February 12, 2016, Beijing – IDC forecasts show that Virtual Reality (VR) device shipments in China will reach 480,000 units in 2016, up 476% from 2015 as Chinese VR companies DeePoon, ANTVR, and 3Glasses posted gains from 2015. Currently these companies are formulating their long-term plans - ranging from hardware and equipment to software ecosystems. In addition, international mainstream VR vendors like Oculus, HTC, and Sony have announced they will begin offering their products to the public this 2016.

According to IDC, Virtual Reality is one of six innovation accelerators for digital transformation on the third platform.

“VR in China will experience explosive growth in 2016 amidst an increasingly enriched content ecosystem and joint efforts by domestic and foreign vendors,” says Neo Zheng, Senior Analyst at IDC China.

For personal use, applications of VR are primarily focused in the gaming, film, and TV industries. Immersive gaming and family-oriented IMAX experiences that bring about thrilling visual effects will quickly draw in consumer demand. The most active software vendors are in the development, integration, and marketing of game, film, and video products. VR devices and related accessories, such as motion controllers, motion-control apparel like gloves, dynamic seats, and virtual reality treadmills have become more accessible, driving personal VR applications such as online shopping, virtual travel and virtual sports will become possible.

For industry applications, IDC research indicates that real estate, retailing and education are three major industries where VR has great potential. There are also prospective markets in the fields of healthcare, live performance, exhibition, driving simulation, and recreational facilities.

According to Neo Zheng, Senior Analyst at IDC China ,

“Although VR has its roots in personal use and applications, VR vendors have developed applications for many different industries. Due to higher profit margins, industry applications of VR may grow to become the primary area of development for some vendors.”

In addition, the emergence of VR devices will rejuvenate and revitalize the PC industry. From upstream chip and panel vendors to device manufacturers in the middle stream, to downstream content and service providers, VR will become a grand feast for vendors. This is a profitable market that will be attractive to all parties, fueling the development of the industry.” VR will create a new IT market for vendors and give users a completely new world to experience.