Virtual Reality Is All the Rage… Or Is It?

According to a ReportLinker.com study, only 58 percent of Americans have even heard of VR, which may suggest that your clients are not as aware of the potential VR has on improving their business as one may think.

CI Staff
Photos & Slideshow
View the slideshow View the slideshow

There’s been a lot of chatter about virtual reality in the AV industry. According to a D.I.S Consulting Corporation study, the overall virtual reality market is estimated to grow from $1.37 Billion in 2016 to $33.9 Billion by 2022.

Companies like Microsoft, Samsung, Google and Sony are all creating VR products that have gotten the commercial integration industry’s wheels turning in regards to how these products can be applied in a commercial setting to improve businesses.

With such bold predictions being made about the potential impact VR could have on the commercial technology industry, and consumers of technology overall, one would think that most of the world is well-aware of what virtual reality is.

Related: If You Don’t Recognize this Technology’s Potential Now, You’ll Regret It Later

Apparently, this is not the case in the U.S., according to one study.

A ReportLinker.com study reveals that out of 625 online respondents, the majority of them do not understand the concept of virtual reality and nearly half cannot name a single brand behind the technology. However, Americans are readily prepared to embrace the new technology once it’s explained to them, the survey discovered.

Specifically, 58 percent of Americans have heard about VR, but are unable to explain what it’s all about. Less than a fifth are very familiar with the technology, with millennials leading the way in having the most knowledge of VR at 26 percent.

See more ReportLinker survey results here.

Perhaps most importantly, the survey found that there is a large disconnect between the public’s awareness of VR and the excitement of marketers and media who have called it “the next big thing.”

So, what does this mean for the commercial integration industry?

It’s safe to say all AV professionals are aware of the potential VR brings to the industry, but what’s more important is whether or not their clients are aware of the potential VR brings to their business, corporation or organization.

With only 58 percent of Americans familiar with VR, it’s important integrators discuss with their clients the details of VR, such as the technology involved and how it could help their business.

See more surprising survey results here.

If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our digital newsletters!