Trend cluster
Category

Affordable
VR

VR and AR technology becomes more accessible through affordable peripherals.

Recycled Virtual Reality ViewersAffordable Smartphone VR HeadsetsAction Cam VR RigsPocket Virtual Reality HeadsetsSimplistic Virtual Reality Headsets

Trend

What is the Affordable VR trend?

Affordable VR: Virtual reality has expanded to many industries and proven itself versatile when it comes to applications, but until now, its popularity has been restricted by expensive gear. Stripped down, lightweight versions of the technology and accompanying smartphone apps are working to make virtual reality more accessible and ubiquitous. This change not only democratizes new technology, but creates a more immersive approach to mobile gaming as well.

Trend themes

Themes within the Affordable VR trend

Three behaviours holding the trend together
01

Affordable VR Gear

VR and AR technology becomes more accessible through affordable peripherals, democratizing new technology and creating a more immersive approach to mobile gaming.

02

DIY Virtual Reality Headsets

Simplistic and pocket-sized VR headsets require nothing more than a smartphone, creating a new market for tech-savvy users and portability in the gaming industry.

03

Affordable Virtual Reality Content Creation

Affordable and innovative virtual reality cameras give everyday consumers access to immersive virtual reality content creation, and democratize the market of virtual reality production.

Industry implications

What the Affordable VR trend means for industry

Where the trend changes the playbook
For

Gaming Industry

The affordability of virtual reality technology creates new opportunities for widespread adoption in gaming industries and immersive approaches to mobile gaming.

For

Fashion Industry

Collaborations with virtual reality, particularly by high-end fashion brands, create possibilities for a whole new immersive market for consumers interested in viewing fashion in new and innovative ways.

For

Photography and Filmmaking Industries

Increasing accessibility to affordable virtual reality cameras and content creation peripherals gives everyday people a chance at producing immersive and engaging video content.

Workshop question

How can your brand make its offerings more accessible to more demographics?

Trend signals

Trend signals for Affordable VR

Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 66%, freshness 8%.

Popularity68%
Activity66%
Freshness8%
Audience
70%Men
30%Women
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z
  • Millennial
  • Gen X (not a primary audience)
  • Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America

Evidence

Examples of the Affordable VR trend

7 featured examples from Jun 27, 2014 to Apr 8, 2016
Recycled Virtual Reality Viewers
CategoryEco

Recycled Virtual Reality Viewers

Coca-Cola Provides 3 Hands-On Options for Eco-Conscious Techies

Packaging companies can explore new materials and design techniques to create sustainable and repurposeable packaging solutions.

Affordable Smartphone VR Headsets
CategoryTech

Affordable Smartphone VR Headsets

The DeePoon VIRGLASS Works in Conjunction with a Cellular Device

Disruptive innovation opportunity: Manufacturers can collaborate with smartphone companies to produce VR headsets that are accessible and affordable for a wider audience.

Action Cam VR Rigs
CategoryTech

Action Cam VR Rigs

The GoPro Omni is a More Affordable Version to the Odyssey

The development of advanced, yet affordable virtual reality camera rigs creates disruption and innovation opportunities within the camera equipment industry.

Pocket Virtual Reality Headsets
CategoryTech

Pocket Virtual Reality Headsets

Moggles is a Portable Solution that Works with Smartphones

The gaming industry can harness the disruptive innovation opportunity of pocket virtual reality headsets to enhance the gaming experience and attract a wider audience.

Simplistic Virtual Reality Headsets
CategoryTech

Simplistic Virtual Reality Headsets

The Google Cardboard is for Everyone with Smartphones

The consumer electronics industry can explore new opportunities in creating affordable and accessible virtual reality headsets for a wider consumer base.

Virtual Fashion Films
CategoryTech

Virtual Fashion Films

River Island's High-Tech Fashion Experience Embraces Google Cardboard

Implementing virtual reality and augmented reality technologies can disrupt the fashion industry by transforming the way customers experience and interact with fashion brands.

Affordable Virtual Reality Cameras
CategoryTech

Affordable Virtual Reality Cameras

This Flying Camera Makes It Easy to Form Virtual Reality Video

Affordable virtual reality cameras like the Vuze can revolutionize the virtual reality industry, making VR content creation more accessible to a wider audience.