The Future of VR
Nielsen recently conducted an online survey to analyze the everyday consumer’s opinion of new technologies. These included virtual reality along with wearable technology, drones, and self-driving cars. The survey takers were exposed to VR’s applications outside of gaming, which includes fields such as VR art, VR healthcare, and VR fitness.
The study concluded that 24% of the U.S. population between the ages of 18-54 were PaVRs (‘pavers’). This is their term for people who are likely to purchase VR technology in the next year. Meanwhile, 20% of the 18-54 population are ConVRts (‘converts’). A ConVRt is someone who becomes more interested in the technology, but won’t be someone who invests in it early.
Nielsen believes that PaVRs will be the most important players in the future success of VR and by extension, VR fitness. But who are the PaVRs?
1) PaVRs tend to be younger.
For all of the articles out there putting down the millennials, it’s easy to forget that they will be shaping the future. Since the internet has been around for most of their lives, it’s not hard to imagine that they are more accepting of new technologies.
2) PaVRs have higher-than-average income.
It’s a no-brainer: people who have the money to invest will be able to purchase VR technology as it becomes available. Right now, the cost of entry is one of the most limiting barriers between people and the VR experience.
3) PaVRs love to consume.
The Nielsen study showed that the PaVRs spend 8% more time watching television and 7% more time online than the average consumer. In an age where there is too much content to consume in one lifetime, a PaVR wants to get as much out of it as they can.
4) PaVRs spend their money.
The consumers who will pave the way forward in virtual reality are what Harry Brisson calls “triple-A consumers.” The Director of Lab Research at Nielsen continues by saying they are willing to pay a premium price for the goods they consume. Because of that, they outspend the rest of us in purchase categories like alcoholic beverages and live event tickets.
Who is VR?
So now you know young people with income will be investing in the future of VR. But how about the ConVRts? After just two minutes of exposure to informational content about VR, 50% of viewers expressed increased likelihood of purchasing or using VR technology.
As the information about VR increases, it will move past its reputation of being something strictly for gamers. It will become something for everybody. Artists, doctors, and athletes alike. If this generation lived their entire lives with internet, will the next one live with virtual reality?
VR Fitness Going Forward
As far as VR fitness goes, the PaVRs will be interested in trying it out, too. We will turn the ConVRts over too, as usage becomes more widespread and some of the myths about VR fitness are proven untrue. We have already dismissed some of the myths about VR fitness on the website. More possible users will only improve the quality of future applications.
– Osmond Arnesto
Have you seen a really cool VR experience you think we should know about? Leave a comment below so we can check it out!
