The only technology that died more times than VR is AI(theregister.com)
theregister.com
The only technology that died more times than VR is AI
https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/15/hardware_metaverse_will_happen/
4 comments
My perspective is different here. You were right about the VR thing, but the AI tools on which we are relying today will no longer be useful for us 2 years later. I'll give it a term of "graveyard of AI startups". the gap is more about timing, every AI tool which is being made today is built to give the capability of 3-4 combined AI tools.
The graveyard is very large and it will keep expanding.
The graveyard is very large and it will keep expanding.
hahaha, you are so right!
First of all, AI written crap: "That's when Stephenson will learn it's never been about the device. It's about what the device enables us to do."
Second, VR never panned out in line with the promises and investments still. Even the last big thing: "Based on reports as of late 2025/early 2026, Apple has significantly cut production of the original $3,499 Vision Pro due to poor sales, with reports suggesting production ceased early in 2025 to manage high inventory. While not officially "discontinued" in the sense of being pulled from sale, production has halted to focus on a new, lower-cost model and AI-focused smart glasses."
So not the best example to use.
Second, VR never panned out in line with the promises and investments still. Even the last big thing: "Based on reports as of late 2025/early 2026, Apple has significantly cut production of the original $3,499 Vision Pro due to poor sales, with reports suggesting production ceased early in 2025 to manage high inventory. While not officially "discontinued" in the sense of being pulled from sale, production has halted to focus on a new, lower-cost model and AI-focused smart glasses."
So not the best example to use.
VR on the other hand, has never found its niche. It's surely out there somewhere, and so it'll die a few more deaths yet. But it is very far behind AI in terms of usefulness and/or entertainment value.
Also don't forget about 3D. While 3D movies had their moment, and still has a following, it isn't lost on anyone how bad the movies actually are when seen in 2D. There are exceptions, like the Lord of the Rings trilogy. But some 3D movies are painful to watch in 2D because those extreme-close on extreme-far tunnel shots look terrible in 2D, and just distract. Example of that? Avatar, which looks more like a bad video game in 2D.