Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality Real Estate Search
When we founded Gryd almost 3 years ago, we ventured into pioneering what would one day become a VR/AR real estate search platform. That day has finally arrived, and we are thrilled to launch the new Gryd XR app – the first Virtual Reality/ Augmented Reality real estate search platform.
Since the inception of Gryd, we have been shooting 3D Tours and converting them to be Virtual Reality compatible within the Gryd XR app.
Timing
The most important factor for our team in launching the app was timing. Timing is critical. There were 3 key factors that had to come into place for us, before we were ready to launch the app.
Content
We were not in a rush to launch the app. We still had some time to wait for the good VR headsets to come out. We wanted to ensure we had a large content library of 3D Tours for users to search through across Canada. After 3 years of shooting 3D Tours, we’re good. 🙂
Good, Stand-Alone Headsets
We (and the rest of the VR world) were anxiously anticipating the launch of stand-alone VR headsets like the Oculus Go, Mirage Solo, Vive Focus, and many others to come in the near future. As of this Spring, they are finally here!
Awareness
The world needed some time to absorb these new mediums as not just video game platforms, but as real internet mediums that will pave way for the future. We have also been working with organizations like the CFAA (Canadian Federation of Apartments Association) to educate the industry on how these new technologies work and how Property Managers can benefit from utilizing them to their full potential. The recent Steven Spielberg film Ready Player One is a great example of what we like to see happening in the world!
What is XR?
What are XR technologies and how do they work?
XR is short form for Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality. Both of these mediums are 3D computing platforms that are built on video games engines. VR/AR are similar in that sense, but offer different use cases for searching for your new home.
Visit our Gryd XR page for more info after you’ve finished your read!
Virtual Reality
Using Virtual Reality, users can put on a HMD (Head-Mounted Display) and enter a VR user-experience. The VR experience is entirely immersive, making the user feel as if they are truly at the property they are viewing. Be sure to check out our past segments on Global and CBC.
Users can search for properties across Canada within the Gryd XR app, using a Virtual Reality menu and interface. No need to waste time running around the city, scheduling apartment viewings that you aren’t even sure if you will be interested in the suite or not until you get there. Now with VR technology, you can do your due diligence in VR, and only visit the property you are serious about renting.
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality tools enhance the users search experience by overlaying digital objects on top of the real world.
Annotation Tags
Annotation tags placed through out the 3D Tour communicate important information with text, photo, video, and hyperlinks. This is great for Property Managers to communicate important information, as there is no tour guide or leasing agent walking users through the VR tours (yet!).
Virtual Staging
The only reason a Property Manager or Owner may not want to invest in a 3D Tour is because their vacant suite isn’t staged, but they do not have a budget (or the time) to physically stage the suite in real life. With Augmented Reality Virtual Staging, that concern is now a thing of the past. Property Managers can dress up their virtual display suites with our interior designers and 3D modellers, at a fraction of the time and price of preparing a display suite in real life. Staged suites look better than empty suites 100% of the time.
See this Virtually Staged 3D Tour example here…
Download The Gryd XR App
The Gryd XR app recently won the CFAA 2018 Best New Product or Service of The Year Award at the Canadian Rental Housing Conference in Vancouver, BC on May 15, 2018.
The app is available to download in the iOS, Android, and Oculus (very soon) app stores. Additionally, you can purchase your own Gryd XR Cardboard headset for $15 from gryd.com.
We hope you enjoy your experience with our new, first of a kind XR real estate app. We wish you the best in your new home search! Please do not hesitate to give our customer service team a shout (via phone or email) if you have any questions about rental property vacancies in Canada, or technical questions about the Gryd XR app.
Jordan Billinkoff
Founder + President @ Gryd.com
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