For almost a decade, people have been expecting virtual reality to be the next major disruptive technology of the internet age. However, Apple recently upset the equilibrium when it brought out its Vision Pro, signifying that the major tech giant was putting its eggs in the mixed reality basket.
Now, the question is whether VR or mixed reality will become the standard in the next few years. Can they exist alongside each other, or will one offering reign supreme?
Major Industries Could Get Behind VR
VR seems to be in a better position to become mainstream, as there are already several key industries that are trying to integrate it. NetEnt, for instance, has already experimented with VR slot games. If you try the Starburst slot game at Betfair, you’ll know that NetEnt is up there with the top developers in the market. The space-themed title has been a crowd pleaser for years due to its bright graphics and bonus re-spin features, but the studio's VR expansions also show their desire to produce fresh offerings to appeal to modern players.
NetEnt has made some VR prototypes in the past, showing the potential of the technology in the iGaming sector. It showcased Jack’s World VR, which took players on a journey to a virtual world where they could spin giant slot reels within the digital environment. The online casino sector is a huge force online, and if it decides to back VR it could help the technology win the race against mixed reality.
Mixed Reality May Be More Practical
Apple had been working on its mixed reality headset for some time before it hit the market, and many had predicted that it was gearing up to release a VR offering. The Apple Vision Pro was a surprise when it hit the market, and it showed that the company was taking a different position in the alternate reality race. It’s clear that Apple wants its product to be integrated in a day-to-day setting, with its ability to switch between virtual and augmented reality elements.
The headset has been met with positive feedback, and Phone Arena believes it will replace smartphones at some point in the future after new generations have been released. The current headset may be too clunky for everyday use, but in the years ahead, Apple will work to make it more practical.
Both Could Exist Alongside Each Other
The great news for people who are excited about both VR and mixed reality is the fact that it may not be a race between the two. Indeed, there’s no reason why both platforms can’t be successful alongside each other.
VR and mixed reality have slightly different purposes. The former may be used when people desire a fully immersive experience, while the latter could be advantageous to use alongside everyday activities.
Apple may be pushing forward with mixed reality, but other giants like Meta are all-in on VR. Therefore, the two technologies could both become mainstream, offering users different experiences. There’s unlikely to be a battle for supremacy, but some people may prefer VR to mixed reality and vice versa.
