Virtual Reality Headsets: Will They Revolutionize Society or Fade Away?
Virtual reality headsets have long been hailed as the future of technology, promising to usher in a new era of augmented reality. With a hefty price tag of over $3,500, these headsets are not accessible to everyone, but they are seen by many as a glimpse into a new way of life. However, history has shown that simply having advanced technology is not enough for widespread adoption.
Eduard Aibar, author of The cult of innovation, warns against the common belief that new technologies automatically become influential. He emphasizes that technology alone is not sufficient and that the success of an invention depends on external factors. In the realm of augmented reality, companies like Apple are striving to overcome previous failures and succeed where others have faltered.
Ray-Ban, in collaboration with Facebook (now Meta), launched Ray-Ban Stories to offer smart glasses that not only look good but also incorporate augmented reality features. This move raised concerns about privacy due to the device’s recording and photo-taking capabilities.
Fernando Broncano, a science philosopher, highlights the complexity of integrating new technology into society. He stresses the importance of finding an audience, purpose, and adapting to the social environment. The gradual process of adoption requires considering a variety of factors, including societal, ethical, and practical implications.
Jorge Barrero, the general director of the Cotec Foundation, underlines the ethical considerations of technological advancements and warns against prioritizing technology over waste reduction. He also expresses concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a few wealthy individuals.
In a recent YouTube challenge, YouTuber El Rubius spent 24 hours living in augmented reality with an Apple Vision Pro headset. While the experience was comfortable, it did not present extraordinary events. El Rubius predicts that in a decade, when headsets are as compact as Ray-Bans, they will become ubiquitous.
As virtual reality headsets evolve, their fate in society remains uncertain. The journey to widespread adoption requires technical advancements coupled with a deep consideration of societal, ethical, and practical factors.
Analyst comment
Neutral news.
As an analyst, the market for virtual reality headsets will continue to evolve and face challenges. Widespread adoption will depend on addressing societal, ethical, and practical factors. While there is potential for revolutionizing society, it remains uncertain whether virtual reality headsets will become ubiquitous in the future.
