With the constant evolution of the digital age, Virtual Reality (VR) has taken an increasing amount of space in the world of technology. VR is a computer generated reality that allows for an immersive and realistic experience for the user, and this is done via a headset or helmet. A classic example is VR being used in gaming, further enhancing the experience for the user and often making it a selling point for games.
Although the origins of VR date further back than one might think, developments in this particular technology have only recently taken place. It has now penetrated various industries to different degrees, such as in dining, education, medicine and architecture. However, it is yet to be seen how it can impact the entertainment industry. While VR has created a space in the world of video games, something to look out for is whether they can partner with the entertainment industry in terms of digital television platforms.
Personally, the concept of VR is quite familiar. When we sit down to relax and watch a show on Netflix, it is a typically tendency to binge a show and get lost in the story and the purpose of VR also fulfills this very gap. The immersive and all encompassing nature of VR creates a similar experience for the consumer as that of a binge-worthy Netflix show. VR has been making strides in the entertainment industry. Recently, Netflix and Shonda Rhimes have entered into a new deal that involves linking the VR experience with the Netflix experience. What this will look like is yet to be discovered, however it certainly would be a game-changer.
Do you think the VR experience could link with, or even replace the online entertainment platforms?
Check out this video on the different uses of VR:
References:
https://www.iberdrola.com/innovation/virtual-reality
At first, my answer to your question was a no, because personally I value the connection you can make while you are watching a show with someone else. For example; both thinking something you see is funny or sad and being able to see each others reaction to it. I thought such a VR headset would prevent us from making that connection.
However, in the video you included, there’s already talk of some sort of experience you can have together with your friends, even when you are not in the same room or area. As for now, you can “watch together” by making use of self-made characters. If this were to be developed into real time videos or some sort of holograms of your friends, for me this would surely be an extra to watching tv-shows, movies, and the like.
So in short, after reading your blog and watching the youtube video my answer shifted from a no to: yes, I definitely think the VR-experience can link with online entertainment platforms!
At first, my answer to your question was a no, because personally I value the connection you can make while you are watching a show with someone else. For example; both thinking something you see is funny or sad and being able to see each others reaction to it. I thought such a VR headset would prevent us from making that connection.
However, in the video you included, there’s already talk of some sort of experience you can have together with your friends, even when you are not in the same room or area. As for now, you can “watch together” by making use of self-made characters. If this were to be developed into real time videos or some sort of holograms of your friends, for me this would surely be an extra to watching tv-shows, movies, and the like.
So in short, during reading your blog and watching the Youtube video, my answer shifted from a no to: yes, I definitely think the VR-experience can link with online entertainment platforms!
Hey, great post! I certainly agree that watching TV through VR will be the new way, I just doubt it will become a new standard. Rather, I think it will be a fun bonus to watch TV through VR. It provides a different experience among people and of course the social interaction that Laura is talking about will also be different. Although I think people will have it up in advance to engage in the social interaction in a way than they would while watching TV without VR. The youth who are growing up now with all the new technologies will not be used to anything else in the future, so I think this also reinforces the new path that TV watching is going to take.
Super intresting post! I think VR definently has many uses in future. I’ve heard of old people’s homes using headsets to allow non-mobile residents to experience other places. In terms of TV i don’t think it can replace it as a whole, but could a fun experience or a new technolgoy to use once in a while.