chevron-down
chevron-down
AR/VR: New dimensions of connection
Discover how augmented reality and virtual reality will bring the world closer together by enabling presence.
Topics
Tomorrow's tech will exist to be unseen
What becomes possible when technology fades into the background? We get to live eyes up. We get to defy distance on a daily basis. We get to be more present with the people who matter to us—even if they’re oceans away. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are poised to deliver these magical possibilities and take connection to new heights.
In the first volume of Hello Future, a new quarterly series from Facebook IQ, we explore how these technologies will transform our lives in the years to come, fusing together perspectives from industry leaders and signals from our platforms. Experience the power of AR and VR on this page, and dive deeper into the content by downloading our full report.
Look up and see the future
AR and VR will add a new layer of presence to our lives, giving us the opportunity to connect in immersive, authentic ways, regardless of physical boundaries. And we’re already seeing signs that point to the desire—and need—for these new technologies.
Defining the terms
AR (augmented reality): Information is overlaid on top of the physical world, usually via a smartphone (at this time).
VR (virtual reality): A fully immersive experience thanks to a headset that immerses your senses in a virtual universe.
Signals of a seismic shift to the next computing platform
Facebook IQ sources: 1. “Emerging Trends Research” (Facebook-commissioned survey of 12,500 online people ages 18–64 in AR, AU, BR, CO, GB, ID, IN, MX, NG, PH, SA, TH, US and VN) by Ipsos, Sep 2020. N=1,000 for all markets except AU, GB and US (where N=500). 2. VentureBeat, Feb 2020. 3. Strategy Analytics, Jul 2020. 4. Facebook data, global, based on English-language keywords, Jan 2019–Dec 2020.
Facebook IQ sources: 1. “Emerging Trends Research” (Facebook-commissioned survey of 12,500 online people ages 18–64 in AR, AU, BR, CO, GB, ID, IN, MX, NG, PH, SA, TH, US and VN) by Ipsos, Sep 2020. N=1,000 for all markets except AU, GB and US (where N=500). 2. VentureBeat, Feb 2020. 3. Strategy Analytics, Jul 2020. 4. Facebook data, global, based on English-language keywords, Jan 2019–Dec 2020.
AR and VR are on the cusp of becoming ubiquitous. With this shift, the possibilities for connection will transcend the confines of the smartphone. These technologies will enable people to share their stories, champion community and collaborate with those near and far. AR and VR have the potential to break down mental, physical and societal barriers and create the space for meaningful connection.
See how AR can drive business success. Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to open the Facebook app, dive into a shark cage in South Africa and book an adventure with a fictional business, all in a single experimental moment.
Imagine the possibilities
AR and VR can make the impossible possible by delivering experiences from an “eyes-up” perspective. We’ll be able to truly walk in another’s shoes, pursue new passions, drive equity and connect with businesses, wherever we may be in the physical world. Explore what we’re seeing in each of these areas today and how AR and VR could continue to evolve tomorrow:
Inspiring commerce
As AR and VR expand the online shopping experience, the path to purchase as we know it will collapse. We already see brands adopting AR to help people overlay products on themselves and their environments without having to visit physical stores. But the future holds even more ways for people to connect with brands—from meeting designers they admire in one-on-one sessions to seeing how products are made inside the factory. See how AR can transform the way people shop by bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds.
Pursuing passions
Today, our activities are limited by factors such as cost, distance, time and access. Tomorrow, a sea of opportunities will be affordable and accessible to all through AR and VR. Discover how AR can transport people to cultural institutions around the world, such as the Smithsonian, Le Grand Palais and the Palace of Versailles.
Redefining productivity
As AR and VR impact everything from classrooms to operating rooms, the world will become not only more efficient, but more equitable. Imagine a world where surgeons can learn complex procedures without risking people’s lives or multinational companies can save time by training people immersively and consistently across borders. Explore how VR will enable people to work from anywhere, anytime.
Igniting empathy
VR has the powerful ability to help us understand others’ experiences. We Live Here, a project by American director Rose Troche, does just that. This immersive film in VR brings viewers into the life of a person experiencing homelessness in order to inspire empathy and action. Watch the trailer and learn more about the film here.
Let’s build the future together
At Facebook, we’re focused on giving people the power to build community and bringing the world closer together. AR and VR could be some of the most impactful catalysts for achieving these goals, but we recognize the importance of creating these technologies responsibly. Learn more about the team behind AR and VR at Facebook, and explore our Responsible Innovation Principles here.
The future is all of ours for the making. And to build it, we’ll need to collaborate across borders, ideals and ideologies—from individuals and small businesses to large organizations and multinational corporations. In fact, the scale of collaboration could be bigger than anything we’ve seen before. And while much of the technology we’ve discussed doesn’t exist just yet, we’re already thinking of ways to lay the groundwork for future success, today.
3 ways to start your journey to the future—today:
Explore how people are using AR and VR to transform the world today—from immersive films to engaging games and experiences.
Pick an objective and decide whether AR or VR represents the best path forward.
Learn about responsible innovation principles and build around them from the start.
Organize and empower your team so it's clear who's driving AR and VR innovation.
Use the power of your own community to inform, inspire and influence your AR and VR strategy.
Educate your organization on how AR and VR will impact your industry by scheduling a 1:1 demo with Facebook Reality Labs.
To discover more insights and perspectives around the future of AR and VR, download the full report.
We’re here to help connect you to the shifts on the horizon. Some are bigger than others, but all are important in helping you and your business plan for what’s to come.
Our work is built on the perspectives of people who are literally building the future, trends gaining momentum across our platforms around the world—and our unique understanding of what drives 3 billion people and 200 million businesses.1
Hello Future is a journey into tomorrow and a new series of reports from Facebook IQ. Each issue enables you to focus on and strategize for an inevitable shift to come. Because when you do that, you have a chance to greet the future on your terms.
Facebook IQ is the home for insights powered by what unfolds on our platforms every day and foresight inspired by our view of what’s on the horizon. Discover audience and planning and buying insights, as well as industry insights for your vertical. Explore interactive reports and insights tools to quickly find the data you need from our broad and frequently updated repository of internal data and commissioned research. We’re here to help you fuel more effective marketing and advertising by staying up to date with the latest consumer behavior trends and market research.
Topics
