In recent years augmented and virtual reality has been a hot topic in the digital world. But, this technology has yet to reach its expected destination.
This is due to the limitation of connectivity requirements for operating these technologies but with the advancement of 5G, we are optimistic that we will soon see revolutionary changes in the VR and AR industry.
So, here we brought to you how 5G will improve augmented and virtual reality in the coming year. Before that, let’s take a look at what 5G technology is.
What Is 5G?
5G stands for ‘Fifth Generation.’ It relates to the latest mobile technology, which is by far the latest and most reliable mobile networking system.
This new cellular network will soon replace the 4G network connectivity that most cell phones currently use and being 100 times faster than 4G, the fifth-generation networking system creates opportunities no one has seen before.
Greater bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and faster connectivity are revolutionizing features that 5G brought you for improving day-to-day experiences. This goes beyond being able to quickly download an entire HD movie on your phone from a crowded stadium within a few seconds.
The main objective of 5G is to securely connect everything so that people can monitor, understand, and control things in real-time. It uses the same radio frequencies as Wi-Fi networks, smartphones, and satellite communications but offers much more advanced technological capabilities. This will play a significant role in almost all sectors of life, including- medical, military, food, games, virtual reality, and more and thus, using 5G technology, we can contribute to building a brighter, safer, and more sustainable future.
What Is Augmented And Virtual Reality?
Before knowing about the role of 5G in augmented and virtual reality, let’s first understand what these two technology actually are-
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality or AR is the real-time blending of digital material with the user’s environment. It is a technology that successfully combines digital and three-dimensional (3D) elements with how people perceive the actual world. It is used to provide more information by changing the natural elements in one way or the other. This data is then superimposed on the device to create an integrated experience in which digital data alters the user’s sense of reality.
In easy language, augmented reality is a technology that brings artificial visual elements to the real world. It adds only 25% virtual elements, and the rest of the parts are kept real. This is an affordable way to enjoy virtual effects. Using the camera of your smartphone, you can enjoy this technology. Unlike virtual reality, it doesn’t require additional devices like a headset, gloves, and visual glasses. This makes augmented reality affordable and open to all categories of persons.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is a simulated three-dimensional environment that allows users to explore and interact with a virtual environment that seems real to the user. VR is 75% virtual and requires a headset or other equipment like- gloves, a bodysuit, and more. The inclusion of haptic feedback takes this VR experience to the next level. The more thoroughly a user can immerse himself in a virtual reality environment and block out their physical surroundings, the easier it will be for them to suspend disbelief and accept it as genuine.
The demand for virtual reality is growing enormously in different sectors, including medicine, architecture, education, film, gaming, and more. There is no doubt that within less than a decade, VR will be an integral part of digital platforms.
How 5G Will Improve Augmented and Virtual Reality
5G is undoubtedly bringing life-changing advancements in augmented and virtual reality. The operation of AR and VR requires internet access. The better the speed and quality of the network, the better experience facilities it provides. Most mobile-based AR and VR are currently based on 4G networking systems. The output will change miraculously when 5G is added to this sector but how? To get this answer check the below points-
Reduced Latency Will Improve VR & AR Interactions
Current VR & AR applications must go through a sizable delay between a request and a response and for this delay in response, virtual content cannot always be accessible to you in real-time. Besides, many of the “VR sickness” problems that individuals currently encounter are caused by a delay between their body motions and the response of the VR device. As a result, the level of realisticness decreases with an increasing delay of the system. This issue can be solved with the involvement of 5G in the system. This technology can reduce latency by 10 times and thus enhances the user experience.
Even when speeds are at their highest, wireless communications need to catch up on certain tasks that make some tasks difficult or impossible. The ability of 5G to reduce wireless consumers’ latency levels will solve these issues. For example- in the medical industry, the inclusion of 5G will enhance the role of VR in terms of capabilities. Beyond the medical profession, every action that calls for instant action and reaction will benefit from overcoming the latency issues. As we examine another advantage VR & AR will receive from 5G technology—the consumers will experience less motion sickness while using 5G networks that eliminate response delays.
Less Data Congestion
A lot of data must be transferred back and forth between a computer system and a headset for VR to work. The data must go quickly and avoid congestion to provide a high-quality AR and VR experience. Unfortunately, 4G connections could find it difficult to transmit everything at once when dealing with big amounts of data. As a result, the data can not move swiftly, which results in jerky pictures or material that doesn’t load properly.
But with 5G, the AR and VR experience will be improved with big bandwidth and low latency, allowing AR and VR images, movies, and animations to load without choppy performances.
Improved Display Quality Of Immersive Videos
Most 3D videos in AR and VR require more bandwidth for a flawless presentation. However, some AR and VR devices do not currently support the network connection needed to enable and improve the quality of the videos’ presentation. This deters the expanding application cases for these immersive technologies and impairs user experience.
5G can change this situation by providing more significant bandwidth volumes. Additionally, 5G’s millimeter wave technology enables AR and VR devices to create more life-like 3D films and immersive displays since it operates at an exceptionally high frequency.
Because 5G systems can process more data, they can more easily send bigger files, including 8K or 4K video streams, without latency or traffic jams. Future VR devices should be able to access more realistic and immersive images. Companies working in the VR space today are experimenting with more and more techniques to make screens feel richer than their earlier, pixelated predecessors.
5G guarantees stunning graphics we can create in software settings that may stream onto a VR headset without interruption. The result is producing headsets of a higher caliber and greater comfort.
Enhanced Moveability In Artificial Environment
Users will be able to roam more freely in a virtual environment thanks to 5G. This will also eliminate the possibility of accidentally stepping outside. 5G will further give you a higher level of dependability in the virtual world. However, there may still be restrictions on how much distance a person can cover when wearing a VR headset. You may even travel with your VR headset and visit several workspaces and offices.
Nobody wants to be concerned about the consequences of a data connection failure while participating in a virtual experience. So, this will be vital to organizations providing critical training experiences or corporations collaborating on complex ideas.
Unlimited Extended Reality
The phrase “Extended Reality” is frequently used to describe immersive technologies like AR, VR, mixed reality, and others. Companies specializing in immersive technologies are looking for a method to combine 5G with edge computing to create a mobile XR experience that can produce photorealistic images.
Real-time communication, low latency, and flawless data transfer are necessary to integrate various components of immersive technologies. However, this objective would be easier to attain if AR and VR were combined with 5G capabilities. Major VR and AR development companies like Samsung, Qualcomm, and HTC are investigating how to merge mobile VR headsets with AR glasses into a single, modernized XR wearable gadget.
Promoting The Use of AR and VR in Healthcare
There has never been a time when the need for remote healthcare was more pressing or applicable. The frequency of telehealth consultations has dramatically grown as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. In light of this, medical personnel can receive training and preparation using anatomical representations via AR eyewear. High bandwidth, quick transmission, and low latency are necessary for this AR/VR-driven healthcare practice, and this is where 5G may make a significant difference.
By offering a reliable connection for a faster reaction between patient and medical consultant, 5G can promote the use of AR and VR in telehealth medical processes. A high-end image and video display will also be made possible by adding 5G, allowing consultants to treat patients in actual time. 5G can help with the growing trend of using virtual reality to learn how to perform procedures without touching a patient.
Improved Gaming Experience
Previously, gamers had to rely on flat-screen monitors for playing games but now they can be immersed in a more realistic and customized environment thanks to the development of interactive technologies like AR and VR. The video game market has grown tremendously as a result of this recent development. In a recent analysis, Technavio predicted that by 2026, the worldwide gaming sector would be worth $75 billion.
With the increasing use of AR and VR in the creation of contemporary video games, 5G can improve these games even farther. The use of 5G will guarantee that game makers produce titles with higher graphics and faster command response times without network lags.
Real-Like Interaction With Remote Expert
Through VR and AR glasses, a worker can communicate with a remote expert who can see what they are seeing. In this case, with a 4G connection, the operation will not be smooth. Here the involvement of 5G can be game-changing. Experts from any corner of the world can give live instructions to the worker on the job site to fix a machine, build a new part, or clean machinery. Thus 5G will provide smooth interaction between the worker and the expert. This will result in numerous advantages, including decreased unexpected downtime, cycle time, defect rate, travel-related carbon emissions, and expert transportation costs.
Smooth Real-Time Collaboration
Real-time collaboration implies staff members collaborating on design while engaging with the same virtual items from various locations. The capacity of workers to communicate remotely has greatly improved because of the real-time exchange of 3D models, documents, and annotations through AR and VR. The issue here is that all these activities mostly depend on the internet connection and interaction between the headset, gloves, and other devices. These virtual interactions require faster information passage, which is sometimes interrupted by 4G networks. With 5G, all these problems will be solved. People worldwide can collaborate in real-time in the virtual world without interruption.
Improved Education Quality
At present, AR and VR are extensively used in the educational field. Students can now have real-time experience while learning facts about different subjects. This made the education system more enjoyable and productive. They know no need to get bored with the fat books of history. Instead, they can travel thousands of years back to experience history with virtual reality.
But these processes are yet to reach the maximum number of people. Firstly, the internet must still be more substantial in all areas to experience this journey. Secondly, these operations are too expensive for everyone to afford. With the expansion of the 5G network, the interactions between the devices are going to be faster. This will open opportunities for people to enjoy AR and VR from any remote corner of the world.
Enhancing Sales And Marketing Experience
Another industry that has been embracing AR/VR solutions more and more is sales and marketing. Due to a lack of proper networking strength, this operation is not conducted as smoothly as it should. The inclusion of the 5G network can be a game-changing innovation in this field.
For instance, factory equipment suppliers can use VR or AR to guide potential customers through virtual representations of the factory floor. They can also show clients where new equipment might go on the existing floor. As an alternative, suppliers might set up mock storefronts on their property, which customers could then tour using an AR/VR headset while sitting in their offices. Thus it benefits the economy by cutting down travel costs and saving time.
Enabling Peripheral Technology for XR
Thinking of 5G in terms of VR and AR as a technology that will introduce new peripheral and sensory applications will aid in evolving our ability to engage with and interface cyber-physically in a solid way.
While mobile wireless connectivity has been the main focus of earlier generations of wireless technology, 5G is evolving into much more. Future versions are generating new features that are broadening the purpose of the radio beyond delivering data from your computer to your smartphone as we move toward what the 3GPP refers to as 5G Advanced, described by Release 17 and beyond.
Improving Passive Interface for VR
With the advent of 5G, bandwidth will grow, and latency will decrease, making wireless or standalone VR a reality. The round-trip lag of more than 20 milliseconds between the VR applications and VR HMD has historically been a cause for worry. It can produce “visual-to-vestibular dissonance,” which many experts believe to be the main cause of motion sickness. This finally leads to the VR experience’s signature nausea. There is no question that the increased bandwidth, low latency, and communication dependability of 5G can solve these issues.
Another feature being developed for 5G Advanced is precision indoor positioning. It is intended for use in industrial applications to track mobile assets like AGVs (Autonomous Guided Vehicles) and individuals with smartphones or location trackers. Using the beamforming radio’s angle of departure calculations, one can determine the position of a ed device. Besides, in 3D and in real-time, accuracy to the centimeter is possible with the advancement of 5G. This could be helpful for mapping, detecting, and geofencing the actual location where someone might be taking part in a VR experience.
Thus, by giving VR systems enhanced locational and situational awareness, 5G features will improve the real-world safety of VR engagement and gameplay.
Enhancing Active Interface for AR
The cyber-physical mirror known as “digital twins,” which provides real-time, offers some intriguing 5G prospects. This involves accessible cyber-physical interfaces required to render the AR Metaverse, a virtual layer that will be applied over the real environment in upcoming AR apps.
The 5G Advanced technology’s precision positioning is an outside variation that locates a connected item using two concepts. One approach is the radio beam’s departure angle, and the other is the location triangulation. Both strategies offer exciting possibilities for mapping actual objects to their digital twins.
REDCAP is another amazing feature that is being specified and developed for 5G Advanced. This term stands for Reduced Capability for 5GNR or 5G New Radio. Its primary goal is to make it possible for mid-tier IoT devices to operate in less restricted environments, like factories, as opposed to highly restricted ones, such as a field on a farm or a well in the center of an oil field.
This means that as time goes on, 5G networks will accommodate a new class of sensor devices that will enable us to instrument the physical world more accurately and persistently than we currently can. This will assist us in creating a deeper AR Metaverse or meta-model, eventually enabling some amazing applications.
Advanced Healthcare from a Distance
The need for remote healthcare has never been greater or more applicable than it is in the modern world. The number of telehealth consultations has significantly increased throughout the present health crisis. Additionally, 5G can advance this area even further.
Medical staff can be trained and prepared with anatomical visualizations through AR goggles. AR exposure therapy applications for mental health therapy can aid with lag time reduction, giving the user a much more authentic experience.
5G developments can also enable high-bandwidth requirements, such as connecting ambulances to medical imaging. Besides, VR experience in surgery practices will also be improved.
5G Will Boost Connectivity And Diversity
Because of the processes required, only a few devices can currently support AR and VR. These technologies require the necessary computational power and a dependable connection to analyze, process, and render what the user will view. With a concentration on cloud computing, 5G will help reduce some of the processing burdens on AR and VR functions.
The transition to cloud computing has already started, but due to the limitations of the present generations, it has yet to realize its full potential. Cloud computing will be able to store and process more data quickly, thanks to 5G. Additionally, it will eliminate the need for additional processing units to power VR gadgets since they can connect directly to the cloud. On the other hand, businesses will be able to create more AR and VR-capable devices than ever, thanks to the cloud and the speed of 5G.
While connecting to 5G networks, connectivity will also improve for AR and VR. 5G uses several bands, each offering a different speed level. It will deliver the bandwidth most of us identify with the upcoming generation in its high-band (mmWave) range and thus, the ability to divide the labor required to offer a seamless experience between on-site devices and the cloud will help display graphics more quickly.
Increasing Innovation With The advancement Of 5G
The capabilities of AR and VR are expected to have a tremendous impact on innovation. Businesses will hunt for methods to maximize AR and VR across various potential uses and eventually commoditize them. AR and VR will do various tasks in many ways, from developing games that allow you to escape your present reality and enter a new one. This will offer businesses innovative training programs to help employees become ready through a more hands-on approach. 5G is enabling all of this and much more.
Increasing The Availability of AR & VR Applications
5G mobile network deployment is still in its early stages and faces significant challenges before it can be used effectively in smartphone environments, where AR and VR apps add complexity. First of all, not all 5G networks are created equal. While sub-6 GHz radio frequencies are used in Asian deployments, millimeter-wave (mmWave) networks make up the majority of 5G networks in the US.
Faster data transfer rates are possible with mmWave radio frequencies. Still, because they require a clear line of sight, users risk losing connection if they move into a structure or other impediment. The usefulness of AR applications in urban settings may be constrained.
Greater use case flexibility would be possible with 5G. When presenting supplemental content for exhibits or interior design, AR is frequently used on smartphones or tablets in museums. This lets visitors digitally place furniture in a room to see how it fits. The types of interactions and integrations that developers can create with 5G may be influenced by the ability to employ AR in real-world, outside settings without dependable Wi-Fi signals.
What Challenges Is 5G Facing For Improving AR and VR Experience?
5G is a growing network technology that can improve augmented and virtual reality but there are many challenges that 5G is facing. These are as follows-
Cost and Complexity: As operators try to fulfill data demands and accommodate new applications, the development of 5G networks is growing more complicated and expensive. The requirement to support numerous new applications, including augmented and virtual reality, presents hurdles for 5G networks. These applications increase the network’s load, causing delays and congestion. Operators are, therefore, under pressure to increase their networks’ capacity and ensure they can provide top-notch services.
Security Issues: There are various difficulties with 5G network security. To begin with, a lot of the 5G wireless telecommunications infrastructure is based on outdated innovations, such as 4G LTE networks. The security of 5G networks will be at risk from any flaws already present in those networks. Because so much more data is being transmitted in a given amount of time, thieves will decide that it is worthwhile to try data exfiltration.
Introducing 5G technology also involves adding more components, which raises the number of network edges and access points. Beamforming, tiny cells, cellular devices, and cellular towers are commonly used in 5G technology infrastructure. This widens the area that can be attacked online. Additionally, many of these components need to be physically secure.
Awareness: There needs to be more clarity about what 5G is and how it will be used because it is still in its early stages. Over a fifth of technology, purchasers believe that implementing 5G is not now a priority for their company. This ignorance might stall the deployment of 5G networks and keep businesses from utilizing this game-changing technology to its fullest. Companies are attempting to educate executives about the advantages of 5G and how it can be utilized to boost productivity and spur growth to overcome this obstacle.
The Bottom Line
The future of AR and VR is a combination of ground-breaking applications that will alter industry standards, leading-edge technology, elevate your favorite entertainment material, and much more. Companies will be able to implement AR and VR for customers at a higher level than ever before, thanks to privatized 5G networks. Thus, 5G will create innovative opportunities for AR and VR in the coming days.