They might like the novelty at first, but that will wear off. Ultimately, they are not going to want to wear their television sets when all the functionality already exists simply by turning on a standard set. They will get bored with these devices.

Overall, I don't expect to see much from the current virtual reality phase. From a practicality perspective, they simply don't offer enough for the mainstream to enjoy wearing the devices. Much like 3D, there will likely be multiple attempts that fizzle out, and virtual reality will remain an expected part of our future. After this group of products, we will still be left wondering when virtual reality will finally arrive.