Virtual reality set to explode into our lives
VIRTUAL reality is about to go mainstream, and its journey into your lounge room began two days ago.
This is the prognosis of industry experts who claim Sony’s PlayStation VR headset will be the catalyst for a genuine virtual reality revolution in our homes, with more than 3.3 million used in Australia by 2020.
But while video games will ignite the trend, virtual reality is already showing signs of spreading into more fields, with the Gold Coast at the forefront of trialling new technology in everything from real estate sales to theme park rides.
Sony launched its $550 PlayStation VR headset in Australia on Thursday, with early shipments sold out before they even arrived in stores. Video game chains are now taking orders for the second round, due to arrive next month.
Telsyte managing director Foad Fadaghi says its popularity is not surprising, and predicts further sellouts.
“We think about 50,000 (PlayStation VR headsets) will be sold this calendar year and we think it will sell out again,” he says.
“We think it will be the number one choice for serious VR users for a number of reasons.”
Sony’s first advantage is having more than one million PlayStation 4 consoles already installed in Australia and ready for the VR headset, Mr Fadaghi says.
Its second advantage is detailed, immersive graphics compared to smartphone headsets, like Google Cardboard, without the difficulty of upgrading a PC as is the case with the more expensive Oculus Rift ($US599).
“While PC-based virtual reality systems might have better graphics, the cost of upgrading a PC video card often is a huge barrier for people taking that step into VR,” he says.
“This will be the easiest way to get head-tracking, advanced VR. And you’ll have some major game franchises available.”
At launch, PlayStation VRcompatible games will include Eve: Valkyrie, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, and Driveclub VR.
The PlayStation VR headset is large but sits comfortably on the head, leaving room for spectacles, though it must remain connected to the console with a cord during use.
Inside this headset, users can experience games with a 360-degree field of view, and can simply move their head to change their perspective. In Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, for example, zombies rush at players from all sides.
Mr Fadaghi says mobile VR headsets have already been a gateway to virtual reality adoption, but Sony’s move will be the reason “VR sales will really explode in 2017 and 2018,” reaching more than 3.3 million sales in Australia by 2020.
Virtual reality’s influence is unlikely to stop at games. Dreamworld recently announced limited virtual reality trials on its Mick Doohan Motorcoaster ride.
Dubbed SkyRider, users can sign up to watch a virtual reality game in a Samsung Gear VR headset while racing around the rollercoaster’s tracks. The game is due for an official launch later this year.
The technology is also being used by companies like Scann3d to give potential apartment buyers a chance to virtually look inside off-theplan homes yet to be built.
We think about 50,000 PlayStation VR headsets will be sold this calendar year FOAD FADAGHI