@vackillers: "[gaming] is what this tech is specifically built for"
Again, no, it's not. This is one small application in the spectrum of VR. You need to look at the view from 10,000ft, not ground level like you currently are.
Facebook just invested 2 BILLION into VR. Do you honestly believe they are only interested in making video games? There are other HUGE players in the game right now: Google, Samsung, Facebook, Apple, HTC, Sony, Disney... etc.... etc... All of these companies aren't making investing billions of dollars of investment for gamers alone, and to base VRs sole success on gaming consumers non-sensical.
VR is here to stay, the gaming consumer market is just the first and most noisy major consumer market for it to hit-- but not nearly the last. Industry will keep it alive and healthy for many years to come until the cost of production and technology matures enough that regular consumers like yourself can afford to opt in. Look at literally any technology EVER, and they all start out cost prohibitive.
@magnusstorm: I won't argue the price point, I don't like it either. However you're entering this conversation from a consumer point of view. Industry will sink it's teeth in first, with the applications I listed in my post above. After a few years (hopefully less), it will be more mainstream and the price will drop making it more affordable and consumer friendly.
@vackillers: I think you're being quite narrow minded in your view. You're basing its success and lifespan off of gamers alone. The reality is, although the gaming industry has been quick to the starting blocks with this tech, it's but a fraction of it's actual real world practical applications.
Just to name of few other industries that are also utilizing this technology:
- Tourism, film and video production, porn (huge), healthcare industry (remote surgeries, social anxiety treatment; treating people with phobias, PTSD, public speaking issues, etc...) , communication (Skype, FB..), Military and enforcement (training), automotive (see/test drive a car remotely before you buy it), education, engineering and architecture.... the list goes on.
Bottom line: VR is here to stay. Like all new tech, the price will go down with time. Just because gamers can't afford Gen 1 VR tech, doesn't mean it's going to die. There are a slew of other industries all clamouring at this.
There is a huge amount of literature online about other practical applications of this tech. You should take some time and check them out.
To people whining about the price: all new tech when first released is prohibitively expensive. It's the gestation period. Remember 1080p TVs? They were ludicrous. Now you can get them for a couple hundred dollars. It's the same with VR. Give it a year or so and the price will calm down. This is bleeding edge tech.
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