The May 2016 VR trends demonstrate that virtual reality is not just a tool for creating fun games. Rather, the technology is increasingly being used by businesses to do everything from previewing a new home to showing how good the view is from different spots in a stadium.
One of the unique ways brands are using VR technology is to help consumers preview products or designs that do not exist yet. For instance, both architecture firms and furniture companies such as IKEA are using VR programs to help clients envision what a new space will look like before construction begins. Similarly, StubHub is using VR to give consumers a chance to preview seats before they buy.
Beyond helping consumers preview future products, the May 2016 VR trends demonstrate that business are also using the technology as a promotional tool. More specifically, brands are using virtual reality to enhance the experience that comes with using their products. This approach has been used by a number of companies, including Kellogg, Patron and Lockheed Martin.
Top 35 VR Ideas in May
35
Ancient VR Cereal Launches
Kellogg’s Ancient Legends Held Tastings Enhanced with Virtual Reality
34
Drone Experience Glasses
The Dominator V3 First-Person Viewer Goggles Lets You See a Drone POV
33
VR Kitchen Simulators
IKEA's Virtual Reality Kitchen Experience Introduces Dream Kitchens
32
Immersive Tequila Event Tastings
The Art of Patron Event Series Launched in London's Shoreditch
31
Adult Virtual Reality Romances
The VR Bangers Service Offers Adult Content in Hotel Establishments
30
Virtual Reality-Capturing Drones
Compared to Others on the Market, This VR Drone is Affordable
29
VR Ticket Previews
The StubHub Virtual Reality Features Lets People Experience Where They'll Sit
28
VR Architectural Design Tools
The 'ICE 3D' Software Helps Clients Explore Construction Projects
27
Deep Sea VR Simulators
The Amphibian SCUBA Diving Simulator Lets Users Explore Underwater Worlds
26
Camera-Controlled Contacts
Samsung is Aiming to Offer Smart Contact Lenses with VR Capabilities
25
Virtual PC Headsets
The Pico Neo VR System Operates as a VR Headset and Virtual Computer
24
Action Cam VR Rigs
The GoPro Omni is a More Affordable Version to the Odyssey
23
VR Painting Apps
Tilt Brush Lets You Create Paintings In Three-Dimensional Space
22
4D VR Headset Accessories
The VR Sensory Immersion Generator Brings Simulations to Life
21
Standalone VR Headsets
This Virtual Reality Headset Doesn't Need to Be Connected to a Computer
20
Underground Gaming Events
PlayStation's Pop-Up Let Fans Play VR Games Before Its Headset Release
19
Sanitary VR Mask Guards
These Disposable Face Masks Keep Headsets Clean Between Uses
18
VR Board Games
'Mask of Anubis' Combines Virtual Reality and Gaming
17
Virtual Reality Desktops
This App Brings Windows Desktop Out from Behind a Computer Screen
16
Immersive Drone Goggles
The FatShark Dominator V3 FPV Goggles Enhance Drone Operation and Flying
15
Alien-Fighting VR Roller Coasters
The New Revolution VR Roller Coaster Updates an Existing Ride
14
VR Cooking Shows
The 360° Meals at Samsung Series Combines Gourmet Food with VR Technology
13
Smartphone-Free VR Consoles
The Pockulus Headset is Designed to Make VR Technology More Accessible
12
Virtual Reality Museums
The Tennessee State Museum Will Appeal to a New Generation with VR Tech
11
Live-Stream VR Surgeries
'Medical Realities' Broadcasted the First Public VR Surgery
10
Immersive Space Simulator Games
The 'ADR1FT' Space Simulator Game will Launch for VR Headsets
9
VR-Centric Computers
MSI's New Virtual Reality Computer Features NVidia's VRWorks Technology
8
Interactive VR Experiences
Limitless Entertainment's Gary the Gull Employs Pixar Principles
7
Compact VR Headsets
The SmartVR by Dodocase is Cheaper and Chicer than Google Cardboard
6
Untethered VR Gaming Backpacks
The Zotac Zbox Facilitates Fully Immersive & Unrestricted VR Gaming
5
Virtual Reality Field Trips
Lockheed Martin Turned School Bus Windows into Panels for Viewing Mars
4
Mind-Tricking Motion Simulators
vMocion Creates the Illusion of Motion for VR Headset Users
3
VR Surfing Experiences
GoPro VR Shares Immersive Consumer Content for Others to Experience
2
Virtual Reality Phone Calls
AltspaceVR Lets People Aims to Elevate Daily Chat Sessions
1
Rugged VR Headsets
The Opto Virtual Reality Headset is Structurally Solid and Rugged
Related Ideas
Recruitment Metaverse Shops
IKEA on Roblox Merges Virtual Gaming and Real-World Job Opportunities
Technology-Driven Retail Spaces
ARK Visual Unveils Future Stores as an Immersive Retail Identity
3D Designer Headset Concepts
The A. EYE AR Glasses by Ho Hyun Rim Help Creative Professionals
Multi-Sensory VR Headsets
The 'ORDOVIC' VR Headset by John Han Lee Immerses Using Smells and More
AR Retail Kiosks
BIG Digital and DeepAR Bring Mobile & Desktop Try-Ons to Store Settings
Immersive 3D Fashion Exhibits
Portal:M x Virtual Fashion Exhibition Host a Phygital Experience
Hybrid Experience VR Glasses
The 'Blend' XR Glasses Concept by Mingwan Bae is Interactive
Bag-Modeling AR Mirrors
Coach's Digital Experience Lets Shoppers Digitally Try Its Tabby Bag
VR Tequila Experiences
The Don Julio Apple Vision Pro App Immerses Tequila Enthusiasts
5g-Enabled Retail Showcases
Singtel is Surpassing Consumer Expectations with 5G Retail
Immersive Spatial DIY Apps
Lowe's Companies, Inc. Debuts Lowe's Style Studio for Apple Vision Pro
Groundbreaking AR Posters
Wall's Out-of-Home Ads Make AR Experiences Unmissable with WinDOOH Tech
Urban Mobility Chairs
Honda Robotics is Testing a Powered Chair Paired with VR Headset Devices
Virtual Modeling Metaverses
Heidi Klum's Modelverse on Roblox Supports Creative Self-Expression
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
3D-Printed VR Headset Concepts
The '0²' VR Headset by RITE Maintains a Comfortable Construction
Spatial Audio Streaming Interfaces
The Apple Vision Pro Spotify UI by Kyuna Petrova is Immersive
Novel AI-Generated Product Designs
Arcade Introduced a Transformative AI Product Creation Platform
Virtual Beauty Storefronts
The Clinique Lab is a Next-Gen Digital Retail Concept
Immersive Reading Headsets
The Sol Reader Immerses Users into Their Virtual Reality E-Books
Interactive Virtual Meeting Platforms
Microsoft Mesh is a Hybrid Working Platform in Virtual Space
Advanced Video Call Prototypes
Logitech Unveils 'Pepper's Ghost' Booths for Immersive Video Calls
Interactive VR Styling Apps
'J.Crew' Launched a Closet Management and Shopping App for Vision Pro
Fluidless Scent-Releasing Facemasks
Hong Kong Researchers Developed a Smart Mask Using Wax Pads
AI-Enabled Smart Glasses Demonstrations
Vuzix® Will Lead Interactive Demonstrations at CES 2024
AR Locker Rooms
Snapchat and Selfridges Created a Pop-Up for Virtually Trying on Sports Kits
Virtual Try-On Services
SpreeAI is Making Significant Strides in the Fashion Industry
Screen-Projecting AR Glasses
These Glasses Generate Virtual Displays In Front Of Your Eyes
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
Immersive Sports Engagement Solutions
Sportradar Expands Its Partnership with the NBA
Immersive Banking Experiences
The CIBC Experience Centre Helps You Visualize Your Financial Future
Haptic Gamer Chair Cushions
Razer Project Esther Immerses Gamers in the Experience at CES 2024
Three-Dimensional Mixed-Reality Displays
Looking Glass Unveils the New 3D Glass Displays
Luxury Spatial Computing Apps
Balenciaga Rolled Out a Storefront App for the Apple Vision Pro
AR Retailer Haircare Experiences
Walmart Beauty Virtual Try-On Now Includes Hair Color Products
AI Travel Campaigns
Away's Extraordinary Is Out There Uses AI to Show Real-World Destinations
Touch-Reactive VR Experiences
Presence In Bed by Annabelle Schneider Blurs Phygital Worlds
Immersive Multimedia Experiences
Sony Pictures' Wonderverse is an Engaging Entertainment Stop
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Immersive Entertainment Venues
Netflix Houses Feature Eateries, Experiential Activities & More
Premium-Quality VR Experiences
'Sandbox VR' in Toronto Offers Fully Immersive Journeys through VR
Multi-Sensory Education Devices
The Conceptual 'Squashy' VR Education Device Has a Tactile Form
Developer-Targeted AR Glasses
The XREAL Air 2 Ultra Creates Next-Gen Mixed-Reality Experiences
AR-Powered Try-On Rooms
Snapchat Unveils a New AR Locker Room at Selfridges Oxford Street London
Augmented Reality Stores
Zero10 is Debuting Its AR Store Prototype at Viva Technology in Paris
Metaverse Development Brands
Best Web3 Development Creates Comprehensive Metaverse Solutions
Immersive Halloween-Themed VR Experiences
Zero Latency VR Offers Suspenseful 'Halloween Thrills'
Mixed-Reality Cola Billboards
This 3D Coca-Cola Billboard Dispenses Real, Cold Drinks
Historic Fashion Try-Ons
The Design Museum's London Fashion Exhibition Integrates AR Mirrors
Immersive VR Shopping Apps
Mytheresa Worked with Obsess on New Apple Vision Pro App
Virtual Reality Education Products
Meta is Launching a New Quest Product to Enhance Classrooms
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Augmented Outerwear Mirrors
Ugg's Flagship Highlights Cold Weather Apparel with a Zero10 Mirror
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
No-Code Metaverse Builders
'Viverse Create' from HTC Enables Easy Metaverse World Creation
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
VR Physiotherapy Tools
A Team of UniSA Researchers Created Superhero Therapy for Pain Management
VR Cat Experiences
Catting Offers an Interactive Feline Friend in Virtual Reality
Memory-Making AR Experiences
Rokid Celebrated Dads This Father's Day with AR & AI
Luxury AR Packaging Solutions
Mytheresa Released App-Controlled Innovative Product Packagings
Spatial OS AR Headsets
The Apple Vision Pro Headset Runs the visionOS Operating System
Spatial Computing Shopping Apps
'Alo Yoga' Debuted a New App for the Apple Vision Pro
Holographic Health Concierges
Immertia Created an AR Assistant for One A Day's Packaging
Virtual Tanner Try-Ons
Bondi Sands' Virtual Try-On Experience Finds Perfect Self-Tan Shades
AR Piano Previews
Roland AR Helps Shoppers Find the Right Piano with Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality Projection Laptops
Sightful Presents Spacetop, a Screenless Projecting Laptop
3D Product Visualization Services
Herman Miller and Design Within Reach Tap 3D Cloud™ by Marxent
Size-Replicating Try-On Technologies
Google Shopping Debuts Virtual Dress Try-Ons in the U.S.
Immersive Hybrid Billboards
Meta's Halloween Thrillboards Tease Immersive Meta Quest 3 Experiences
Trendy Metaverse Sportswear
adidas Enters the Virtual World Through a Roblox Collaboration
Healthy Lifestyle VR Headsets
The Conceptual 'Portalverse' VR Headset Makes Fitness More Fun
Interactive Activewear Metaverses
Alo Yoga Launches a Virtual Reality Shopping Experience
Web3 Fashion Show Initiatives
Runway Magazine Launches Re-Inventing the Runway
Influencer-Led Virtual Shops
Walmart Launches the New Walmart Realm Digital E-Commerce Experience
AR Fashion Creations
The ETERNITEE AR Platform Enhances Consumer Interaction
Mixed-Reality Wellness Apps
Alo Moves XR Creates Immersive Fitness Experiences on Meta Quest 3
Spatial Content Creation Systems
Sony Corporation Boasts an Xr Head-mounted Display & Controllers
Smart 3D Home Maps
SamSung's Map View Creates a Seamless Smart Home Ecosystem
Immersive Holographic Zoos
Hologram Zoo Lets Visitors Interact with Animals Like Never Before
AI-Powered Employee Training Services
VirtualSpeech Blends Generative AI with VR for Training
AR Watch Try-Ons
Perfect Corp. and TIMEZ Created a Digital Experience for Luxury Watch Shopping
AR-Powered Furniture Lenses
Google Search Now Supports AR-Based Ikea Furniture Try Outs
Shoppable Virtual Beach Houses
The J.Crew Virtual Beach House Shares Interactive Content & Games
Luxury Avatar Outfits
Valentino Created Digital Fashion Looks for Meta Avatars
Virtual Reality Design Apps
'Live Home 3D' from BeLight Software Uses VR for Home Renovations
Wearable Conference-Focused Technology
Bizzabo Introduces Klik Experiential for Flagship Events
Immersive Virtual Television Experiences
Television for Apple Vision Shapes the Future of TV
2D-to-3D Jewelry Try-Ons
Perfect Corp.'s Newest Virtual Try-On Technology Empowers Jewelry Brands
Try-On E-Commerce Solutions
Zero10 Launches the New AI-Enabled Try-On Tools for E-Commerce
Virtual Reality Treatment Experiences
xydrobe and Dr. Barbara Strum Unveils the Pause Experience
AI Room Designers
IKEA Canada Launches a New AI Room Design Feature for Enhanced Customization
AR Coronation Crowns
Sky News' Augmented Reality Experience Replicates the British Crown Jewels
Custom Virtual Reality Accessories
Apple's Vision Pro Gets a New Developer Strap
Portable Holographic Displays
Looking Glass Go Shares Memories as 3D Holograms, Not Photos
AI Clothing Try-Ons
Google's AI Shopping Feature Shows How Apparel Looks on Real Models
AR Furniture Testing Features
Pinterest Lets Users View Virtual Furniture in their Homes
AI Virtual Staging
Real Estate Agents Can Effortlessly Enhance Listings with Virtual Furnishings
Virtual Reality Gameplay Chairs
The New Roto VR Explorer Chair Rotates with Virtual Movement
Social Experiment Virtual Apartments
Christoffer Jansson Creates the New Uncanny Spaces Project
Immersive Digital Experiences
Kraft and Nexus Studios Join on the Immersive Mayoverse
Digital Professional VR Headsets
This Office VR Headset Concept by Simon Ljungblahd is Intuitive
Virtual Eyewear Retailer Experiences
Walmart Optical Virtual Try-On is Available Online
3D Beauty Shopping Experiences
Benefit Cosmetics and Obsess Team Up on a 3D Shopping Experience
Spatial Storytelling Films
The Apple Immersive Submerged Trailer Teases Next-Gen Video Tech
Spa-Like AR Filters
Garnier's Vitaverse Immerses Beauty Lovers in a Serene Spa Setting
Virtual Skincare Experiences
Skincare Brand Laniege Launches its First Virtual Store with Obsess
Camera Gear Product Displays
GoPro Has Announced a Significant Retail Expansion at Best Buy
Whimsical Virtual Beauty Shops
The Laneige Virtual World is an Experiential Beauty Shop
VR Track Racing Games
Micro Machines: Mini Challenge Mayhem Pushes Virtual Cars to the Limits
AR Try-On Technologies
Nextech3D.ai Intends to Acquire Designhubz to Expand Its E-Commerce Prowess
Industry-Leading VR Headsets
HTC is Returning to The VR Industry with a New Gaming Headset
Innovative Digital Signage
Creative Realities Enhances Fan Engagement & Outcomes with New Signage
Mixed Reality Storytelling
Storytelling XR Redefines Real-Time VFX for Content Creators
Digital Production Displays
Samsung The Wall for Virtual Production Has a Modular Form
Tech-Enhanced Travel Planning
Travvit is a Travel Discovery Platform to Inspire Better Vacations
Digital Remote Work Environments
Katmai Rolled Out its 'Virtual Office 1.0' for All Customers
Virtual Makeup Try-Ons
Parfums Christian Dior Launches a Virtual Try-On Consultation Service
3D AR Home Improvement Apps
'Roomle' Integrates Home Furniture Services in its AR App
Enhanced VR Ecosystems
Valve Launches a New Update to its SteamVR 2.0 Platform
AR-Powered Brand Experiences
Marcolin Debuts an AR Experience for Employees and Customers
X-Ray Vision Headsets
MIT Scientists are Working on a New X-AR Headset to See Through Objects
Reinterpreted Immersive Events
The Wizard of Oz 360 Experience Retells the Classic Tale
AR-Powered Shopping Apps
Walmart Releases a New Augmented Reality Feature for its iOS Application
Collaborative XR Headsets
Samsung Confirmed its Upcoming XR Headset with Qualcomm
Virtual Countryside Experiences
L'Occitane's Virtual Experience Transports Visitors to Provence
Virtual Retail Solutions
Simbe's Store Intelligence™ Solutions Provide Results on a Global Scale
3D-Rendering VR Apps
Prospect from IrisVR Streamlines Architectural Projects with Virtual Reality
Retailer-Backed Holiday Experiences
J. Crew Launches a New AI-Powered Holiday Experience
Virtual Reality Insurance Consults
ERGO Debuts a VR App for Travel Insurance Consultations
Ad-Focused Reaction Tools
Wunderman Thompson Launches 'Reveal' for Gauging Audience Responses
High-Motion VR Action Games
Attack on Titan VR Lets Players Hunt Massive Monsters in the Metaverse
VR Home Design Platforms
Envisioneer Uses VR to Explore and Optimize your Home's Layout
Holographic Video Game Characters
Proto Uses ProtoHologram to Create a Digital Mario
Casual MR Gaming Companies
'MixRift' Raised over $1.6M to Fund its Mixed Reality Game Development
Inclusive Try-On Programs
Perfect Corp. Connects Beauty Brands with Digital Beauty Innovation
App-Facilitated VR Integrations
WhatsApp's New Update Includes VR Integration with Meta Headsets
Compact Featherlight VR Headsets
The Bigscreen Beyond Headset Has 5K OLED Microdisplays
AR Menu Apps
Jarit is an Ar App That Allows Users to Preview Their Potential Food Orders in 3D
3D Asset-Focused Retail Solutions
Best Home Furnishings Works with 3D Cloud on New Shopping Tools
Focus Group Simulators
This Tool Enables You to See a Product Through Thousands of Perspectives