Hour 8 – AR/VR State in 2025
Current State Overview
AR/VR has matured beyond gaming into enterprise and consumer applications. Standalone headsets are lighter, more powerful, and affordable. Spatial computing and mixed reality dominate the landscape.
Industries Using AR/VR with Real Examples
Healthcare:
- Surgical Training: Medical students practice complex procedures via VR simulations
- Patient Education: AR visualizations explain medical conditions and treatments
- Example: Osso VR for surgical training, AccuVein for vein visualization
Manufacturing & Engineering:
- Remote Assistance: Technicians receive AR guidance from experts worldwide
- Design Prototyping: VR enables collaborative 3D design reviews
- Example: Boeing using AR glasses to streamline aircraft wiring
Retail & E-commerce:
- Virtual Try-ons: Customers preview furniture, clothing, and makeup
- AR Shopping: Visualize products in home environment before purchase
- Example: IKEA Place app, Sephora Virtual Artist
Education & Training:
- Immersive Learning: Historical events and scientific concepts come alive
- Safety Training: Hazardous scenario practice in safe VR environments
- Example: Labster VR science labs, Walmart employee training
Real Estate & Architecture:
- Virtual Property Tours: Remote home viewing and customization
- Architectural Visualization: Clients experience unbuilt spaces
- Example: Matterport 3D tours, IrisVR for architecture
Future Opportunities for Freelancers
Content Creation:
- 3D modelers and environment designers
- Interactive experience developers
- Spatial audio specialists
Development & Technical:
- Unity/Unreal Engine AR/VR developers
- AR filter creators for social media
- Performance optimization specialists
Strategy & Consulting:
- AR/VR implementation consultants
- Training program developers
- UX/UI designers for spatial computing
Emerging Niches:
- Metaverse event planners
- Virtual reality therapy content creators
- Industrial AR application specialists
