HP Reverb G2: How Businesses Can Excel with VR
While many think of virtual reality technology as solely a gamer's hobby, there are business applications of virtual reality that can shift your company’s bottom line. Globally, VR sales are expected to reach $98.4 million by 2023, proving that more than just consumers are finding uses for VR experiences.
As companies buy VR gear and work to incorporate it into their business processes, we’ll see others follow suit. But what’s in it for you? Learn about some of the more innovative ways VR headsets are making waves and the role of the HP Reverb G2 headset in this growing movement.
What is the HP Reverb G2?
HP has been engineering some of the most groundbreaking consumer and business tech over the last 80 years, and the HP Reverb G2 fits right into that ethos. Designed to overcome some of the challenges of the early days of VR tech, this updated HP Reverb VR headset has some notable perks.
It’s a collaborative effort with Valve and Steam, so the offerings for both video game enthusiasts and the gaming industry are strong (and growing). Comfort features are significant, too, since it includes increased cushion size and flexible material to provide a customized fit for every face shape and size.
The tech specifications are where it really shines. Some of the ways it’s changing the market include:
- 114-degree field of view and 4.7 megapixels per eye
- 90 Hz refresh rate in a 2160 x 2160 LCD display
- Four cameras and interpupillary distance adjustment
- Speakers designed by Valve for immersive audio
The Reverb G2, with the included hand controllers, works well with several HP ZBook models, as well as the HP VR backpack and several desktop PCs.
How the HP Reverb G2 is used in business
VR experiences are changing how business works in the real world because they give developers and those who require hands-on training a way to work out issues in the virtual world first, before committing to costly R&D outlays. The HP VR headset is poised to help answer the call of businesses in every industry. We’ve curated the following opportunities, which are some of the most exciting uses of virtual reality happening right now.
1. Dangerous materials training
Whether the bomb squad needs more practice with a new type of IED or a factory needs to update their clean-up regimen for toxic by-products and spills, there’s no need to put people in harm's way for a drill. Practicing for dangerous situations provides employees with opportunities to gain confidence and skills, and it keeps your teams OSHA-compliant in an ever-changing world. From biohazards to explosives, VR is a safe way to train for potentially harmful scenarios.
2. Medical treatment and diagnosis
Medical care has gone virtual thanks to advances in technology, especially with patients feeling comfortable taking their doctor's advice over the phone. VR offers another way to diagnose and treat, and it’s allowing those who lack access to care get the help they need. VR also continues to be used as a training tool for medical practitioners and students, who can practice taking blood or making their first cut on a simulated patient long before they try it in real-time in the real world.
3. Logistics planning
The HP Reverb G2 is the perfect tool for any business that deals with packing, picking, and processing orders. The virtual environment allows workers to visualize the warehouse floor and even make mapping changes before applying them. VR also makes it easier for teams to create efficiencies that really work and don’t just look good on paper. Dropshippers, transportation directors, and anyone tasked with getting a product “from here to there” should take note of what VR enables.
4. Design new products
Some of the sleekest, most user-friendly products are created from computers, with bridging the gap between the program and the real-world requiring a real stretch of imagination. VR, however, gives designers a new way to envision their innovations using real-world scenarios and more accurate examples of how their work will be implemented in a user’s life. From cars to furniture to landscape solutions, virtual reality ensures the things we dream come to life.
5. Soft skills training
You can hire the smartest employee with years of experience, but what about that worker’s EQ? Emotional intelligence is the new “hot skill” with employers hoping that their future leaders will have empathy, discernment, and the ability to communicate.
Not only will soft skills training help current employees be their very best, but it can also be an incredible tool for HR pros who want to build up their conflict resolution toolkit. In the future, you may be able to use VR to train employees on public speaking, the best way to deal with workplace harassment, and much more.
6. Game and app development
Is it any surprise that VR is still being used widely in the game development industry? VR is often used for bug testing and quality assurance purposes, but it's also one of the better ways to test user experience (UX) to ensure the best gameplay possible. UX design has its limits in front of a computer, but VR expands the environment and helps developers anticipate needs.
7. Virtual events
In a post-pandemic world, more events will take place in person, but in the meantime, VR ensures everyone can safely get together for conferences, expos, and award ceremonies. However, everyone doesn’t need to use VR at the same time to get the feeling of being at an event. Some ideas for harnessing this tech include a virtual trade booth that an attendee can access by scanning a QR code or TEDx-type talks that feel more lifelike.
VR can also help bridge the gap for businesses that can’t afford to send every employee to a conference in person. This same tech could even be used for more personal events, such as weddings and graduations. Event planners will want to take note of this game-changer.
8. Virtual co-working
If remote work has taught us anything, it’s that community matters. But what if you could have the co-working community experience virtually? With VR you can collaborate remotely. Work in a virtual coffee house with your team, share multiple screens, and brainstorm ideas on a remote whiteboard. You can even change your backgrounds to work from the mountains, the beach, or outer space with the VR app from Immersed.com. Watch the video for a demonstration.
9. Remote worker training and onboarding
Working from home can feel isolating, and onboarding a new remote employee will take extra effort on your part. To keep your company culture strong and your employees feeling valuable, frequent check-ins are key. By making some of these interactions VR-based, you can help create a connection that won't happen through a video call. Training is also an option for this tech, which is just as easily done at home as it is in the office.
10. Fitness gamification
Fitness games have been around since the ‘80s, but they really took off with the Nintendo Wii and accompanying games, like Wii Sports. What can VR do for this industry? In addition to making the athletic experience feel more lifelike, the competition can be cranked up to enhance the outcomes. A friendly game of virtual boxing or tennis can have perks beyond the points, too. Game developers and personal trainers may soon work together more closely to give the typical athlete the same motivation to play like the pros. What prizes can you come up with for the VR champs?
11. A computer platform
The most sensible way to incorporate VR technology in business is to use it as an everyday computer platform. With the HP VR backpack, it’s possible to take your computer (and VR headset) everywhere you go.
The lightweight computer tower comes with a comfortable harness that fits over your shoulders, allowing you to carry it with ease. While the computer is portable, it in no way lacks processing speed, graphics, and memory. This machine is designed for VR, which means it’s powerful and supports incredible visual and audio experiences.
Summary
Whether they’re interacting with a training module, crunching numbers, or editing video on-the-go, we may soon see more professionals do their work wearing a VR headset. It’s not hard to see that VR really is changing how we do business. And it’s likely coming to your industry soon (if it’s not already here).
How can you know if you’re ready to join the HP Reverb G2 family? The benefits of virtual reality in business may be too hard to pass up. If that’s the case, investing in the top tech now will put you at a significant advantage going forward. Here are some additional questions to ask yourself as you consider buying:
- Do you have unique training needs that can’t occur in the office due to hazards, distance, or cost?
- Are you interested in swapping out in-person events for personalized, remote encounters?
- Would your employees benefit from emotional intelligence testing or training?
- Are you interested in the most innovative HR training tools?
- Are you moving more of your teams to remote or at-home offices?
- Is the standard video conferencing method not working?
- Have you heard of other businesses in your niche using VR to be competitive in the market?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be a good candidate for VR tech. Now, you just have to decide which gear is right for you. The HP Reverb G2 outperforms other headsets in several key areas, including resolution, comfort, and security. By pairing your new headset with one of the VR-ready HP desktops or laptops, you’ll save time at the onset and have the best experience, too.
What can VR do for your business? Reach out to an HP team member to learn more today.
About the Author: Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP Tech@Work. Linsey is a Midwest-based author, public speaker, and member of the ASJA. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions.
