# Standalone VR Developers are creating VR headsets that do not rely on external computing. By [Colin Smith](https://www.trendhunter.com/Colin96), Senior Insights Analyst | Published Feb 11, 2024 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/standalone-vr ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Standalone VR trend? **Standalone VR:** Brands are launching standalone spatial computing headsets that have processing power built into the device. These devices are small, portable, and do not require the user to be tethered to a computer. This makes the headsets quicker to use while reducing the barrier to entry for new customers. ## The consumer insight behind the Standalone VR trend For the average adult consumer, two of the main barriers that prevent the adoption of spatial computing and VR headsets are related to cost and complexity, in part due to headsets often requiring several high-priced devices to function, effectively placing VR experiences behind paywalls that outweigh the value proposition. Hardware brands in the VR space are addressing these concerns by creating lower-cost, lower-power VR headsets that function entirely on their own. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 13, 2022 to Jan 9, 2024 - Published: Feb 11, 2024 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Standalone VR trend ### Standalone Spatial Computing Headsets Headsets that have processing power built into the device, reducing the barrier to entry for new customers. ### Lower-Cost, Lower-Power VR Headsets Hardware brands addressing cost and complexity concerns by creating self-contained VR headsets that function entirely on their own. ### Comfort-Focused VR Headsets VR headsets that prioritize compactness and comfort for longer usage sessions. ## What the Standalone VR trend means for industry ### For Virtual Reality Hardware The VR hardware industry can capitalize on the trend of standalone spatial computing headsets by developing innovative, self-contained devices that appeal to a broader customer base. ### For Augmented Reality Hardware The AR hardware industry can explore the opportunity of comfort-focused VR headsets to enhance the user experience and increase adoption of AR technologies. ### For Spatial Computing Developers Spatial computing developers can take advantage of the lower-cost, lower-power VR headsets trend to create engaging and immersive experiences that are more accessible to consumers. ## Workshop question How could your brand ensure its products or services have minimal barriers to entry? ## Trend signals for Standalone VR Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 64%, freshness 21%. - Popularity: 64% - Activity: 64% - Freshness: 21% ## Examples of the Standalone VR trend 4 featured examples from Oct 13, 2022 to Jan 9, 2024. - [Developer-Targeted AR Glasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xreal-air-2-ultra): The XREAL Air 2 Ultra Creates Next-Gen Mixed-Reality Experiences (Category: Tech) Implication: The XREAL Air 2 Ultra glasses disrupt the augmented reality industry by offering developers a powerful tool for creating immersive mixed-reality experiences. - [Accessible Comfort-Focused VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-quest-3): The Meta Quest 3 VR Headset is Compact and Slim (Category: Tech) Implication: The Meta Quest 3 VR headset can disrupt the gaming industry by providing an affordable and comfortable VR experience that could potentially revolutionize how we play games. - [Spatial OS AR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-vision-pro): The Apple Vision Pro Headset Runs the visionOS Operating System (Category: Tech) Implication: The integration of spatial computing in gaming presents disruptive innovation opportunities to revolutionize the gaming experience and create new revenue streams through in-game a… - [Professional-Grade VR Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meta-quest-pro): Meta Unveiled the 'Quest Pro' Premium Headset at $1,599.99 USD (Category: Tech) Implication: The trend for professional-grade VR headsets presents a significant opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating immersive media experiences for the entertainment and marketi… ## 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)