Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality in Business-to-Business

      Manytime, the advanced technology is introduced to the majority by gaming. For the best example, VR, called virtual reality is introduced to millions of game players as SONY launch many popular games on PlayStation with VR technology. AR, stood for augmented reality, become a trend when Pokemon Go came out last year in July. However, what not all people knew about is that both VR and AR have been quickly integrity into the B2B business world. When the production technology of these devices become mature, we can see the big difference in how the deal will be made.

• “AR – for digital information overlaid on the real, physical world”
• “VR – for a completely digital environment”

The current trend we can see is that AR and VR both are used in business for sales.

Virtual Reality

VR can show clients exactly what the products look like. These are extremely useful for sales of big products like vehicles, jets, or for new innovative products that not existed, so far. The VR is predicting to dominate the new way of sales in B2B and overtake the position of a PowerPoint. Besides products, information can be shown in a VR glasses with more remarkable visual effect.

Augment Reality

AR is also crazy in B2B sales as it is used to replace a human being. Though sounds scary, but the statement can be true. AR is like the salesman that presents the information at the proper location when a client needed them, visually. Currently, salesmen guide clients in an exhibition and use a touchpad to store or present information. In the future, clients may be able to borrow the touchpad and explore the sales exhibition on their own, especially if artificial intelligence become available too (another topic…)

Trend

According to history, the term MR, which means mixed reality, is developed in 1994. The term refers to the development of every sensory environment. How are they different? As Quote ”With AR, the digital overlay usually appears to float on a plan in front of the observer, while with MR it’s possible to walk around a virtual object to see if from all sides.” Personally, I see MR as the ultimate goal. There are some situations that we would prefer to create detail senses to fulfill the needs. Imagine using MR to do online shopping: the customer will see and “try out” how a product works before buying, at home. As another example, Microsoft plans to implement their MR technology to support products engineering. Many people also expecting MR to use for training employees than VR of AR. However, I have to said that, with current development, applying AR and VR into different uses is actually more cost-effective and will fit the need of different conditions for business cases. For example, a current MR device developed by Microsoft required many sensing devices to be put everywhere on a user, VR needs a cheap VR glasses for the minimum, AR is already applied to a smartphone. With high feasibility, we will see more and more chances of VR and AR in the B2B enterprise.

More about VR, AR, MR and best practices Link1: 

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3214472/virtual-reality/virtual-reality-augmented-reality-mixed-reality-for-enterprise.html#tk.ctw-infsb

More about VR in B2B Link2: 
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3228827/collaboration/worldviz-eyes-enterprise-vr-as-the-next-step-in-collaboration.html

Virtual Reality in Sports

Technology in sports has grown tremendously over the years. From better picture quality, scores and times being shown on the bottom of the screen, and even a projected first down line, the next question is how will technology make sports more enjoyable to watch. Many articles state that Virtual Reality will be the next revolutionizing things in sports. And it might be here sooner then we think.

Compared to staying home and watching the game, there is nothing like going to the actual sporting event. The noise, crowd, and atmosphere is unmatched, and that’s why ticket prices are sometimes too expensive to afford. With Virtual Reality, fans will be able to experience the atmosphere of being at the game but also being at the comfort of your house. Overtime, the cost of watching Virtual Reality at your home will be much less expensive than going to watch your favorite team play twice a week.

Last year, The Rio 2016 Summer Olympics began to experiment with Virtual Reality with NBC and BBC. Since Virtual Reality is still being experimented with, watching through a Virtual Reality headset the day after was only available for fans watching the Rio Olympics.

Another interesting point about the introduction of Virtual Reality in sports is being able to view the game through the eyes of a player. Although it might be fun and exciting to view through the player’s eyes, there are a lot of negatives by doing this.
Not being able to see the entire game since player’s eyes only catch what they are doing
Players not wanting to wear extra gear on their head to make this possible
Being dizzy watching through a player’s eyes on Virtual Reality

Personally, I believe Virtual Reality would work best by experiencing it through the fan perspective and not the player perspective.

Along with Virtual Reality for fans, there are many uses for athletes and Virtual Reality as well.

During the NCAA football championship game between Clemson and Alabama, Clemson’s quarterback, Deshaun Watson, played one of the greatest games in his and Clemson’s history. Clemson’s coaches give much credit to Virtual Reality for helping Deshaun Watson being able to pick up the defensive blitzes and splits Alabama had. Preparing for the game, Deshaun watched hours of game tape through his Virtual Reality set to pick up and memorize Alabama’s blitz and defense formations.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! I have personally never used a Virtual Reality headset before but I am very interested to watch a game through a headset. I believe this movement will catch on and I am very excited to see where this goes.