Henry Armstrong
Win a Brand New Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset
Enter our time-limited giveaway and win a Virtual Reality Headset now!
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS TO QUALIFY!
VR headsets use a combination of accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and proximity sensor to detect motion, whether within the goggles or via the smartphone.
WHAT IS VIRTUAL REALITY?
A virtual reality experience is a computer-generated environment where objects and scenes appear to be real, making the user feel immersed in the scene. This environment is experienced using a headset or helmet equipped with virtual reality technology. Through VR, we can immerse ourselves in video games as if we were the characters, learn how to perform heart surgery, or improve sports training to maximize performance.
This technology may seem extremely futuristic, but its origins are much older than we might assume.
One of the first Virtual Reality devices was actually called Sensorama, a machine with a built-in seat that played 3D movies, gave off odors, and generated vibrations for a more immersive experience. The invention dates back to at least the mid-1950s. Over the course of the following years, technological and software developments resulted in a progressive evolution of both devices and interface design.
COMPARED TO AUGMENTED REALITY
Many people are unfamiliar with the concept of Virtual Reality, despite the fact that the technology originated decades ago. It is also quite common to confuse the terms Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality.
While the two technologies are similar in that they build virtual worlds in which we immerse ourselves through specific headsets, VR is quite different. The entire experience is immersive, and everything we see is part of an artificially constructed environment composed of images, sounds, etc. Meanwhile, augmented reality (AR) places objects, images, or similar within our own world. Everything we see is in a real environment, so wearing a headset is not strictly necessary. Everything we see is in a real environment, so wearing a headset is not strictly necessary. Seeing everything we see is a real experience, so a headset is not essential. The clearest and most mainstream example of this concept is Pokémon Go.
Mixed reality, however, includes both realities. Through hybrid technologies, it is possible, for example, to see virtual objects in the real world and to create an experience where the physical and digital are practically indistinguishable.
VIRTUAL REALITY: PRIMARY APPLICATIONS
Now we’re done with the theory. What are the current applications of Virtual Reality? These technologies have already been used in medicine, culture, education, and architecture. VR allows us to cross boundaries that would otherwise be unimaginable, from guided museum tours to dissecting a muscle.
Oculus Rift and Touch
Although Oculus Rift is self-contained, it requires the use of a PC. This gamer is immersed in a 3D game on the Oculus Rift while using two Oculus Touch controllers. (Image courtesy of Oculus VR, LLC, www.oculus.com)
Using Your Smartphone
There are numerous VR goggles that provide the lenses, but require the user to use their smartphone, such as this Gear VR (see Samsung Gear VR).Virtual Reality on a BudgetGoogle has developed a VR app and designed a cardboard headset that third parties can make.
Becoming Mainstream
Virtual reality, very popular among gamers, is still quite young compared to what developers have planned for the future. Best Buy showcased several VR headsets in its stores last year.
Win a Brand New Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset
Enter our time-limited giveaway and win a Virtual Reality Headset now!
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS TO QUALIFY!
