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Analyst perspective
Gartner analyst Tuong Nguyen recommends treating immersive technologies such as AR and VR as a user interface, noting that AR and VR offer greater depth and richness.
Technical impacts of 5G on XR
Nguyen identifies several ways 5G will affect XR user interfaces.
Network improvements: Wider radio channels, carrier aggregation, and other enhancements will help meet the high data demands of immersive experiences. Compared with 4G, 5G provides higher bandwidth and better spectral efficiency, which are critical for delivering high-definition content and 360-degree video.
Higher network density: This capability is often associated with the Internet of Things and smart cities. Immersive experiences will incorporate many other technologies as part of sensor networks, creating richer, more contextualized experiences.
Energy efficiency: Current activities such as watching video consume significant battery power, and prolonged use affects battery life. 5G can improve energy efficiency.
Ultra-low latency: Lower latency enables clearer high-fidelity content and more seamless, responsive interactions.
Use cases and industry impact
Augmented reality and virtual reality technologies could change how people consume content in both personal and professional contexts. Many of the separate screens we use today—from TVs and computers to smartphones—could be replaced by a single piece of glass.
The technology can assist physicians during surgery by displaying patients' blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs before and during procedures. With 5G support, XR is also expected to have a major impact on retail.
Eric Weber, chief experience officer at Prolific Interactive, said that when customers can test products in VR or AR, it increases their confidence in purchasing. Shoppers using AR features have a 22% lower return rate for the same products compared with shoppers who did not use the tool. For the same reason, the technology can help sell high-priced items that customers previously perceived as too cutting-edge.
Industrial applications
From an industrial perspective, XR can improve performance and safety. VR is well suited to prototyping and training, while AR is helping many maintenance operators. For example, Bell Helicopter used VR to increase the design speed of its latest helicopter by a factor of 10.
