AR & VR Crypto emerges: Notable blockchain projects as Vision Pro sparks a revolution

The era of spatial computing began when Apple launched Vision Pro at the WWDC event in June 2023, creating a strong momentum for the mixed reality technology industry. Interestingly, the cryptocurrency market, which has always been a pioneer in adopting emerging technologies, has quickly responded with a series of unique augmented reality crypto projects and VR blockchain initiatives. Transaction volumes of tokens in this sector exceeded $916 million by mid-2023, indicating investor interest in this trend.

Why are AR and VR becoming the focus of the blockchain industry?

The combination of augmented reality crypto and blockchain technology has opened up a completely new dimension. While AR integrates digital elements into the real world to enhance user awareness, VR creates a fully simulated environment that allows for deep interaction. This fundamental difference leads to diverse applications in the metaverse, education, healthcare, and entertainment.

According to Statista forecasts, in 2023 approximately 98 million consumers will use VR technology, while AR will attract an additional 23 million users. This number is expected to increase by nearly 50% by 2027, creating a huge market for developers and investors.

Differentiating AR and VR: Better understanding for smart investing

Augmented Reality (AR) works by overlaying digital elements onto devices like AR headsets or smartphones, allowing users to see both the real and virtual worlds simultaneously. This technology finds applications in education, healthcare, engineering, and mobile gaming.

Virtual Reality (VR), on the other hand, creates a completely simulated environment. VR headsets like Meta Quest 2 or Valve Index immerse users into a digital space by fully blocking out the real world. Users can move and interact within this environment, expanding possibilities for entertainment, training, and immersive experiences.

Practical applications of AR/VR blockchain in various industries

Metaverse and virtual asset trading: Users can own virtual real estate, attend virtual concerts, try on clothes via avatars, or explore architectural designs before actual construction. NVIDIA Omniverse is an example platform that enables creating accurate 3D worlds from physical surfaces.

Healthcare: VR is used for surgical training, remote treatment, and rehabilitation. AR/VR applications improve mental health through virtual exposure therapy and relaxation exercises for patients with anxiety disorders.

Education and training: Students can explore historical sites, visualize complex concepts, conduct virtual science experiments, and participate in interactive simulations within a safe environment.

Secure payments: Customers use AR/VR for seamless transactions with biometric authentication such as facial recognition or iris scanning.

Prominent augmented reality crypto and blockchain VR projects

Decentraland (MANA) - Leading metaverse platform

Decentraland allows users to create, experience, and monetize content on the Ethereum blockchain. Players can purchase virtual land (LAND), build homes, businesses, or other experiences. LAND owners have creative freedom and can earn revenue through access fees or virtual goods sales.

CEEK VR (CEEK) - Connecting artists and fans

This platform connects artists, athletes, and celebrities with fans through virtual events. Blockchain ensures secure transactions for virtual assets, creating a more decentralized and democratized content ecosystem.

Highstreet (HIGH) - MMORPG with real rewards

Highstreet combines VR technology with blockchain to blur the lines between physical and digital worlds. Players earn in-game items that can be exchanged for real-world products. HIGH tokens are used for governance, STREET is an utility token, and ERC-721 NFTs represent in-game items.

Victoria VR (VR) - Comprehensive VR metaverse

Victoria VR is a blockchain-based MMORPG with realistic graphics, creating a “3D Internet” where users participate in multiple games, quests, virtual galleries, and trade 3D NFTs. This project pioneers in blockchain gaming with full VR technology integration.

Netvrk (NTVRK) - Create VR without coding

Netvrk enables anyone to create, share, and monetize VR content using a simple drag-and-drop editor. Users can mint in-game assets as NFTs without coding knowledge. The creative team includes experts from VR simulation, software development, and entertainment design.

Other AR/VR crypto infrastructure projects

Render Network (RNDR) offers decentralized GPU rendering solutions, reducing costs and enhancing rendering capabilities for complex AR/VR applications.

Verasity (ASK) focuses on monetizing video content, with its blockchain platform supporting secure transactions within immersive experiences.

Cudos (CUDOS) bridges decentralized and centralized computing resources, providing computational power and scalability for AR/VR applications.

ARPA Chain (ARPA) specializes in privacy-preserving computing, protecting sensitive user data in AR/VR environments.

Major tech companies participating in the AR/VR race

Meta leads with over 10,000 employees working on mixed reality technology, developing solutions for connecting in virtual environments.

Apple actively develops XR with over 2,000 dedicated staff, recently announcing the Vision Pro headset—a breakthrough in AR/VR devices.

Google researches mixed reality operating systems and has announced hiring efforts for development talent, showing long-term commitment.

Microsoft is active with HoloLens headsets, delivering rich computing experiences that combine virtual objects with the real world.

Samsung has contributed with Gear VR headsets, although recent models are no longer supported, it remains a notable name in this field.

The future of AR/VR: New investment opportunities for cryptocurrency investors

The launch of Vision Pro is not only a technological milestone but also a signal to crypto investors that a huge market is emerging. As augmented reality crypto and blockchain VR projects develop alongside Web3, DeFi, and AI, the cryptocurrency market continues to drive technological innovation.

It is expected that AR/VR devices will become faster, lighter, and more affordable, while improvements in smartphone capabilities will enable seamless experiences. This democratizes access, allowing people from different backgrounds to enjoy virtual travel, virtual events, and educational resources anywhere and anytime.

Current augmented reality crypto projects are laying the groundwork for a digital world where the boundaries between physical and virtual will increasingly blur. With the cryptocurrency market continuously embracing new technological trends, investment opportunities in this space are just beginning.