The combination of two technologies, 5G and Virtual Reality (VR) is on the verge of transforming how we engage with digital content.
This has the potential to revolutionize industries such as gaming, entertainment, healthcare and education. It’s worth noting that there are 170 million VR users worldwide.
5G: The Catalyst for VR Transformation
The emergence of 5G, the wireless technology has had a significant impact on various industries due to its unmatched speed, minimal delays and extensive connectivity.
According to research conducted by research nester, the market for 5G in reality (VR) is predicted to witness substantial growth and generate significant revenue with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37%, between 2022 and 2030. In the realm of VR 5G acts as a catalyst that unlocks its potential.
- Low Latency: 5G networks are designed to have fast response times with signals traveling at millimeter wave frequencies between 30GHz and 300GHz. These frequencies are so quick that the human eye can hardly detect any delay. This immediate responsiveness is particularly important, in reality (VR) applications as it helps eliminate the uncomfortable feeling of motion sickness and allows for a smooth and immersive experience.
- High Bandwidth: 5G offers a greater amount of data transmission capacity compared to earlier wireless networks with a bandwidth, per unit area that is 1000 times higher. This expanded bandwidth enables the streaming and downloading of high-resolution, 360-degree virtual reality (VR) content providing breathtaking visuals, lifelike textures and intricate details that greatly enhance the overall immersive experience.
- Massive Connectivity: 5G networks have the capability to handle a number of connected devices at the same time. For example, it can accommodate up to 100 times devices per unit area compared to 4G LTE. In situations where multiple users engage in virtual reality experiences, like VR platforms, virtual conferences or collaborative environments 5G ensures that everyone enjoys a smooth and uninterrupted experience. It enables real-time interactions. Creates a sense of social presence within the virtual world.
- Edge Computing: 5G networks enable edge computing, which moves data processing closer to the end-user. It is estimated that by 2025 around 77% of business data will be processed at the edge. This advancement has benefits, such as reducing the burden, on VR headsets by making them lighter more energy-efficient and cost effective. Moreover, it greatly improves the performance of VR applications by making them more responsive and capable of handling demanding tasks.
Key Takeaways
Increasing Demand for Online Streaming To Drive The Demand For 5G in VR:
The advent of 5G has revolutionized the virtual reality experience allowing users to indulge in real-time streaming of high-definition 360-degree videos and live events.
This groundbreaking capability is reshaping the landscape of entertainment by offering the opportunity to virtually attend concerts, sports events and conferences all while providing a sense of being present in that physical space.
Notably, the online live-streaming industry witnessed a 99% growth between April 2019 and April 2020.
- The consumer segment is expected to have the highest market share in the global 5G in VR industry. This is due to the rising demand for gaming experiences and the growing popularity of VR based social media platforms. One notable example is “Roblox,” a known VR social media platform that had over 59 million daily active users and a total of 14 billion hours spent on it in 2022.
- The Asia Pacific market is expected to witness noteworthy growth in the coming years due to the rising usage of the internet and portable smart devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops. In India, there are around 72 percent of people have access to the internet. Similarly, China’s internet penetration rate was at 70.4 percent of its population, at the beginning of 2022.
- The major players in the market are Google LLC, Integrated Device Technology Inc., Intel Corporation, Leap Motion, Inc., LG Corporation, and others.
Use Cases for 5G in VR
Gaming stands out as one of the thrilling applications of 5G in Virtual Reality (VR). Experts anticipate that the revenue from VR gaming will soar to $2.8 billion by 2024.
With faster download speeds and reduced latency, gamers can now delve into immersive virtual worlds without any disruptions or lags. Just imagine the joy of playing your game in real time with friends, from different corners of the globe all while experiencing the sensation of being physically present.
Education presents another application for 5G in the realm of virtual reality (VR). VR investments are projected to allocate a portion to the education sector ranking it as the fourth largest beneficiary.
By 2025 an estimated $690 million is anticipated to be invested in VR for purposes. A striking 95% of teachers have expressed that their students would exhibit enthusiasm towards utilizing virtual reality technology.
Through VR students can embark on journeys, through historical landmarks or delve into scientific phenomena thereby enhancing the interactive and captivating nature of learning. For instance, a student studying Rome could take a virtual tour of the Colosseum while a biology student could explore the intricate workings of cells in three dimensions.
Finally, 5G technology has the potential to bring about advancements in healthcare particularly in relation to virtual reality (VR). Medical professionals such as doctors and nurses can utilize VR for training purposes enabling them to practice surgical procedures and simulate emergency situations within a secure and controlled setting.
Additionally, patients can also experience the benefits of VR through therapy sessions, which have shown effectiveness in alleviating pain and reducing anxiety levels during treatment.
A survey conducted revealed that a significant majority of patients (63%) expressed their openness towards embracing virtual reality healthcare services as an alternative, to healthcare methods.
Future Prospects and Challenges
As the market for 5G in reality (VR) expands, numerous fascinating opportunities and obstacles arise:
Improved Hardware: Manufacturers of VR headsets are working on creating devices that are specifically designed for connectivity with 5G. These headsets will be lighter, wireless and more affordable allowing a larger group of people to have access, to the world of VR.
Content Proliferation: Content creators are taking advantage of the opportunities presented by 5G VR. We can anticipate a surge in VR content encompassing a range of offerings such, as games, movies and professional applications.
Privacy and Security: As reality (VR) and 5G technology continue to play a vital role in our everyday lives, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize user privacy and safeguard data security. Achieving an equilibrium, between convenience and the protection of personal information will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge.
Network Infrastructure: Constructing 5G networks, on a global scale continues to present a persistent obstacle. The deployment of 5G infrastructure will ultimately shape the velocity and caliber of reality (VR) encounters facilitated by 5G.
Conclusion
The combination of 5G and VR has the potential to bring about changes in various industries. As these technologies advance and become widely available they will open up new possibilities and revolutionize different sectors like never before.
The market for 5G in VR is particularly fascinating offering experiences that blur the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds. This convergence is set to redefine interaction and drive innovation to new heights. Keep an eye, on this synergy as it continues to shape the future of technology.
