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
Photorealistic Virtual Models
StudioAvatars are Customizable Avatars for Brand Marketing
AR Runway Experiences
Vogue & Snap Created Custom Augmented Reality Experiences for Vogue World
Panoramic Holographic Displays
The Holo-Panorama X Provides Full 3D Immersion Without a Headset
Multi-Sensory VR Headsets
The 'ORDOVIC' VR Headset by John Han Lee Immerses Using Smells and More
3D Designer Headset Concepts
The A. EYE AR Glasses by Ho Hyun Rim Help Creative Professionals
Hybrid Experience VR Glasses
The 'Blend' XR Glasses Concept by Mingwan Bae is Interactive
Interactive Arcade Storefronts
JD & Snap London Created an AR Storefront for Christmas
Expressive AR Fashion
Innovation Metaverse Design Story is a Digital Collection from H&M
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
Immersive Spatial DIY Apps
Lowe's Companies, Inc. Debuts Lowe's Style Studio for Apple Vision Pro
Urban Mobility Chairs
Honda Robotics is Testing a Powered Chair Paired with VR Headset Devices
Interactive AI Jewelry
Perfect Corp. & REZA Offer an Immersive Digital Try-On Experience
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
Wood-Paneled VR Headsets
The Conceptual Atari VR Headset Has a Nostalgic, Old-School Design
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
Convenience Store Metaverses
7-Eleven is Unveiling an Immersive Virtual World at CES 2023
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
Dynamic Metaverse Billboards
Roblox is Allowing Brands to Put 3D Promos in Virtual Worlds & Games
Immersive AR Automotive HUDs
The HARMAN Ready Vision Augmented Reality HUD was Debuted at CES 2023
3D Visualization Tools
Shapespark Enables Real-Time Visualizations for Designers & Architects
Experimental Virtual Sneaker Activations
Fendi Celebrates Its 'Faster' Sneaker in the Metaverse
AI-Enabled Smart Glasses Demonstrations
Vuzix® Will Lead Interactive Demonstrations at CES 2024
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 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
AR Retailer Haircare Experiences
Walmart Beauty Virtual Try-On Now Includes Hair Color Products
Salon Hairstyle Try-ons
Perfect Corp. Created Virtual Try-On Technology for Hairstyles
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
Gamer-Centric Beauty Campaigns
Dove Launched Real Virtual Beauty to Dismantle Gaming Stereotypes
AR-Based Store Replicas
Lowe's Will Create a 'Digital Twin Store' Using Augmented Reality
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
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
Weather-Triggered 3D Ads
Volta Media Launches Interactive 3D OOH Ad Options for Marketers
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
AI-Based Salon Try-Ons
Perfect Corp. Unveils a Hair Technology That Allows You to Try New Styles
Historic Fashion Try-Ons
The Design Museum's London Fashion Exhibition Integrates AR Mirrors
Virtual Reality Education Products
Meta is Launching a New Quest Product to Enhance Classrooms
Physical World-Blending VR Headsets
The Oculus VR Founder's Latest Headset Connects to the Brain
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Mixed-Reality Shopping Apps
StockX Launched an Immersive Way to Shop with the Apple Vision Pro
VR Cat Experiences
Catting Offers an Interactive Feline Friend in Virtual Reality
VR Physiotherapy Tools
A Team of UniSA Researchers Created Superhero Therapy for Pain Management
Metaverse Treatment Centers
XRHealth Partnered with HTC for Virtual Healthcare Offices
Metaverse Beauty Looks
L’Oréal Revealed Its First Virtual Beauty Styles for Web3
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
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
Virtual Tanner Try-Ons
Bondi Sands' Virtual Try-On Experience Finds Perfect Self-Tan Shades
3D Product Visualization Services
Herman Miller and Design Within Reach Tap 3D Cloud™ by Marxent
Immersive Hybrid Billboards
Meta's Halloween Thrillboards Tease Immersive Meta Quest 3 Experiences
Inclusive Social VR Programs
Meta Invested in a Social VR Research Team Alongside Universities
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
Virtual Try-On Mirrors
Hugo Boss Launches New VR Try-On Tool, the 'PictoFit Mirror'
Spatial Video Communication Devices
Wehead, Shown at CES 2023, Lets Users Look Around Remotely
Interactive Activewear Metaverses
Alo Yoga Launches a Virtual Reality Shopping Experience
Metaverse-Enabled Cruise Ships
Celebrity Cruises Launches the First Digital Cruise Ship Experience
Spatial Content Creation Systems
Sony Corporation Boasts an Xr Head-mounted Display & Controllers
Back-to-School Metaverse Campaigns
Kickers UK Created a Kids' Footwear Campaign Through Roblox
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
Shoppable Virtual Beach Houses
The J.Crew Virtual Beach House Shares Interactive Content & Games
AR-Powered Furniture Lenses
Google Search Now Supports AR-Based Ikea Furniture Try Outs
Wooden Retro-Style VR Headsets
The Stereoscopic Display System is Powered by a Raspberry Pi
Employee VR Training Practices
Talespin Works to Incorporate VR into Workplace Training
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
Enterprise-Ready VR Headsets
The Lenovo ThinkReality VRX Supports Business Applications
Virtual Reality Treatment Experiences
xydrobe and Dr. Barbara Strum Unveils the Pause Experience
Mobile 3D Scanning Apps
Epic Games and Capturing Reality Debut the RealityScan iOS App
Virtual Appliance Showrooms
Samsung's Shoppable Instagram Profiles Replace Department Stores
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
AR Garment Try-Ons
H&M Launches a Virtual Try-On Lens Wearable Through Augmented Reality
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
All-Angle Sneaker Shopping Engines
Google Search Allows Users to View Shoes from All Angles
Social Experiment Virtual Apartments
Christoffer Jansson Creates the New Uncanny Spaces Project
Immersive Digital Experiences
Kraft and Nexus Studios Join on the Immersive Mayoverse
Virtual Eyewear Retailer Experiences
Walmart Optical Virtual Try-On is Available Online
Goggle-Shaped VR Headsets
HTC's Standalone VR Headset Can Now Be Preordered on Amazon
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
3D Product Visualisation Services
WinBizSolutionsIndia Offers 3D Product Visualization Services
European Metaverse Initiatives
The European Commission Launched a Dedicated VR/AR Department
3D VR Video Calls
Canon's Kokomo Platform Allows Uses to Chat Face-to-Face in the Metaverse
Precision Visuals VR Headsets
The DPVR E4 PC VR Gaming Headset Features Fresnel Lenses
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
Virtual Reality Gaming Consoles
Sony Introduces its New Playstation VR 2 with a Headset
Virtual Beauty-Focused Stores
Laura Mercier Debuts the Virtual ‘World of Beauty’ Store
Free-Roam VR Games
Games Workshop's Warhammer 40K is Getting a VR Experience from Zero Latency
AR Apartment Platforms
3D Apartment Lets Home Hunters Virtually View Their Furniture in a New Home
Virtual Game Tourism Campaigns
Cape Town Launches a Virtual Game for a New Tourism Campaign
Tech-Enhanced Travel Planning
Travvit is a Travel Discovery Platform to Inspire Better Vacations
Digital Production Displays
Samsung The Wall for Virtual Production Has a Modular Form
Digital Remote Work Environments
Katmai Rolled Out its 'Virtual Office 1.0' for All Customers
Sports Event Virtual-Reality Apps
Meta Quest Launches Xtaduym with the Help of VBVR Tech
Immersive Movie Experiences
Canon Shared a Unique Experience of Knock at the Cabin CES 2023
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-Enabled Google Tools
Google Launches a Slew of New Features for Search, Shopping, and Maps
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
Virtual Mixed-Reality Headsets
Canon Unveils the New MREAL X1 Headset During CES 2023
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
AR-Based Video Games
Graffity, Qualcomm, and Nreal Launch Two New Augmented Reality Games
Virtual Countryside Experiences
L'Occitane's Virtual Experience Transports Visitors to Provence
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
VR Home Design Platforms
Envisioneer Uses VR to Explore and Optimize your Home's Layout
Virtual Reality Racing Games
Sony Confirmed that Gran Turismo 7 Will be on PSVR2 from Day One
AR-Based Eyewear Try-Ons
Amazon Fashion and Snapchat Partner on an AR Eyewear Shopping Lens
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
Virtual Esports Tournaments
Virtex Will Host an Entirely Virtual Esports Competition for Echo VR
Headset-Free 3D Gaming Platforms
Acer SpatialLabs TrueGame Shows Off Immersive Graphics