Application of Virtual Reality in today's digital media field

New technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are launched to help people experience reality that seems only in movies in real life, in the digital age, and in many different fields, including Media and Journalism.

Today, digital media remains mostly online versions of traditional print articles that accompanied the emergence of video and audio. However, as Ericsson predicts, advanced systems will allow us to go even further.

Although it has only appeared in recent years, virtual reality technology has brought pioneering experiences to users. The following are some areas that have successfully applied virtual reality.

Advertising and Digital Marketing

The application of VR / AR in the field of Digital Marketing helps increase the shopping experience of customers, by increasing interaction, exposure, and trial with products that customers want to buy through multi-dimensional visual effects created by VR / AR. For example, in the field of online fashion, the selection of products with the right size and style is more optimized when customers experience VR / AR features that allow them to try products at home.

Also, installing augmented reality (AR) displays in public places is definitely a potential marketing strategy. Typically, big brands such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Axe, or National Geographic are using this form to enhance.

Big brands are also not out of the race for VR / AR applications

Television

In the field of television, VR and AR also bring innovations in the production and broadcast of programs. In the face of the strong development of social networks, the increase in online video services, the rapid growth in the number of mobile devices, and the trend of using online video via Internet-connected devices, television units have quickly applied virtual studios supported by real-time 3D graphics and studio automation control. New technologies such as VR / AR are used in television production to bring a different experience to viewers, increasing the realism and vibrancy of each program.

Press

In the field of news and journalism, the use of VR and AR will help authors pull readers into the story itself, instead of merely telling stories through text, 2D images, or basic videos.

One of the outstanding examples of the application of VR in communication that brings empathy to readers is the UN's 360* image of the inside of a refugee camp in 2015 – an experience that is considered a pioneering and vivid type, hitting the reader's psyche

UN 360-degree Report Inside Refugee Camps in 2015

In fact, a 2018 Merged Reality ConsumerLab report found that consumers expect virtual screens to start replacing TVs and movie theaters.

Challenges for Traditional Journalists

Information technology has evolved to help journalists work more efficiently, eliminating many unnecessary traditional jobs and changing news-hunting methods to suit readers' tastes. This is an opportunity and a challenge for traditional journalists.

VR / AR applications are gradually being covered, especially media

With the advent of VR technology in the news industry, the role of journalists is even more challenging in conveying the transparency of information. For example, with traditional recording methods, a photo or video can be cropped or blurred if the content is not appropriate. However, when a reporter shoots with a VR camera, cropping the scene or zooming in creates a bias.

Training in journalism needs to make big changes

In the face of modern changes in the Communication industry and today's recruitment trends, training programs need to be changed, applying the latest technologies in the world.

Training programs start applying VR / AR technology

Responding to changes in digital transformation, Swinburne Vietnam offers a curriculum that not only focuses on traditional communication theory and models but also applies 4.0 technologies to practical exercises and projects.

The knowledge taught in the Bachelor of Multimedia program updates the latest development trends of Industry 4.0 such as AI, VR/AR, Blockchain, or Personalized Advertising (Personalized Advertising), and gives students the learning experience of majoring in Media in the digital age.

Thus, VR and AR are potential technologies in the field of digital media today. Not only do they bring novel and engaging experiences to users, but they also help manufacturers and marketers create innovative and effective content and campaigns. However, to develop VR and AR in communications, investment in infrastructure, equipment, software, human resources, and appropriate legal policies is required.

Source: Swinburne-vn.edu.vn