One has to commend IKEA for embracing new technologies throughout 2017. It is rather interesting to see this company embrace both AR and VR in quick succession. More specifically, the company is working on incorporating a virtual reality for one of their new US stores. It even features a pillow toss game, which is pretty interesting. Developments like these will allow the VR ecosystem to thrive in the years to come.
Ikea Will Offer a VR Experience Soon
When it comes to shopping for any type of items, one could easily see the benefit virtual reality brings to the table. Although most companies will not venture down this path just yet, Ikea has proven to be far more open-minded. More specifically, the company has already worked on augmented reality solutions. They will now do the same in terms of virtual reality. A brand new experience will be developed to accompany the opening of their new store in Dallas next year.
More specifically, around 300 people have given this VR app a try already. The pillow tossing game within the experience has been well-receiving by the testers in general. Moreover, some people also enjoy hanging out with a panda inside a bamboo lamp. Surprisingly, most people spend over three minutes in this VR app, which is longer than most people anticipated. There is a certain aspect of using VR to examine the furniture and learn more about design and sustainability.
It is good to see companies such as Ikea pay attention to virtual reality technology. Even though this may not be the most successful venture, in the end, it does open up some interesting opportunities as well. Some people see it as a clever marketing play, whereas others see it as the next logical evolution in the world of digitally showcasing products. The VR app used for this Dallas store seemingly only works with the HTC Vive right now. It is not available for smartphone VR users, although that situation may still change over time.
For now, this app is only aimed at a rather small audience. It also goes to show now is a good time to experiment with this technology regardless. Most brands will not see the merit in exploring this opportunity right now. After all, there might not be an immediate payoff for doing so. Then again, one has to keep in mind Ikea created a template on which to build in the future. That may prove to be invaluable in the future, to say the very least.
If you liked this article make sure to follow us on twitter @thevrbase and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest VR trends and news.
