5G’s arrival brings ultra-fast, data-driven technologies that will innovate the tourism, recreational and shopping sectors. Consumers are treated to a new sense-inducing experience whenever they visit cultural attractions, thrill themselves in theme parks, or stroll in shopping outlets.
Consumers have the growing expectation and appetite for new experiences brought about by extended realities (XR). They desire to be immersed in movies, play high-resolution games on-the-go, shop in virtual stores, enjoy personalised experiences, stream live events, and more. Existing mobile networks, which face congestion in major cities, are struggling to support the heavy data usage needed to deliver advanced entertainment and commerce experiences. Hence, it’s no surprise that this sector would be among the first to embrace such technologies.
At its best, 5G speed can be up to 20 times faster than its predecessor and allows a higher number of connected devices per square kilometre. The low latency and high-capacity bandwidth give life to cutting edge technologies such as autonomous vehicles, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), Internet of Things (IoT) and intelligent mobile solutions as it is no longer hindered by connectivity limitations and bottlenecks.
Here are some ways 5G pushes existing limitations to bring XR to tourism, recreation and commerce:
Travelling to a new and unfamiliar location can be exciting, yet the universal pet peeves experienced by tourists everywhere such as getting to places of interest and language barriers can turn into a big inconvenience. 5G is not only expected to solve longstanding connectivity issues by ensuring high-quality internet everywhere, 5G-ready solutions can be used to provide a personalised guest experiences through connected rooms and hospitality apps.
Cities and tour spots can take advantage of the superior connectivity to be able to provide safe and convenient services like driverless buses and taxis for tourists. These technologies require the transmission and processing of substantial amounts of data in real-time for safe navigation.
Cultural tourism will receive a boost from XR where tourists will be able to enjoy a realistic view of exhibits, arts and relics with the aid of AR/VR headsets and guided by an artificial intelligence (AI) virtual assistant that doubles up as a tour guide and translator. These technologies recreate historical landscapes and allow tourists to immerse themselves in virtual depictions of the scene.
5G provides high-capacity coverage in crowded venues, along with applications that help ensure a unique and safe amusement environment.
High-definition close circuit cameras connected to 5G internet provide the theme park security a general overview of the grounds. Visual information is continuously streamed to cloud where AI systems are trained to recognise impending threats. Meanwhile, smart wristbands and facial recognition technology can be a valuable tool to aid in locating lost children quickly and be reunited with their parents. Alternatively, visitors can enable peer-to-peer location sharing on their mobile app to keep tabs of family or tour group member location in real-time.
5G enhances the theme park experience with more intelligent-based services. For example, visitors indulge in games or rides that include haptic touch technologies and AR/VR special effects. Parades and buggies will do away with human drivers and feature autonomous self-driving systems which are 5G-ready. Meanwhile, AI-driven service robots that doubles as the on-the-ground security will attend to the needs of visitors with the ability to recognize between adults, children, elderlies or the disabled.
Avid gamers, who have been anticipating next-generation gaming experiences, will be the first to hop on the 5G bandwagon. They will be treated to pixel-precise graphics and zero-latency manoeuvres as they attempt to outcompete their opponents in this new gaming technology. More realism will be injected into the game by wide usage of virtual reality and cloud-connected content. This shall see more gamers using AR/VR headsets to make their presence felt in the metaverse.
A new way of consuming content will see 3D streaming right into the living room. 5G broadcasting ensures that millions of concert-lovers do not miss out and can simultaneously tune into a live performance on their mobile or enjoy the experience and exhilaration with VR headsets. Meanwhile, movie enthusiasts will be treated to an XR experience when they don a haptic vest and VR headset. These gadgets replicate the visual and sensation felt by the protagonist.
5G will revolutionise spectator experience in large, prominent venues.
True sports fans turn up in numbers to support their team in a jam-packed arena and benefit from improved connectivity. Nothing beats real-time commentary and statistics as athletes give their best to live up to the occasion. In-match information can be broadcasted in real-time to 5G-ready smart wearables like AR glasses or HoloLens as the action unfolds. This ensures that fans do not miss important insights into fast-paced matches.
As the excitement builds up, spectators would want to live stream, upload videos or share 360-degree views of the highly charged atmosphere right from the venue. Such uploads consume large bandwidth that only 5G’s immense capacity can fulfil.
Drone technology will also be a standard fixture in arenas, thanks to the ultra-high-speed connectivity. Camera drones are used to capture mesmerizing aerial views of the arena from different vantage points and broadcast live to giant digital billboards. Fans might also be treated to fascinating displays of synchronized drone performances.
5G will bring fresh excitement to mallgoers as they are treated to engaging in-store experiences.
Dynamic and personalized shopping will become mainstream as shoppers are served with real-time recommendations based on their in-store activities. For example, shoppers scan a product using their mobile or view on AR glasses to get more descriptive information, and the retailers use the data to send them on-the-spot offers.
Product try-outs no longer require actual handling of the clothing or makeup. Thanks to smart mirrors with XR technology, shoppers just need to make the selection from a display screen to see their reflection wearing virtual clothing or make up. AR/VR headsets is also a boon for furniture shoppers as they can visualize how diverse types of furniture will fit in their home before buying.
Businesses in the recreation and commercial sectors must take advantage of the latest innovations brought about by 5G to be among the next-generational changemaker. This means investing in 5G-ready hardware and XR technologies; and embarking on strategic collaborations with 5G providers.
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