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
Limited Gaming Eyewear
Viture × Cyberpunk 2077 XR Glasses Appear as a Limited Anniversary Release
Projected Kitchen Displays
Samsung HoloDisplay is a CES 2025 Best of Innovation Smart Home Winner
Gamified AR Footwear Fittings
Tootsie Augmented Reality Makes Shoe Shopping More Fun for Kids
Personal Computer-Based VR Headsets
Pimax Debuts Three New Models at CES 2026
Digital Apparel Education Initiatives
Roblox is an Unexpected Platform for Fashion Education
Fashion-Focused AI Production Studios
Vyking Debuts an AI-Driven Content Creation Module
Mixed-Reality Theme Parks
DreamPark is Capturing the Attention of Digital Adventurers
Spatial AI Shopping Technologies
VusionGroup EdgeSense AI Immerses Shoppers
Automated Retail Concepts
VenHub Smart Stores Use Ai & Robotics to Redefine a Shopping Experience
Spacefaring VR Adventure Games
'Star Wars: Beyond Victory' is Coming Soon to VR Headsets
AI Virtual Fitting Rooms
Perfect Corp. is Bringing a Try-On Experience to Fashion Forward Week
Lego-Centric Apps
The 'Brick My World' App Turns Reality into LEGO Creations
Entertaining AI-Driven Experiences
Lotte and Arbitrum Partner for the Coalesced 'Lotte Caliverse'
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
Hugo Boss Launches a New AI-Powered Product Content Feature
AR-Powered Vending Machines
Snapchat and L’Oréal Made a Gamified Lens to Share Refillable Haircare
Next-Gen Virtual Merch Stores
The Benfica Immersive Store Assists Customers with an AI Concierge
VR Creation Platforms
Chop Reality Lets Users Create and Share Personalized VR Worlds Easily
Mixed-Reality Makeup Studios
Kosé Corporation Debuted a Beauty-Tech Innovation at CES 2025
High-Profile Live Performance Marketing
Rokid Delighted Folks with a High-Profile Marketing Event
Shoppable TV Ads
Samsung and Amazon Enable Remote-Based Shopping Directly on TV
Immersive Brand Concepts
LG Hosted its 'Affectionate Intelligence' Event at CES 2025
AI-Driven Product Photoshoots
Unilever Shared Its Use of AI and Digital Twins at NVIDIA GTC 2025
AI-Driven Shoppable Catwalks
Topshop and THG Studios are Hosting a Next-Gen Fashion Experience
Collaborative VR Art Experiences
Chanel Presents the A Conversation with the Sun Show
Drone Home Touring Tools
Zillow Unveils a New Tool That Makes Property Buying Seamless
Vision-Based AI Fridges
Samsung Will Unveil the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub at CES 2026
Immersive K-Beauty Pop-Ups
TIRTIR Brings Jeju Matcha Skincare to NYC with a Sensory Experience
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
Virtual Footwear Try-Ons
Google's AI-Powered Try-On Tech Helps with Online Shoe Shopping
Spatial Computing Beauty Apps
The Laura Mercier App for Apple Vision Pro is Immersive
Gamified Condiment Experiences
HEINZ’s Ketchup Blast Turns Meals Interactive
Experiential Brand Stores
New Era Creates Interactive Retail Space With Custom Cap Design
Virtual Flavor Simulators
Researchers Developed a Device to Stimulate Taste in Virtual Worlds
AI-Powered Immersive Screen Experiences
Haier Equips Its TVs with High-Performance Technologies
Holographic Fragrance Installations
The Perfume Shop Stores Incorporate Holographic Technology
AI Interior Designs
Home Imagine Creates AI-Powered Room Designs In Seconds
Mixed Reality Headsets
The vivo Vision Discovery Edition is Cutting Edge and Immersive
Interactive AR Storefronts
Spotselfie AR Meta Stores Tie Real-World Places to Virtual Storefronts
AI-Assisted Business Ads
Google Workspace's 50 States, 50 Stories Shares Small Businesses Using AI
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
AI Travel Planning
Mindtrip Turns Tourism Website Content into Personalized Travel Itineraries
Elegant Immersive Brand Experiences
Kohler Co. Invited KBIS Attendees to 'Step into Possibility'
AI Beauty Assistants
Sephora Launched Advanced Chatbot Features for Virtual Try-Ons and Bookings
AI-Powered Video Generators
Avataar's AI Video Tool Creates Immersive Visual Content for Brands
Spatial Computing Kitchen Designers
Lowe's Style Studio Helps People Design with Apple Vision Pro
Future-Facing Intimacy Technologies
Lovsense Made a Splash at CES 2026 with Its Intimacy Tech
Data-Driven Digital Experiences
Samsung Unveiled a Color-Changing Installation in London
AI-Powered 3D Avatars
AVATAi's Platform Creates Customizable Digital Brand Ambassadors
Personalized Digital Dating Rooms
Dating.com Introduced Customizable Virtual Spaces for Singles
AI Retail Forecasts
Experts Outline how AI will Reshape Commerce By 2026
Mixed Reality Business Acquisitions
Google is Acquiring a Large Part of HTC's Vive XR Team
Virtual Reality Bendable Controllers
Minkyu Oh Designs the Cogito Concept with AR Technology
Game Developer-Targeting AI Tools
Ramen VR Debuts Telos for Its Existing Aura Platform
Virtual Fashion Studios
CostumePlay AI Lets You Try On Clothes Virtually And Explore Styles
Shoppable AR Villages
The Snapchat Winter Village Has Three Immersive Luxury Brand Boutiques
Virtual Styling Tools
TryMe AI Lets Users Preview Outfits And Track Style Choices
Interactive Digital QSR Experiences
McDonald's Launches 'McDonaldland VR'
Virtual Clothing Try-Ons
Virtual Try-On for Online Shopping Let's You See Clothes on You Instantly
Scan-to-VR Technologies
Teleport by Varjo Creates Digital Twins for Real-World Locations
AI-Assisted Marketing Tools
YouCam AI Pro Offers AI Business Avatar & AI Product Staging Tools
Immersive Gaming Lands
Minecraft World Brings the Game to Life in a Theme Park
Retina-Level VR Headsets
Pimax's Crystal Super Debuted at CES as an Industry-First
Lightweight VR Headsets
The Pimax Dream Air Represents a Notable Advancement in Virtual Reality
Immersive Superhero Attractions
Warner Bros. Gamifies Superman Storytelling with Gameplay
Digital Try-On Solutions
Bariano Uses Try with Mirra Technology for its New Virtual Fitting Rooms
AI-Powered Shoppable Runways
Topshop and THG Studios Hosted a Front Row AI Experience
Branded Product Reveal Events
Dreame Technology Spotlights Innovations at DREAME NEXT
Virtual Clothing Tools
Virtual Try On Generates Realistic Clothing Images For Marketing And Social
Virtual Dressing Rooms
AI Virtual Try On Offers Instant High-Quality Style Previews For Shoppers
Immersive Cereal Cities
Kellogg's Town Welcomes Virtual Visitors in a Breakfast World
Interior Visualization Tools
Room Interior Design Creates Photorealistic Interiors
Virtual Furniture Pop-Ups
Ikea in Roblox’s Welcome to Bloxburg Offers Furniture in a Digital Store
Mobile Creator Experiences
Nikon Connects Creators Through Interactive Multi-City Events
Immersive Multimodal AI Headsets
The Android XR Supports VR, AR and MR
Immersive Design Studio Showcases
Fritz Hansen Presented 'Shaping Lasting Design' in Copenhagen
Product Visualization Experiences
Threekit’s AI Visual Configurator Enhances Product Customization
Next-Gen Consumer Goods Technologies
Unilever and Google Cloud Partner to Produce Strong Products
Emotionally Intelligent Retailer Platforms
JK Tech Spotlights Its Artificial Intelligence Platform
World Cup Hospitality Experiences
Stella Artois Turns Bars into Immersive FIFA Viewing Locations
Comprehensive XR Lineups
Goertek Spotlights Its Extended Reality Range at CES 2026
VR-Powered Design Platforms
Mondän Bridges the Gap Between DIY Styling and High-End Customization
Tech-Branded VR Headsets
This Nothing VR Headset Concept by Ratan Pande is Ultra-Modern
Pop-Up Reality TV Bars
Samsung Electronics' Verkligheten is a Destination for Reality TV Fans
Dynamic Art Displays
Mirage Transforms Personal Photos Into AI-Generated Artistic Scenes
Emotional Mothers Day Ads
Apple's Mother’s Day Campaign Showcases Spatial Video's Emotional Power
Virtual Fitting Mirror Systems
Ovme Smart Mirror System Lets You See, Feel, and Fit Outfits
Swiss-Engineered Virtual Presentation Systems
The ShowCase Caters to the Needs of Luxury Brands
AI-Powered Virtual Worlds
Google's Project Genie Turns Text Prompts Into Traversable Worlds
Science-Backed Adventure Collaborations
Toyota, AllGear Digital & Immersion Neuroscience Partner
AI Experiment Hubs
Google Labs Showcases Early AI Tools And Experimental Features
Smart Mirror Platforms
loook.ai Helps Brands and Retailers Transform Retail with AR Mirrors
Pop-Up Sports Hospitality
Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival Turns Urban Spaces into Immersive Fan Hubs
Wearable Olfactory VR Modules
Institute of Science Tokyo Introduced Scent Headset Prototype
Virtual Try-On Tools
Clothing Virtual Try On Shows Realistic Outfits For Online & Retail Shopping
Marketing Simulation Tools
Novela AI Marketing Simulation Trains AI Collaboration And Strategy
Immersive Virtual Reality Concerts
IMMERSION VR Concert Film Brings Fans Virtually on Stage
AI-Advanced 3D Product Tours
Kaon Interactive Introduces Kaon Demo360+TM
AR Virtual Space Hangouts
Meta Hyperscape Capture Now Supports Communal Hangouts Anywhere
Worldwide Service Marketplaces
Airbnb Services are for Booking Everything from Catering to Makeup
Immersive Store Screens
Hays Travel Introduces Immersive Technology to Transform Holiday Planning
Expanded Tech Marketplaces
Best Buy Unveils a Digital Marketplace with New Possibilities
Tech-Enabled Smart Glasses
Snapchat Announces the Upcoming Arrival of its New 'Specs' Glasses
AR Bag Try-Ons
WANNA's Bags Virtual Try-On Experience Visualizes Styles Worn on the Shoulder
Expanded Technology Marketplaces
Best Buy Has Plans to Launch a New Third-Party Marketplace
Personalized Neuroaesthetic Experiences
113 Spring's Emergence Service Supports Creative Expansion
AI Fashion Tools
Virtualfit Lets Users Try on New Looks Instantly in a Digital Space
AI-Powered Home Staging Tools
Zillow Virtual Staging Helps Home Shoppers Imagine the Potential
Real-Time 3D Engines
Unity Enables 2D, 3D, VR & AR Project Development Across Industries
Virtual Hairstyle Previews
AI HairstyleApp Lets Users Preview Hairstyles Before Visiting The Salon
Technology-Fusing Laboratory Spaces
WindsorPatania Architects Designs the XR Lab
Interactive Live Shows
Cirque du Soleil's Interactive Experience Offers Multi-Device Exploration
Global Product Launch Events
Uber Unveils a New Go-Get Exhibit Featuring Interactive Vignettes
VR Rail Carriages
The St Vincent’s Express Takes Senior Care Residents to 10 Countries
Interactive AI Headsets
The Samsung Galaxy XR Runs the Android XR Platform
Practical Accessibility-Focused Tech Products
Lg Debuts a Suite of Accessibility-Focused Products
Interactive Virtual Train Tours
Ocean3D Partners with Lumo Trains on an Interactive Virtual Tour
Prescriptive VR Therapy Platforms
VA Rolls Out Mynd Immersive MyndXR Across 45 Centers
Industry-Advancing AI-Powered Innovation Tools
3M is Presenting a Suite of Tech Advancements
Spatial Bubble Games
Bubbles Everywhere Offers Immersive Bubble Popping on Apple Vision Pro
Real-Time Skin Visualization Features
Revieve LiveAR Offers Real-Time Skin Visualization
Exclusive Luxury Properties Previews
Home Team Luxury Rentals Debuts Coming Soon Properties
Educational VR Florist Programs
The Texas State Florists' Association Debuts a Unique VR Program
Exclusive AI-Driven Hardware Exhibitions
Gotvoom Organized a Private Exhibition Space for CES 2026
AI 3D Conversion Tools
Sony Uses AI to Turn 2D Visuals into 3D
Stadium Stay Experiences
Marriott Bonvoy Introduces a World Cup Final Sleepover Suite for Fans
Spatial Utility Tools
Boost Productivity With Mixed Reality Tools Using Widgets App
AI-Assisted Preliminary Research Methodologies
Brand Vision Harnesses AI to Enhance Its Offerings
Virtual City Explorers
Citywalki Offers Immersive Virtual Experiences In Over 140 Cities
Web-Based VR Games
Slice of Music Delivers an Interactive Rhythm Game for Apple Vision Pro
Digital Urban Replica Systems
RealityMaps Serves Governments, Urban Planners, and Developers
Versatile Spatial Computers
The Play for Dream MR Was Unveiled at CES 2025 in Las Vegass
Esports Training Facility Upgrades
Virtus.pro Announces a Deal with Samsung Electronics
AI Virtual Tours
RealTour AI Creates Professional Property Tours Quickly And Easily
AR Merchandising Tools
Instore Activation Enhances Trade Marketing With Real-Time AR Solutions
Brand Recognition Games
Product Guesser Tests Brand Recognition Through Interactive Play Tool
Multi-Protocol Smart Home Devices
THIRDREALITY Has Outlined Its Forthcoming Product Strategy
Immersive Virtual Spaces
Timmerse Creates Customizable 3D Worlds for Work and Social Interactions
Event-Centric Camping Experiences
Huttopia Hosts World Cup Viewing and Activities at Its Campsites
Demo Fit Workflows
Vision Pro Demo Fit Helps Retailers Guide Headset Sizing and Selection
iPad Vision Self-Checkout Systems
VisioLab Launches Its AI-Powered iPad Checkout Interface