VR Curation Or: How To Avoid Another Google Glass
As Virtual Reality headsets become available to the public, we've set out to address the many issues that come with launching a platform. Not just a platform – not just hardware – but a whole ecosystem of pieces of hardware AND software. Developers and users, manufacturers and social participants. There's a lot at stake here – and a lot of people with their livelihoods on the line. What's it going to take to keep this environment in order? Curation!
When it came to Google Glass, the potential uses seemed limitless. It seemed as though Google had created a piece of equipment that was going to change the way we lived our lives. As it turned out, unmitigated hype between creation and full release brought the whole show down.
Virtual reality headsets and glasses: when things get tricky
Here in 2016 we're certainly in a similar situation with virtual reality – but slightly less in the frying pan due to the lack of a camera in any part of the process.
That said, it's still important that those in charge of the app stores and the PR for the whole show remain vigilant.
This week we had a chat a top mind in the field of virtual reality content today, Abi Mandelbaum, CEO of YouVisit. To understand what YouVisit does, see the following links:
YouVisit has one of the largest libraries of virtual reality content available to consumers through multiple headset platforms.
"As with any media, there needs to be restrictions and guidelines when it comes to content that is made publicly available," said Mandelbaum.
"While some of this revolves around ensuring that content is tasteful, there is an aspect that needs to focus on offering consumers the best VR experiences possible in order to fuel consumer adoption. Here there needs to be a delicate balance between access and quality."
Virtual Reality Done Wrong: making it look terrible
"With VR really just taking off in 2016, VR platforms such as those managed by Oculus or Google should be advocates for all content creators breaking into this market."
"However, when it comes to helping consumers to navigate the experience, these platforms need to adopt a customized and helpful process similar to that of the Netflix's or Amazon's of the world. This will enable them to guide consumers to the types of content that will matter to them and prevent each viewer from being a one-time user."
See our timeline of virtual reality guides and columns below, and stick around as we continue to ride this wave into the future.