I’m writing this from a room that’s slowly orbiting the Earth. Behind the floating screen in front of me, the planet slowly spins, taking up most of my field of vision. I’ve been testing a recent model of the Meta Quest 3 VR headset, and my conclusion is clear: VR has finally arrived.
The biggest surprise for me was working in VR. I highly recommend it. With this technology, I can summon multiple screens, place them anywhere in my environment, and switch between various environments, from minimalist cafes to mountain lodges. I’ve grown so accustomed to working in virtual reality that I prefer it over working in reality.
However, the headset still feels unfinished. It’s about 10% too heavy, and the battery life is limited. The controllers often disconnect without explanation. I tried to use it on a plane, but the in-flight Wi-Fi proved to be a challenge.
Despite these limitations, I had an extraordinary experience watching a film in VR. I felt like I was in a cinema, with a huge screen on the virtual wall. The immersion was incredible, and I almost missed the breakfast cart passing by.
The key to making the most of VR, aside from gaming, is using it for activities you can do on your own. For many knowledge workers, VR is becoming the fastest-growing use-case. As someone who’s deeply embedded in the industry told me, “it feels easier to be productive in VR. The clutter of your office is gone, replaced by a calming environment of your choice.”
Another use case is exercise. I had a personal training session in my garden, with a virtual trainer hovering in front of me. Passthrough technology, which allows you to see digital objects superimposed on the real world, is crucial here. With the right equipment, you can use weights and engage in on-demand personal training in the comfort of your own home.
The launch of Apple’s Vision Pro headset was expected to mark the starting gun for VR, but it hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. However, I believe we’ve reached a tipping point. While there are still kinks to smooth out, VR is no longer just hype. It can be genuinely useful for work, entertainment, and exercise. Don’t be surprised if small, rectangular screens become a relic of the past.