VR headset trends for 2024 won’t just affect consumers. We’re also helping shape the future of immersive work and the enterprise metaverse. In recent years, virtual reality has proven to be a useful tool for businesses across all industries.
Cutting-edge headsets are redefining collaboration in the era of remote and hybrid work, opening the door to faster product development and even transforming customer service. Experts predict that the VR headset market will be worth a whopping $142.5 billion by 2032, and countless companies are discovering the benefits of the immersive revolution.
Whether you’re planning to invest in your first VR headset in 2024 or take the next step in your immersive journey, it’s a good idea to keep up with the trends. Here are the biggest VR headset trends that will change the industry in 2024:
1. Enterprise adoption will shape VR headset trends
Initially, many VR headset vendors focused on creating products aimed solely at consumers. Some of the early devices were made specifically for gaming and entertainment. However, demand for enterprise headsets has increased in recent years.
Innovation in the “industrial metaverse” and the need for enhanced training opportunities have highlighted a tremendous opportunity for enterprise VR. Many major vendors have recognized this trend and are starting to tailor their headsets to fit business needs.
Meta has introduced a new ‘Meta Business’ service for corporate customers. Apple began building Apple Vision Pro with a focus on enterprise needs. Numerous other vendors have also designed headsets that are more robust for industrial environments. On a broader scale, many VR vendors are investing in advanced displays, lighter headsets, and improved ergonomics to address VR sickness issues for business users.
2. Reduce reliance on controllers with spatial computing
In the past, most virtual reality headsets came packaged with controllers designed to allow users to easily interact with digital content. Today, these controllers are becoming more sophisticated, ergonomic, and user-friendly. However, many users still feel that controllers hinder the immersive experience.
To create more natural experiences in virtual worlds, headset vendors have begun experimenting with spatial computing technologies. Spatial technologies such as eye tracking, hand tracking tools, sensors, and voice control are becoming trends in VR headsets.
These innovative solutions enable vendors to enable users to interact more naturally with virtual applications and software using their eyes, voice, and gestures. Some spatial solutions can also improve VR headset performance. For example, eye-tracking solutions allow for foveated rendering, allowing the headset to dynamically adjust its display based on what the user is looking at.
3. Multi-sensory virtual reality
Demand for hyper-realistic and immersive experiences is driving the new virtual reality headset trend. In the early days of the VR revolution, the level of immersion a headset provided depended primarily on display quality and visual elements. Now companies are investing in new ways to include additional senses in VR experiences.
Haptic gloves and suits are starting to become popular again, especially in VR training environments. These haptic tools are ideal for enhancing realism and building muscle memory. Elsewhere, companies are starting to experiment with other sensory solutions.
VR headset accessories, such as masks, can add unique scents to the environment to increase immersion. Spatial audio solutions can make sounds more organic and natural as you move around a virtual landscape. There are also VR treadmills that can be accompanied by fans and similar tools to create an atmospheric sensation.
4. AR, VR, MR convergence
Virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality are all different technologies that offer unique benefits in different use cases. But as companies continue to embrace the benefits of immersive experiences, many are reluctant to invest in separate devices for different levels of immersion.
This has led to one of the most exciting VR headset trends in recent years: the fusion of different extended reality experiences. Companies like Meta are introducing new mixed reality features in their latest virtual reality headsets, giving users control over their level of immersion. Innovators like Apple are taking a similar approach with Apple Vision Pro.
In the coming years, we will see more companies investing in the potential of virtual reality solutions with AR/VR headsets and mixed reality capabilities. This allows companies to explore a variety of extended realities.
5. AI innovation in virtual reality
The rise of artificial intelligence in extended reality isn’t just one of the latest virtual reality headset trends. For years, innovators in VR environments have been using AI in headsets to enhance immersive experiences. The headset’s intelligent algorithms allow users to control their experience using their own voice and natural language processing.
AI tools can also help analyze VR headset users’ surroundings, helping to keep headset wearers safe as they explore digital environments. AI can also analyze user behavior during immersive experiences and tailor the experience to suit each individual’s needs.
However, as more advanced forms of AI emerge, we are beginning to see an even stronger relationship between AI and VR. Generative AI paves the way for advanced headset development strategies, helping companies create more amazing avatars and VR landscapes. Companies like Nvidia are using generative AI to help companies create powerful metaverse experiences.
VR headset trends to watch this year
As the demand for immersive experiences continues to grow, the VR headset trend is evolving at an incredible pace. In 2024, we will continue to see innovators experimenting with new tools and technologies that will shape the way we interact, collaborate, and work in VR.
Adoption will also continue to grow as VR headsets become more affordable, customizable, and enterprise-focused. If you’re considering participating in a VR environment in 2024, consider the trends above when developing your immersive strategy.