Credit: http://thenextweb.com/virtual-reality/2016/12/07/virtual-realitys-biggest-names-just-joined-forces-make-vr-even-better/
When Virtual Reality giants like Google VR, Oculus, Vive, HTC Vive, Acer Starbreeze, Samsung and Sony join forces; then you know we are in for something big. VR is already making waves in hundreds of industries today. Gone are the days when virtual reality was limited to the entertainment world; the technology has improved. Yet, we have only scratched the surface and much work still needs to be done to hit the bull’s eye.
On Wednesday, every name that matters in the VR world announced the creation of the Global Virtual Reality Association. The group’s major objective is to make VR technology better than it is.
GVRA had this to say on its website:
“The goal of the Global Virtual Reality Association is to promote responsible development and adoption of VR globally. The association’s members will develop and share best practices, conduct research, and bring the international VR community together as the technology progresses. The group will also serve as a resource for consumers, policymakers, and industry interested in VR.”
Global Virtual Reality Association (GVRA), a non-profit organization in a statement said it will “develop and share best practices for industry and foster dialogue between public and private stakeholders around the world.”
That said, the companies involved would want to establish and maintain standard and chart the way forward for the industry. Personally I see this as a welcome development as it would encourage standard and healthy competition in the long run.
Jon Wiley, Director of Immersive Design, Google said:
“The GVRA is a necessary first step toward ensuring great VR experiences for everyone, through collaborating on research and sharing best practices as the field grows and evolves. We look forward to working with our industry colleagues.”
Of course, there are many challenges that need to be overcome despite the popularity of VR; and Tae-Yong Kim, Vice President, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics is not ignorant of this:
“The rapid growth of the virtual reality industry presents many challenges as well as opportunities. It is important that we set a clear precedent for best practices and create a solid foundation from which we can build meaningful progress. Samsung is pleased to join the GVRA and to work with other industry leaders to promote responsible development and adoption of VR globally.”
Virtual Reality is already surpassing expectations and reshaping our entertainment world. 2017 is fast approaching, but the outgoing year will be remembered as the year that witnessed many more industries adopting the technology.
“VR has the potential to be the next great computing platform, improving sectors ranging from education to healthcare, and contribute significantly to the global economy. Through research, international engagement, and the development of best practices, the founding companies of the Global Virtual Reality Association will work to unlock and maximize VR’s potential and ensure those gains are shared as broadly around the world as possible.”
