Pandemic May Revive Fortunes of Virtual Reality and 360-Degree Travel Content in a Few Niches

Clunky, costly headsets and a lack of content have stalled virtual reality (VR). Yet this overhyped technology is enjoying a modest uptick of real interest thanks to pandemic-related restrictions on travel and events. Some companies have found a few niche uses for virtual reality in the travel sector, and they say they see promising returns on their investment so far. A few tech giants continue to think virtual reality devices could be a way to cash in on expected rising demand for crowd-free concerts, sporting events, and travel because of the pandemic and the rise of ultrafast 5G internet connections. Sony plans to release this year an enhanced version of its virtual reality headset, PlayStation VR. Apple acquired in May virtual-reality streaming company NextVR. Facebook recently debuted Quest, a new version of its Oculus headset, that drove most of the double-digit, year-on-year growth in the company's revenue outside of social media in the past two quarters. Vive headset maker HTC says it's ramping up its efforts, too. For the travel industry, though, a lack of content has kneecapped growth. Someone has to record videos of destinations, hotels, and aircraft and other attractions, and someone has to upload that content in ways that can be easily discovered by interested people. Few have stepped up to these tasks, as noted in a Skift Research report this year on Emerging Tech. A rare exception came late last year when Oculus added a virtual reality tour of Peru's Machu Picchu to its "National Geographic Explore VR" app for its Oculus Quest devices. Niche Virtual Reality Content QuaQua, a virtual reality travel platform, received its first funding round of $1 million this month, despite being founded in 2016. The Hyderabad, India-based company produces and aggregates virtual reality-enabled travel content about many tourist landmarks and attractions in India. VResorts plans in September to launch an online tra