OVERVIEW

Have you ever wanted to explore Mars or get a glimpse of our deep oceans without risking your life? With Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, visiting these and other exotic locations is possible! VR provides users immersion into a virtual world.

HISTORY

The technology leading to VR goes back to the 1800’s with Charles Wheatstone’s 1838 “stereopticon,” an image viewer that created a 3-D effect on the eyes.

The next major development in VR technology came about from a California filmmaker in 1962 with the “Sensorama,” a cabinet featuring speakers, a display, fans to simulate wind, smell “generators,” and a vibrating chair.

Innovation accelerated in the late 20^th century with military investment into developing the microprocessor, allowing headsets to get smaller while the screen resolution became crisper.

Modern headsets work by producing moving images on a small, high-definition screen while taking into account the user’s body movements. When looking thru a headset, the hardware incorporates movements into the virtual environment allowing the user to walk around or explore any virtual world.

WHY USE VR?

Access to VR headsets can benefit consumers in a variety of ways. It creates an immersive environment in which anything is possible. Users can:

• Watch a movie with their friends
• Embark on a safari across the savannah
• Take part in highly interactive video games
• Sit in front row seats at major sports events

VR further enables immobile individuals a way to see the world around them without leaving their home.

A quick analysis of AR and VR may make them seem similar but they do have different utilities. One big difference between AR and VR, is that VR transports you to an alternate dimension with its enclosed headset. AR allows you to be aware of your surroundings and use technology to make your “real” life more exciting and immersive. For now, AR has more real-world functionality while VR focuses on entertainment.

CURRENT TECHNOLOGY

Both the Stereopticon and Sensorama seem archaic compared to devices we have in 2016. Sleek-looking headsets such as the Oculus Rift and the Samsung Gear are technological marvels that are waiting to be pushed to their limits!

There are two different platforms that VR software can be used on: PC-Connected and Mobile.

PC-CONNECTED

This type of VR headset uses the power of a computer to render the virtual environment, creating stellar visuals and reducing side-effects such as “motion” sickness. Examples include the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive which dominate the market. Other advantages of having a headset that connects to a PC include not worrying about battery life, developing more advanced games, and allowing accurate positional tracking.

 

MOBILE

Using your smartphone as a screen is a novel way to explore VR. There are many

advantages to using this method such as lower initial cost (you already own the phone), wireless, and easy to use. Essentially, all you need to buy in order to get started with VR would be an inexpensive headset that holds your phone.

 

How would you use VR? Head to the comment section to see how other readers envision VR!

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References:

1. Marshall, Patrick. “Virtual Reality.” CQ Researcher 26.9 (2016): n. pag. CQ Researcher Online [CQ Press]. Web. 27 June 2016.
2. Shanklin, W. (2015, January 1). Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition (Note 4) vs. Oculus Rift DK2. Retrieved July 17, 2016, fromhttp://www.gizmag.com/oculus-rift-vs-gear-vr/35420/
3. Virtual reality for the disabled – Virtual Reality. (2015, January 27). Retrieved July 18, 2016, from http://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality-healthcare/disabled.html

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