BigBox VR, maker of Smashbox Arena, is introducing a new game in 2019 called Population: One, a near replica of Fortnite, but in virtual reality. Demos and beta tests are underway (including one here at REM5 VR Lab) for what is sure to be the talk of the industry next year. 

A lot of the businesses on the forefront of virtual reality are in the retail sector, where companies are trying to find ways to improve customer experiences and increase sales. Designers are trying out concepts like virtual showrooms and allowing people to virtually try on cloths. Walmart is even trying to make virtual shopping a differentiator for its online store. 

As much as companies may talk about VR in retail, watch for augmented reality (AR) to a the first technology to gain traction. AR can quickly bring up information like nutrition or diet filters while walking down a grocery store aisle. And since our smartphones are AR devices already, the technology is out in the field. Maybe a Keto or Gluten-free diet will be easier to shop for once VR and AR shopping really go mainstream. 

Virtual reality is bringing incredible experiences to users in a way that hasn't been possible before, but we may just be scratching the surface of immersive potential. An Oculus developed dinner brought users virtual reality content that paired with their food and cocktails. Babtiste & Bottle in Chicago is offering the $95 "Macallan Rare Journey" cocktail, which includes a 4-minute VR experience about the whiskey you're about to be served. 

​One innovative concept is Project Nourished, a virtual reality experience to give you the sensation of eating your most indulgent food without all of the calories or carbs. Check out their concept below: 

Four of the five Emmy nominees for outstanding original interactive program this year are VR titles, showing that Hollywood is starting to have some interest in VR. 

Image by Sony Pictures Virtual Reality. 

It wasn't long ago that digitally animated movies were just breaking their way into the Emmys and Oscars. This year, VR is making a splashy entrance and it's probably just the beginning. 

Four short weeks ago, REM5 Virtual Reality Laboratory was nothing more than a vision in our minds and on a few pieces of paper. That's when our awesome contractors started streaming in on a daily basis, cutting up the floor, installing new plumbing, building new walls, and bringing REM5 to life. 

A lot has changed since then. Walls are up around our kitchen, front entrance, pods, and the infamous Quad. 

This weekend, tile work continues in the bathrooms and kitchen area. Monday, painting begins and we'll start to assemble furniture. And August 18 our employees are coming in for their first day of training. If all goes well, we will finish construction by the end of August and be open for customers in early September! 

Eat, Drink & VR! 

Virtual reality isn't just fun and games for tech nerds, it's becoming a tool for consuming sports and improving performance at the highest levels of athletics. The World Cup was live streamed on Oculus Go this summer and now the NFL and College Football are increasing their use of VR in training. Quarterbacks are able to get game-speed reps in a virtual world without needing receivers or linemen, reducing the risk of injury in practice and improving performance on game day. 

Have you ever wished you could try something before you buy it. I'm not talking about sitting on a sofa or trying on a shirt before you buy it, I'm talking about testing that hedge trimmer before spending $100, or more, and finding out it won't get the job done.

​Lowe's thinks it has a solution to that problem with VR product testing and training in-store. The first product it's testing is a hedge trimmer, but you can see where virtual reality could be great for everything from testing new products to training customers on how to do home improvement jobs before they leave the store. Take a look at the video below and get excited about how businesses are taking VR going to take to the next level. 

Vertigo Games, maker of the wildly popular Arizona Sunshine, announced a location based virtual reality (LBVR) version of the zombie killer game this week. The game allows 1-4 players to take on wave after wave of zombies in a free roaming environment. 

Free roaming VR is the next step in virtual reality's evolution and Vertigo has proven again that it'll be on the forefront of immersive VR content. 

Read more about Arizona Sunshine LBVR here.