VIRTUAL REALITY: THE FUTURE IN TECHNOLOGY

 

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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