Virtual reality is gradually capturing the interest of individuals and companies for its wide range of applications. In this article, we will look into the recent breakthroughs in virtual reality and some milestones in the use of this technology.
A Beginner’s Guide to Virtual Reality
If the different terms pertaining to emerging technologies – such as virtual reality – are confusing you, let’s spend this time to define some basic terminologies.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual reality is an immersive multimedia (computer-simulated reality) interface that replicates an environment to stimulate the physical presence in places, whether in the real world or in an imaginary world. This allows the user to interact in that world.
Augmented Reality (AR)
This refers to a live (i.e. either direct or indirect) view of a physical, real-world environment in which computer-generated sensory input such as video, graphic, sound, or GPS data supplement the natural elements.
Mixed Reality (MR)
This refers to the blending of the physical world with the digital world. The perfect example of this is the use of holograms.
The Continuous Development of Virtual Reality Technology
More people are becoming familiar with virtual reality, particularly when games such as Pokemon Go became a worldwide craze. People have become more aware of how they can elevate their gaming experience not just by merely staying in one place, but also being able to play games. With virtual reality, the user gets the feeling of being part of the game.
Apart from this, the use of virtual reality is now evolving beyond whimsical purposes. In fact, experts are finding ways to apply VR in different fields.
VR lets people experience an increased level of immersion in which technology can help them imitate any kind of world. In fact, there is a huge number of consumers who are waiting for a new experience that can add a virtual overlay to the world that surrounds them.
Recent Milestones in VR Technology
Virtual reality technology has allowed us to be more in touch with a lot more things that we can only imagine years ago. Here are some of the most important developments in VR in recent years:
Wireless gadgets with built-in VR technology
Stand-alone VR headsets have continuously been launched in the last few years. In the past, people could only access VR through devices connected to a TV, gaming console, or smartphone. However, recent developments allow more consumers to enjoy VR devices on their own.
Examples of these kinds of devices include Google Daydream, Oculus Santa Cruz, and HTC Vive Focus.
DIY VR creation tool by Google
Google is joining the foray of virtual reality through a program that creates VR scenes and worlds. Since virtual reality tours are increasingly becoming popular, Google launched Tour Creator. This web tool allows VR enthusiasts to easily create VR tours by using their own 360-degree photos as well as Google Street View imagery.
This app is simple to use. All you need is to drag and drop elements to create a VR tour.
PlayStation VR painter
For those with creative hands, the CoolPaintrVR is a great tilt brush creation that is made available on PlayStation VR. You can now have unlimited possibilities of exploring the artists within you.
Virtual Camera on Facebook
Facebook doesn’t want to be left out when it comes to virtual reality. In fact, the social media giant recently entered a deal with RED Digital Cinema to create a virtual camera using Facebook’s proprietary Surround360 Technology. This kind of technology is able to capture 3D 360degree content, and this includes photos and videos.
VR Through Google Glass
Google Glass, which was first launched in 2013, has been envisioned as a useful tool in the medical field. Physicians can use the device to live stream an operation on a patient by filming via 360-degree cameras and a number of lenses that are situated around the operating room. This has been made possible for medical students and other viewers through a mobile app and a specialized viewing headset.
This technology is a great way to teach surgeons in locations where that may not have as much exposure to more complex medical procedures. Therefore, VR technology (through “medical realities”) is useful as a means of delivering accessible training videos to anyone in the world.
Life gets better when we make use of available technologies in a positive manner. For sure, experts are not stopping at making the world much better and developing more efficient products for the general public to take advantage of. In other words, virtual reality may sound like fiction for now, but time will come when it evolves into a norm.
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