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An Alternate Perspective on Virtual Reality in 2023

2023 could potentially be the year of resurgence for the Metaverse, as well as advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology as a whole.

“I believe we will see virtual reality technology's continued refinement,” Christopher Ball, an assistant professor of augmented and virtual reality at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The release of the Meta Quest 3 headset is expected later this year, which is expected to be more affordable than the Meta Quest Pro while offering advanced features. Additionally, virtual reality companies may shift their focus towards promoting non-gaming uses such as remote working, fitness, and socializing. For example, Meta's partnership with Microsoft will bring Office 365 apps to VR. Despite the FTC's opposition, Meta is currently attempting to acquire Within, a VR company that offers a popular exercise app called Supernatural.

Furthermore, in the fall of 2022, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, announced that the company would release AR products, and more information about it is expected in 2023.

“Hopefully, we will also learn more about Apple’s long-gestating mixed-reality headset. Apple has a strong record of refining consumer technologies with improved software integration,” Ball says. “Therefore, many observers eagerly anticipate Apple’s entrance into the mixed-reality space, as they may become the trendsetters for extended reality technology and software over the next decade.”