The Virtual Reality of Social Media Networking

Social Media Networking is slowly, but surely finding its place in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Our interactions with computers and smart phones are going to change. Our experiences are going to be much more immersive than we anticipated.

So allow me to get little deep for a second. While I was driving to work yesterday, I was thinking about Steve Jobs. I was thinking about his ability to see into the future. I mean after the IPhone was in the market. How did he envision “IPhones” or “phones” are going to look like for the next generations. I’m sure he thought of many possible scenarios on how people are going to communicate in 50 years from now.

I personally feel one thing is for sure. The way we communicate will evolve. And we can start to see that shift right now with Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. Which means for you as a small business, the way you would communicate with your customers is definitely going to change as well.

What’s the difference between Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

Virtual reality is all about the creation of a virtual world that users can interact with. This virtual world should be designed in such a way that users would find it difficult to tell the difference from what is real and what is not. Augmented reality in the other hand is the blending of virtual reality and real life, as developers can create images within applications that blend in with contents in the real world.

Hardware for Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

All the big companies want to get in on the action. Apple, Google, Microsoft. GoPro, HTC Cooperation, Sony. All these companies, are working on their own version of VR or AR. But here the most relevant ones right now. The following VR headsets are simply wearable kits that will work with your Smart Phone:

• The Samsung Gear VR is a mobile virtual reality headset developed by Samsung Electronics. Its a collaboration with Oculus. The headset was released on 27 November 2015. When in use, a compatible Samsung Galaxy device acts as the headset’s display and processor, while the Gear VR unit itself acts as the controller. Oculus, is an American virtual reality technology company founded by Palmer Luckey and Brendan Iribe. It was founded in June 2012 at Irvine, California. In March 2014, Facebook purchased Oculus for $2 billion.
• ZEISS VR ONE: Much like the The Samsung Gear VR. Although this kit works for more phones including the IPhone. The smartphone you carry in your pocket can take you to worlds of virtual and augmented reality. With already hundreds of apps available on Google Play and Apple App Store. You can simply download and launch the app, lock your smartphone in the VR ONE precision tray and slide it in the VR ONE. You are able to experience VR games and videos.

The fact that these technologies are compatible with your smart phone is a major selling point. It would ease the users into this technology.

Social Media for Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

While virtual reality is currently being used primarily for gaming. Facebook’s newly created VR team will focus on building social apps in VR to create a mass appeal. Virtual reality social networking will be hyper-compelling because it, too, will enable people to interact with others in a virtual world.

Imaging yourself attending meetings, conducting workshops, creating focus groups with your customers and followers online. A more immersive and intimate experience with your tribe from all around the world. Why not have fun with your peeps. If you wanna play a game of Ping Pong and chat with a customer. Who’s got the right to stop you. This is going to take those Reddit AMA’s(Ask Me Anything) to a whole another level. It’s going to take all your social media interactions to another lever. This is going to change everything.

Final Thoughts

Back to my story about Steve Jobs seeing into the future. Most successful people have that ability to see into the future. Its because those people in a way create the future. Mark Zuckerberg bought Oculus for two billion dollars two years ago. You might be thinking Facebook has no business buying a virtual reality system. I personally think they bought it simply because smart phones are going to evolve. Its inevitable smart phones are going to become a wearable technology. Whether that’s going to enhance our reality or momentarily replace it. That’s totally up to us, the users. Also, let’s try to bridge that gap between users and developers. Let’s create that future together. Coding and engineering. Arts and design. Marketing and Social Media. We all have something to bring to the table. The sooner we’re involved, the bigger impact we can make.

Resources:

• virtualrealityreporter.com
• www.computerworld.com
• www.businessinsider.com