# Affordable VR VR and AR technology becomes more accessible through affordable peripherals. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Jun 30, 2015 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/affordable-vr ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.7/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 27, 2014 to Apr 8, 2016 - Published: Jun 30, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Affordable VR trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Affordable VR trend means for industry ### 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 for Affordable VR Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 66%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 68% - Activity: 66% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Affordable VR trend 7 featured examples from Jun 27, 2014 to Apr 8, 2016. - [Recycled Virtual Reality Viewers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-viewers): Coca-Cola Provides 3 Hands-On Options for Eco-Conscious Techies (Category: Eco) Implication: Packaging companies can explore new materials and design techniques to create sustainable and repurposeable packaging solutions. - [Affordable Smartphone VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deepoon): The DeePoon VIRGLASS Works in Conjunction with a Cellular Device (Category: Tech) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gopro-omni): The GoPro Omni is a More Affordable Version to the Odyssey (Category: Tech) Implication: The development of advanced, yet affordable virtual reality camera rigs creates disruption and innovation opportunities within the camera equipment industry. - [Pocket Virtual Reality Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-virtual-reality): Moggles is a Portable Solution that Works with Smartphones (Category: Tech) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-cardboard): The Google Cardboard is for Everyone with Smartphones (Category: Tech) Implication: The consumer electronics industry can explore new opportunities in creating affordable and accessible virtual reality headsets for a wider consumer base. - [Virtual Fashion Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-tech-fashion): River Island's High-Tech Fashion Experience Embraces Google Cardboard (Category: Tech) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vuze-flying-camera): This Flying Camera Makes It Easy to Form Virtual Reality Video (Category: Tech) Implication: Affordable virtual reality cameras like the Vuze can revolutionize the virtual reality industry, making VR content creation more accessible to a wider audience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)