The Metaverse Vision and Problem
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Cumbersome VR Hardware Requirements
One of the barriers to the adoption of the metaverse is the cumbersome hardware requirements. To truly experience immersive virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR), you need to put on a bulky headset device which usually weigh around 500g. The comfort level of wearing these headset devices is also far from being ideal.
We are making headways with consumer grade VR headsets like the Meta Quest. This moderately priced VR device certainly helped advance the VR market, which prompted competitors to produce their own VR devices. However, a compromise has to be made to the consumer grade devices i.e. quality of the graphics. The lower grade hardware in consumer grade VR devices are just not capable of generating graphics that are truly satisfying when the optics are placed so near to our eyes. Many VR users have commented that the blurry graphics simply kill the enjoyment of the immersive experience.
Needless to say, VR headsets that are able to produce better quality graphics come with a hefty price tag. Even if price is not an issue for you, such better VR devices usually must be tethered to a separate computer as it requires more power. A tethered VR device is also less comfortable to use as the cable tends to get in the way of body movements.
Unlike the iPhone which has revolutionized the smartphone product, we have still yet to see a VR or AR device that tech lovers will rush to get their hands on. Meta Quest VR headsets dominate in terms of sales but apart from a niche segment of gaming fans, virtual reality has yet to captivate the broader tech market. This is one of the primary reasons why metaverse is still in its infancy even after decades of technological advancement.
My Own Ideas On A Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality Device
So I came up with this idea of attaching a VR/AR device to a gaming chair because I mostly use the computer in a sit-down position, even when I am using VR. (you will never sell me one of those standing desk.)
Hence, I came up with a mock design of the gaming chair which I simply called ‘Blazing AR Gaming Chair’. Below is a 3D visualization of what the chair might look like. What do you think? Perhaps the market is ripe to form a new breed of gamers that can easily switch between 2D and XR gaming??
I figured by taking the weight of the device off the user’s head, it will certainly make it more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The visor can be adjusted closer or further away from the user’s face to enjoy the prefered degree of immersiveness. I especially like the idea of not sweating into a face pad, which means this chair is more hygenic for sharing.
When designing this chair, it got me thinking too. Why is it that we have yet to come up with powered gaming chair?
Drop a DM in my LinkedIn if you too have some interesting ideas for the VR/AR/metaverse/ market.
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