Virtual reality (VR) has become a hot topic over the last few years. The latest craze is VR games. What does VR look like in real life?
Let’s find out!
What VR Looks Like in Real Life?
In real life, virtual reality (VR) uses a headset to place you in an immersive experience where everything around you seems unreal.
For example, Vuzix’s Wrap 920 smart glasses have been available for developers and enthusiasts since 2016, and they are currently working on making them more accessible by reducing costs.
These glasses run on Android and connect to smartphones through Bluetooth, allowing users to access apps and use their phone functions while still wearing the device.
They also include a camera that allows users to take photos or videos without removing the device from their faces.
What Is Virtual Reality?
VR creates an entirely new digital experience. It’s called virtual because it’s created by computer programs, but it feels like a real-life situation for the person using it.
There are two general rules of thumb regarding what constitutes a good VR (virtual reality) user interface:
The environment must be made of pictures that appear life-size to the user.
The system responsible for running a virtual reality experience must be able to track a user’s eyes and body movements so that it can respond appropriately.
Depending on whether you’re participating in an immersive, semi‑immersive, or non‑immersive VR experience, you may need different amounts and types of equipment.
Immersive experiences require headsets, gloves, and earbuds at least, in combination with the computer and program that generate the environment.
Immersive VR experiences are often employed in educational settings, where they’re often referred to as “augmented reality” (AR). They involve projecting an image onto a screen, which then appears to be superimposed upon the real world.
Non-immersive VR experiences require the least amount of hardware. With the right software and a screen and some kind of controller, you’re ready to go.
How Did Virtual Reality Get to This Point?
It wasn’t until 2012 that VR took off. Although the concept of virtual worlds had existed for quite some time, it was only in 2012 that the technologies necessary to create them were developed at an unprecedented rate.
At that point, early prototypes of the Oculus VR headset were appearing at the E3 tradeshow. The designs were lacking, but the technology seemed promising. Suddenly, widespread and affordable access to VR seemed like a real possibility.
What’s the Difference Between VR and AR?
It’s important to note that not every virtual reality experience is considered “virtual reality.”
Augmented and virtual realities are two types of technologies that fall under the broader category known as “extended” or “augmented” realities.
Whereas virtual realities replace your view, augmented realities add to it.
Remember the Pokémon Go frenzy? That was an excellent example of augmented reality (AR). Using the Pokémon Go app, players looked through their phones’ cameras and saw a Pokémon character on their screens, apparently walking around on the floor in real life.
Here, you aren’t seeing the entire world of Pokemon all around, but rather just a few little creatures who somehow managed to get into your world.
Augmented Reality (AR) doesn’t usually involve any special equipment; most of the time, all that’s needed is a smartphone. Some products, like the Microsoft HoloLens, even include both AR and MR features. And some smart glasses are also trying to improve their AR capabilities.
As AR becomes more accessible, the more innovations we’ll likely be seeing outside of gaming and entertainment.
What Is a VR Headset? Do I Need One?
A VR headset is essentially the hardware you need to enter an immersive VR environment. It comes with a wide variety of features and capabilities, so its prices vary widely.
There are several different types of VR headsets including the Oculus Rift, HTC VIVE, and Sony PSVR. One of the simplest — so basic that it could be mistaken as a prototype — is the google cardboard.
More Than a Game: VR in the Real World
While VR is usually associated with games, its practical uses go well beyond entertainment.
Several different industries have successfully implemented VR into their workflow and business processes. Here we’ll take a look at some of them.
Education
Online classes were already an established part of our society before COVID-19 hit, but the coronavirus outbreak forced them into the spotlight.
Virtual classrooms are now used for everything from preparing teachers for their first days of teaching to practicing lessons and training new teachers.
Virtual reality offers an effective way to practice lesson plans.
With virtual reality, teachers can effectively practice lessons and even video recordings of lectures for their classes to access if they miss a class. There are already a few companies selling VR headsets for sale.
As more and more students learn online, it was only natural for them to come up with innovative ways to recreate or improve their classroom experiences.
Simulated Classroom Settings Can Help New Teachers Get Started
VR offers an effective method for new educators to practice classroom management and teaching skills before applying them in a real classroom environment.
Healthcare
Virtual Reality (VR) technology is increasingly being adopted by healthcare facilities around the globe. From assisting surgeons during operations to providing therapy for children coping with illnesses, VR offers an array of benefits to everyone.
Some institutions don’t offer the same level of training as others. VR allows students to experience real-life situations without exposing them to potentially dangerous situations.
Training
There are many situations in which having some kind of pre-existing knowledge would help. And while we’ve already established how valuable VR technology is for healthcare and education, it could be even more useful in risky situations.
For example, flight and military training carry huge risks if they’re not carried out correctly. Having simulations beforehand gives enough time for practice and troubleshooting.
And, VR can be an effective training tool for personnel shortages. With a shortage of airline staff, the aviation sector has turned to VR to supplement in-person training.
These include the US Air Force’s Pilot Transition Program (PTP), as well as VR programs at Embry-Riddles Aeronautic University.
Conclusion
You can see from the examples above that VR is making its mark across a wide range of different fields. There are so many potential uses for VR that the opportunities are almost limitless.
We hope that this guide has been useful. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments section below!
