VR/AR/MR: The Basic Tools

When it comes to AR, MR, and VR, one of the biggest consumer hurdles is understanding what you need to buy to get started. Outside of the XR industry, this confusion can prevent brand managers from considering these platforms in their campaigns. Although the technology seems to change daily, the following tries to simplify what you need to get for your first step into AR/VR/MR:

AUGMENTED REALITY

At this point, AR is available primarily through a smartphone or tablet. Think of Pokemon Go or the Hotdog in Snapchat. Both use AR through the cameras in your phone or tablet. The technology is really in its infancy, but it has the potential to eclipse VR.

People within the industry anticipate the AR will take off in the fall of 2017. Why? The next generation of Apple phones and tablets will have ARKit built into it which will allow more AR opportunities for developers and therefore better AR apps for consumers. The capabilities of the next generation of iPhones and iPads will make a huge dent in awareness and distribution of Augmented Reality. You already think you’re addicted to your phone? Just wait.

Here’s CNBC’s coverage about the new Apple Phones, to give you a taste of what’s to come: 

MIXED REALITY

Mixed Reality headsets right now really are for developers and companies willing to spend for event activations. Microsoft Hololens is the only headset available to consumers now, but at a very high price point. New entrants like Acer Mixed Reality which is out the end of this year will offer a lower cost option. Magic Leap is expected to release something as well, but it’s under wraps as of now. TBD as to when these become mainstream, but even while I was writing this Dell introduced a new Mixed Reality headset. This industry is moving quickly!

VR & 360-VIDEO

There are a wide variety of Virtual Reality headsets available at different levels of experience and price points.

ENTRY LEVEL HEADSETS

The easiest (cheapest) way to get an understanding of immersive media is through 360-video. You can view on a flat screen, but it’s not nearly as engaging. With a headset, it’s not true VR, but it gives you a (cheaper) taste of what’s possible. As for hardware, the Google Cardboard is the most popular headset option. I personal like the HooToo 3D VR set for my iPhone. 

Conan O'Brien has really embraced 360-Videos. Here's a sample one:

ADVANCED LEVEL

If you are willing to spend a bit more, you can get a better experience in terms of volume control, touch panels, focal depth, and headset comfort. Samsung Galaxy phone owners can use the Gear VR (powered by Oculus). And there’s the Google Daydream for Google Pixel Series and the Moto Z Series phones. Both are “walled gardens”; they have some specific content that’s only available on that particular headset. 

Here's an Emmy Award winning Gear VR video:

TOP LEVEL (REAL VR)

If you are willing to spend even more, you can get a true VR experience with movement tracking and the ability to “touch” objects. The HTC Vive is considered to be the 'Best In Class' VR headset right now, but the Oculus Rift has more applications. The Sony Playstation VR is a great option if you already own a Playstation. However, as of now, all are tethered (i.e. you have a big cord hanging off of your headset that’s attached to a consul), and you need a high powered computer that can handle the applications. 

All of this is expected to change in the next year with new versions of headsets and drops in prices which should increase VR distribution. 

Here's a Educational application of VR:

NOTE: Do not expect the video clarity of the any of these options to feel like they are in HD. The technology is just not there yet, but it’s still quite engaging and higher visual resolution is coming soon.

Hopefully, this post makes it easier to choose which is right for you and/or your company. The market is changing quickly, but it’s fun to ride the wave. Whatever choice you make, all of these options will get you one step closer to the future of technology. Enjoy!