The introduction of smell and touch into virtual reality experiences is a major development that could help the metaverse reach its potential. According to McKinsey & Company, this technology could generate $5 trillion in value by 2030. However, it must be noted that these features need to be further developed before they can deliver positive user experiences.
At CES 2021, OVR Technology showcased their VR headset with an attachment for eight aromas which will allow users to experience various scents while using the device. This product is expected to hit stores later in 2023 and has already been used for fragrance marketing experiments where people have experienced marshmallow roasting or a bed of roses through scent alone.
Despite such advancements made towards integrating smell and touch into virtual reality experiences, there are still some doubts about how successful these products can become due to them being “far from reality” at present according to one attendee who tested haptics products at CES 2021 . It remains unclear if this technology will truly revolutionize VR as predicted by McKinsey & Company but what we do know is that further research needs done before it becomes widely accepted among consumers.
