How Oculus Rift turns the (business) world upside down

Guest blog by Tim Nijland of the Oculus Rift Blog Rent Oculus Rift

Since the 1990s, Virtual Reality has been the dream of many. The lifelike experience that it offers is the final frontier of entertainment. Next year the dream will finally become reality thanks to the Oculus Rift. This company finally makes the virtual world accessible to the masses.

The precise impact that Virtual Reality will have on the world is difficult to predict. However, I am firmly convinced that this is the future that is becoming faster than many people think. My prediction is that in 5 years a large part of the consumer will be familiar with the Rift. In the begion this will still be for entertainment purposes, but companies will also use it massively. In my opinion, the opportunities and threats that VR offers companies are underestimated. With a foresight, I will give some examples of how drastic the changes are.

Ultimate targeting and eye tracking on the go

Data mining and personalized advertisements are lifted to the highest level. The Rift is connected to the internet, eats your cookies and lurks on your Facebook. The signs along the fields and the advertisements in your game only show brands and products that you are interested in. Eye tracking will soon be applied dynamically. As soon as it is clear that an advertisement is not (properly) viewed, it can be viewed on the fly be adjusted.

Buy your house and enjoy your vacation

No more endless photos clicking on Funda or on the road with a talkative broker. With a Rift on your nose you can walk through the house of your dreams with ease. Curious how the room looks with a larger window, different furniture or your favorite wallpaper? Press the button and decorate your future home while the current residents are still packing.

A virtual walk through the Chrysler factory

Walking across Bahamas or making a descent from that notorious black slope in Mayrhofen? Oculus makes it possible. The perfect way to choose your new vacation destination without leaving your seat. Or just to relax after a nine to five.

Always in the front row

Don't feel like buying expensive tickets for a concert? Or simply don't feel like watching dots in the distance with thousands of people in the rain? No problem. In the future everyone will be in the front row and you will (re) experience that one performance that will be talked about for years to come.

Brand experience and virtual tourism

Take a look behind the scenes or already do a round at your new employer. Virtual tours are the way in which companies involve their target group. For example, Chrysler already offers a tour of their Factory and with Tesco you can take a look at the store of the future. But admiring the Mona Lisa without the hustle and bustle of a thousand tourists or a walk along the Chinese wall is soon possible for everyone.

The possibilities (virtually) endless

As you can see, the future is virtual. The way in which we consume media, buy products and purchase services in 5 to 10 years' time will be radically changed. Every company must now consider the impact that Virtual Reality has on their industry. My advice for every entrepreneur with an urge to innovate: Rent the Oculus Rift for a day and explore the virtual world before this is reality!

Guest blog by Tim Nijland of the Oculus Rift Blog Rent Oculus Rift

Source image: Sergey Galyonkin "Anna Bashmakova and Oculus Rift"