Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies have had many false starts, but the markets are experiencing a frenzied rebirth, with experts forecasting they will hit $150 billion in revenues by 2020. No surprise: An influx of disruptive companies and established tech giants are laying the groundwork for the wild possibilities and real-world applications. And serious backing from companies like Facebook, Sony, HTC and Microsoft helps.
Just as the technologies themselves differ, so does opinion as to where the potential for real traction and money lie. Will AR be seamlessly integrated into everyday tasks, changing how people work and live? And how will VR take its new form in the market, this time as a means through which life can be enhanced—not replaced—giving people access to things outside of their physical reach?
Founders, evangelists and VCs weigh in on the two technologies, where things stand, how the differences between the two coexist and whether they are finally ready for primetime in the consumer and business worlds.
