Reconceptualizing AR/VR for Emerging Economies: Mobile-Based Solutions to Drive Accessibility and Adoption

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies hold immense potential for revolutionizing industries such as education, healthcare, workforce training, and entertainment. Despite their transformative efficacy, the proliferation of AR and VR products and services in emerging markets remains impeded by exorbitant costs, infrastructural deficiencies, and a dearth of localized content. Conventional VR and AR devices encounter significant barriers, including the requirement for powerful computing hardware inaccessible to wider population, poor user experiences due to internet connectivity issues, and limited smartphone compatibility, all of which impede scalability. This study employed a mixed-method approach, using surveys and expert interviews to capture user experiences and identify key factors limiting adoption. Key findings indicate lack of regional content and ecosystem support, rather than technical constraints, was the primary cause of the rise and fall of AR/VR products on the market today. Practical implications suggest developing regional content, making VR apps more accessible for low-end devices, and introducing sustainable business models like pay-per-use experiences and ad-supported content can all hasten the adoption of AR and VR in emerging countries. Collaboration between governments and private-sector stakeholders is pivotal in enhancing digital infrastructure and accessibility. Given AR and VR technologies immense potential to democratize immersive experiences across education, healthcare, and workforce training, this research underscores the viability of mobile-based VR as an accessible, affordable, and scalable solution. However existing barriers can be addressed through strategic investments in infrastructure fortification, affordability, and localization. The study concludes by providing a prescriptive roadmap to technology developers, investors, and legislators looking to close the adoption gap between AR and VR in cost-sensitive areas.