A virtual world/reality is an imaginary space
that independently exists from the real world. The medium used to create this
space is of course a simulation made of visual elements rendered with computer
graphics. Relations and interactions between these elements are defined by
rules set by the creator.
The users are placed in a virtual space, cut
from the real world on a sensory level. Virtual reality (VR) headsets allow
this by occupying their whole field of vision, while headphones achieve the
same results with sounds, thus fully immersing the users in another world.
VR headsets track the position of the users
within a given space so that the computer renders the changes of positions.
Users moving their heads or bodies will be given the illusion that they are
moving in the virtual world. The input here is as close to reality as possible,
to move around users do not press a button, they actually move around.
This article will examine the five distinct types of VR,
Non-immersive virtual
reality
Non-immersive virtual reality is experienced through a
computer and allows a user to control characters and activities from within the
software, but the environment is not directly interacting back.
Video games provide the best example of this VR
technology, with players controlling avatars within the game that have their
own distinct characteristics, animations, and skills. Within the environment,
all actions performed by the player force interactions in the virtual world.
Semi-immersive
virtual reality
A hybrid of non and
fully immersive virtual reality, this technology can present in the form of a
3D space or virtual environment where a user can move on their own via a
computer screen or headset.
Semi-immersive VR
does not utilize physical movement. This immersion experience is strictly visual,
with all activities in the simulated environment focused on the user.
Fully-immersive
virtual reality
This type of virtual
reality immerses a player equipped with wearable technology in a virtual
world. The player experiences a sense of being present in a simulated
environment and interacts with objects within the programmed space.
Sensors within
wearable helmets, gloves, or handheld devices interact with powerful computers
to detect and project movement within a previously defined environment.
Augmented reality
Augmented reality
(AR) experiences present entities or devices that appear to be real but are
actually not. With AR, a virtual entity is placed in the real world, as opposed
to VR, where the user is transported to a simulated environment.
Using the camera on a
smart device to view an object that appears in front of a user, but is absent
when the camera is lowered from the field of vision, is an example of how this
tech is currently utilized.
Home furnishing
retailers implement AR to allow a customer to visualize a piece of
furniture in their living room.
Collaborative VR
This form of virtual
reality allows different people from various locations to come into contact
within a simulated environment, represented by 3D or projected characters.
Users can interact with one another via the use of microphones and headsets.
Applications for this
technology are being implemented in the corporate world, with virtual meeting
rooms conducting remote-capable business meetings.
Nowadays, video games
are without a doubt the most popular and well-known types of VR applications. Virtual
reality offers new gameplay possibilities to developers and game designers
alike. Some devices simulate hands so players can interact with objects: grabbing,
drawing, throwing, etc.
VR education
solutions to be used in school are still at an early stage. However, as
students tend to have better retention through seeing, hearing, and doing,
study material made in VR seems to be a great fit. Virtual reality offers
detailed visualization (anatomy, work of art, planets, etc.).
Virtual reality simulators for caterpillars have been crafted for product development as well as training purposes. It simulates
all the aspects of driving a Caterpillar vehicle with the addition of haptic
feedback, which makes the drivers experience physical contact with the virtual
world. This method makes the virtual experience even more realistic and
generates more precise feedback. This in turn allows us to spot problems early in
the development phase. It also reduces the need for building prototypes which
takes time and can be costly.
One of the two main
applications of VR in medicine is training. Doctors and healthcare personnel do
not always have the opportunity to practice enough to fully master a procedure
or a technique, which can result in errors and potential deaths. This is
particularly true when it comes to surgery. Virtual reality simulations allow
an almost unlimited amount of repetitions and pose no threats to patients.
This additional training would lower the number of errors and deaths.
The top five leading
companies in virtual reality production remain
#1
Oculus VR
No company is more
synonymous with virtual reality than Oculus. Founded in 2012, the company quickly rose
to the top of the industry with its first peripheral, the Oculus Rift. Within two years,
Facebook bought the company with ambitions to launch its biggest project, Meta.
In 2021, the company
merged with Facebook’s VR team to create Reality Labs. Together, the team is
creating the next generation of headsets, the Oculus Quest 2.
#2 HTC
Oculus did not completely dominate the virtual
reality field,
however. In 2017, the HTC Vive came out shortly after the Rift and was equal to (or in some
cases, better than) its competition.
HTC’s newest headset,
the Vive Pro 2, was rated the best VR headset in 2021. It features some of the most
accurate sensors and tracking in the industry and presents visuals in 5K
resolution.
#3 Unity
Of course, the
fantastic resolution does not amount to much without the highest quality
graphic design. For a platform that allows for realistic graphics and lighting
effects, designers are using Unity. And, as one of the leading video game
platforms for nearly 15 years, it is no surprise the company has ventured into
virtual reality.
#4 Microsoft
For as long as we have
had the internet, Microsoft has been the household name for electronics.
Creating everything from information technology to computers to video games, it is no surprise
that Microsoft is trying its hand at virtual reality.
With an army of
technicians, Microsoft is working on a series of mixed-reality (MR) products.
Of these include the HoloLens 2, their VR headset that syncs with native
products. Microsoft also announced Mesh, the collaborative metaverse for
professionals and creatives to work together digitally.
#5 Samsung
As exciting as the
new media experience is, many people find the cost of entry too steep. Samsung’s
solution was to create a midrange hardware that still provides a similar VR
experience.
In 2015, the tech company released the
Samsung Gear headset, which used 360 videos and was compatible with the newer
Samsung models from Galaxy S10. As it only synced with this specific device, it
incentivized people to consider their phones over the latest iPhones when
upgrading. Not only was the marketing tactic incredibly successful, but it
spurred the widespread adoption of virtual reality.
Today's virtual
reality is furthering the communication capabilities of an increasingly
interconnected world in surprising ways.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is enabling technological
innovation across segments of every industry. Smart device connectivity
provides countless advances in communication — of which, today's virtual
reality (VR) capabilities are among the most promising.
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