Chinese authorities published a national plan for the development of the virtual reality industry, envisaging the shipment of 25 million such devices by 2026, with a total value of more than $48 billion. The Register reports.
The strategy was presented in a joint statement by five ministries led by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. They called the VR sector a key industry for the digital economy under the 14th Five-Year Plan.
The document reflects Beijing’s aim to become a leader in VR technology and sets concrete targets. However, the plan does not specify whether the 25 million devices refer to annual deliveries or cumulative shipments through 2026.
The strategy includes augmented and mixed reality within the definition of virtual reality.
The plan provides for broad exploration of technologies that enable more immersive VR. Among them: gesture tracking, gaze and facial-expression tracking, full-body motion capture, high-precision environment understanding, 3D reconstruction, and olfactory and tactile simulation.
Authorities also emphasise studying the use of edge computing for rendering 5G content and seeking ways to quickly connect devices with VR headsets.
The strategy includes research and development of neural interfaces required to “develop sensory interaction in the direction of naturalisation, situational awareness and intelligence.”
The plan also calls for upgrading smartphones. The authorities say devices need improvements to be usable as displays for virtual reality.
According to the document, China needs an open VR platform that enables collaboration and interaction among several people.
Companies will need to develop all the solutions listed in the plan with an eye to applications in art, tourism, sport, and safety training in challenging environments.
IDC researchers note that in the first half of 2022 China shipped more than 0.5 million VR and AR headsets. Analysts forecast that shipments will exceed 50 million units within four years.
Under the plan, by 2026 China will aim to develop 100 key companies and create 10 public information platforms for the VR sector.
In a report by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, state motivation in this area should be viewed in the context of the United States and South Korea naming virtual reality a strategic industry.
The document also references companies such as Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Google and Tencent that are actively developing VR technologies.
In January, it was reported that South Korea would allocate $7.5 billion to develop its K-metaverse and national AI.
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