Introduction
Virtual reality (VR) headsets have come a long way in a short amount of time. The technology has evolved rapidly, with each new generation of headsets bringing major improvements in display resolution, field of view, tracking, input methods, and overall immersion. As VR continues marching towards the next level of realism and accessibility, there are a number of key areas of future development to keep an eye on.
In this article, I will provide an in-depth look at emerging and prospective features for future VR headsets. Topics covered include display tech, tracking systems, input methods, haptics, form factors and platforms. For each area, I will outline where the technology currently stands, where it is heading, and what new capabilities we can expect to see in next-gen and future generation headsets.
Display Resolution and Field of View
Current Status
Display resolution and field of view (FOV) are two of the most important specs for VR headsets. Together, these factors determine the visual fidelity of the VR experience. Most modern headsets now use OLED or LCD panels with a resolution of around 2000×2000 per eye. Mainstream headsets like the Oculus Quest 2 and Valve Index have a FOV between 90 and 110 degrees horizontally. However, there is still a long way to go before VR matches the clarity and FOV of human vision.
Future Outlook
Higher resolution panels exceeding 4K per eye will arrive soon, providing a major boost in visual clarity and reducing the screen door effect. Varjo already offers resolutions above 3000×3000 in their high-end enterprise headsets. Wider FOV approaching 140-150 degrees horizontal will also become commonplace, getting closer to natural human FOV. Future advances in micro-displays, optics and rendering tech will push resolutions up to 6K-8K with 140+ degree FOV in future generations.
Ultimately, VR will need variable focal depth displays that replicate the optics of human vision. This will require next-gen technologies like light field and holographic displays in conjunction with eye tracking hardware. It may take 5-10 years before consumer-ready solutions emerge. But when they do, it will take realism to a whole new level.
Tracking Systems and Input Methods
Current Status
Precise tracking of a user’s head and hand movements is critical for both immersion and natural input control in VR. Most current headsets use outside-in tracking with external sensors or inside-out tracking via onboard cameras. Dominant input methods include simple handheld controllers as well as more advanced solutions like the Oculus Touch.
While current systems are generally reliable, they still have noticeable limitations. Outside-in setups require mounting external sensors around a room. Inside-out tracking can lose accuracy outside the headset’s field of view. Controllers remain a somewhat abstract means of input that lacks fine finger tracking.
Future Outlook
Future tracking systems will offer wider coverage, higher accuracy and lower latency while avoiding external sensors. Enhanced inside-out and hybrid approaches will better track peripherals like controllers using optics, inertial measurement and computer vision.
VR input will move towards more natural, freehand interactions. Gloves containing inertial, optical and touch sensors will gain traction, enabling precise finger and hand tracking. Eye tracking will also become standard, opening the door for foveated rendering and gaze/gesture based interfaces.
Within a decade, it’s reasonable to expect VR experiences where users interact seamlessly in expansive virtual spaces using only their eyes, hands and voice. No controllers required.
Haptics and Force Feedback
Current Status
While visual and audio immersion are fairly mature in VR, touch/haptic feedback remains primitive. Existing headsets mostly use simple rumble motors in their controllers to convey basic cues like collisions in games. A few devices offer more advanced haptics via electrical muscle stimulation, airflow or temperature changes. But the lack of refined touch feedback limits just how “real” VR currently feels.
Future Outlook
Haptic technology is progressing rapidly, and will enable VR headsets to simulate touch and force feedback with high fidelity. Head-worn devices using focused ultrasound waves can already create sensations of pressure across the skin.
Full body haptic suits covered in mini vibrotactile actuators are also in development, providing finely localized tactile feedback. And a new generation of force feedback gloves use exoskeletons to apply realistic resistance when handling virtual objects.
As these solutions mature and become economically viable, haptics will transform into one of VR’s most transformative aspects – where virtual objects actually feel real.
Form Factors and Platforms
Current Status
The vast majority of current VR headsets follow a bulky goggle design worn over the head. The compute, display and sensors are fully integrated into the headset, which must be tethered to a gaming PC or standalone processor/battery unit.
However, there are some alternative form factors emerging, including:
- VR backpacks: Desktop PC is worn in a backpack while using a tethered HMD.
- Standalone headsets: All-in-one with integrated processor and battery.
- Snap-on shells: Transform smartphones into VR goggles.
The leading platforms today are standalone/mobile VR like Oculus Quest and tethered PCVR headsets.
Future Outlook
Future VR headsets will break away from traditional goggle designs and tap into new computing platforms. Early headway is being made with:
- AR/VR glasses: Sleeker, lighter designs closer to regular eyeglasses.
- Neural interfaces: Direct connection from headset to brain.
- Cloud VR: Content streamed from remote servers.
AR/VR glasses remove weight from the front of the head while integrating display and optics into prescription lenses. Neural interfaces will enable direct brain control and stimulation for radical new VR experiences.
For computing, cloud VR has potential to eliminate local processors and allow access from any device. 5G networks and edge computing will enable lower latency streams. Legacy platforms like smartphones, PCs and game consoles will remain supported as well.
Conclusion
VR technology is advancing rapidly across the board. The next 5-10 years will likely see major leaps in display resolution, field of view, tracking, natural input, haptics, new form factors and computing platforms. Each breakthrough takes us closer to the ultimate goal – VR experiences that are truly indistinguishable from real life. While technical challenges remain, the future looks incredibly bright for virtual reality.
