Will Covid-19 change the fate of virtual reality and augmented reality?

Socially Distant, Virtually Close

Even after the lockdown ends, the behavioural change it instigated will last considerably longer if not forever. People will remain socially distant, but using technologies and extended reality they will be virtually close. These platforms and technologies will allow businesses to run and grow irrespective of the challenges posed by social distancing.

More and more people will work on smartphones. Better internet connectivity makes it possible for the masses to work online.

Time to Scale AR, VR, Mixed Reality

The time is right to scale these technologies. AR, VR, and mixed reality aren’t science fiction; they are fully developed technologies that are as reliable as laptops and smartphones. The only thing missing for their widespread adoption was an impetus to meet and shop in virtual worlds. That impetus has come with the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown.

Shopping Virtually

One of the most pleasant ways to spend time is by shopping. With augmented reality systems, people can shop for products and see how they look inside their home. A household that wants to buy new furniture can browse a retailer’s online, virtual catalogue, select furniture it likes, and superimpose it to its intended location. Hence without leaving their house, a family can see exactly how furniture would look in their home. Products like apparel can also be selected with augmented reality systems. Shoppers can try on different clothing without the hassle of repeatedly entering changing rooms.

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