What are the most important VR trends for computer engineers to watch?

1 Immersive and interactive VR

One of the main goals of VR is to create immersive and interactive experiences that simulate real or imagined environments. To achieve this, computer engineers need to work on improving the visual, audio, and haptic feedback of VR devices, as well as the performance, realism, and responsiveness of VR software. Some of the emerging technologies that can enhance the immersion and interaction of VR include eye-tracking, spatial audio, hand-tracking, brain-computer interfaces, and volumetric capture.

2 Social and collaborative VR

Another important trend in VR is the development of social and collaborative features that enable users to connect, communicate, and cooperate with others in virtual spaces. These features can support various applications such as education, entertainment, gaming, training, and health care. Computer engineers need to design and implement VR platforms and tools that can support large-scale, multi-user, and cross-platform interactions, as well as ensure the security, privacy, and accessibility of VR data and content.

3 Web-based and cloud-based VR

As VR becomes more mainstream and accessible, there is a growing demand for web-based and cloud-based VR solutions that can run on any device and browser without requiring additional hardware or software installation. These solutions can lower the barriers to entry and increase the reach and scalability of VR applications. Computer engineers need to develop and optimize web standards, frameworks, and protocols that can support high-quality and low-latency VR streaming, rendering, and distribution.

4 Artificial intelligence and machine learning for VR

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are essential for creating smart and adaptive VR experiences that can learn from user behavior, preferences, and feedback. AI and ML can also help computer engineers to solve some of the technical challenges and limitations of VR, such as motion sickness, rendering quality, content creation, and user interface design. Some of the applications of AI and ML for VR include natural language processing, computer vision, procedural generation, and reinforcement learning.

5 Ethical and social implications of VR

As VR becomes more pervasive and influential, it also raises ethical and social questions and concerns that computer engineers need to address and consider. These include the potential risks and harms of VR, such as addiction, isolation, manipulation, discrimination, and violence. They also include the responsibilities and rights of VR users, developers, and providers, such as consent, ownership, accountability, and privacy. Computer engineers need to follow ethical principles and guidelines that can ensure the safety, fairness, and dignity of VR stakeholders.