Home appliance manufacturer Dyson jumped into the metaverse with its new “Dyson VR Demo” app. According to the Singapore-based brand, this Oculus app uses cutting-edge virtual reality tech to give customers a trial run of various products.
People who download the “Dyson VR Demo” can now simulate using a haircare appliance like the Supersonic hairdryer or the Corrale hair straightener. Dyson also lets customers take a virtual V15 Detect vacuum for a spin around their home.
Dyson claims its new VR app uses the same simulation technologies in its award-winning test labs. The advanced algorithms in “Dyson VR Demo” can adjust for the unique airflow patterns, floor type, and dust levels in a user’s home. The company also uses thermal imagery detection to help customers monitor air pollution and temperature.
In addition to testing vacuums and hair straighteners, the “Dyson VR Demo” helps customers better understand each item with professional product demonstrations. Dyson also allows app users to take a detailed look inside each product.
Although the “Dyson VR Demo” doesn’t offer an in-app shopping experience, Dyson says an e-commerce portal is coming. In the future, app users can speak directly with a Dyson employee in the metaverse.
While Dyson says its new VR app plays a crucial role in its direct-to-consumer strategy, it has no ambition to close its physical stores. In fact, Dyson opened 30 brick-and-mortar locations between 2020 and 2021. By the end of 2022, Dyson should have at least 23 more physical locations in various cities.
The “Dyson VR Demo” is now available for download on Meta’s Oculus AppLab.
Will the metaverse replace shopping malls?
While the metaverse probably won’t “replace” physical shopping locations, it’s certainly changing how stores think about the consumer experience. It’s also clear that more retailers want to use VR technologies to blend e-commerce with the physical world.
For instance, L’Oréal recently filed trademarks to protect its makeup and shampoo brands in the metaverse. As Rarity Sniper reported, many beauty industry experts believe L’Oréal wants to use VR to let customers try its products in the metaverse.
Amazon is also experimenting with fusing the physical and virtual shopping experiences. The e-commerce giant recently began offering a “Room Detector” tool, which uses augmented reality to help customers preview furniture in their homes.
It’s impossible to say how the metaverse will alter e-commerce, but most analysts believe VR and AR will provide greater personalization. Also, since samples in the metaverse are virtual, it may be an eco-friendly solution to product waste.