Virtual Reality Has Changed The Game
Virtual reality (VR) has become a revolutionary step forward in the world of technology, and many people believe that it will change the world.
VR is a computer-generated, three-dimensional simulation of an image or environment that a person using special equipment can interact with in a seemingly real way. This can be extremely helpful in many different fields that may require training in high-risk areas, like military training or surgery. VR allows the user to train in a computer-generated environment with no real risk.
According to The Guardian, when the first VR prototype, the Oculus Rift, was released in 2013, there was not a much interest. Many people though it was the future of gaming and others thought it was just a gimmicky idea. However, in 2015, when Google released Google Cardboard and Samsung released Samsung Gear VR, more people became interested in the technology.
This because the Google Cardboard and the Samsung Gear VR utilized the high-resolution screens, motion sensors and mobile features of smartphones to drive the advancement in VR. By doing this Google and Samsung showed that VR is cannot only for gaming, but for other types of media as well. And many industries have adapted VR to help them with certain types of work.
A few industries that have integrated VR include: automotive, healthcare, tourism, architecture, retail, aerospace, education, marketing and film and entertainment.
It has helped the automotive industry by allowing designers and engineers to examine a car’s functionality and safety without having to creating multiple models and putting people in harm’s way.
For the healthcare industry it can help map out nearly impossible surgeries and allow surgeon to do multiple practice runs to find a way to raise the probability of success without having to put the patient’s life in jeopardy.
In tourism, it allows people to try something out before they buy it. VR has allowed people to go on guided tours in different places around the world from the comfort of their own home, before deciding on a place to travel too.
VR has changed the potential of how architects can design buildings. Not only does it make it easier for them to design the buildings and experiment with different aspects of the building, it also allows them to give customers a virtual tour of their new home or building.
VR has also allowed people to shop right from the comforts of their own home. According to an article by Hannah Williams on ComputerWorldUK, virtual reality can allow a person to try on clothes after a body scan.
In the aerospace industry, it allows engineers to create products a faster pace and also has made the process easier to understand at all stages of building and design. VR can also be used to train pilots and test new products with low risks.
In education it allows for a more immersive training and teaching environment. It also allows for virtual tours of campuses for those who can’t find the time to visit college campuses.
In marketing it allows for VR marketing campaigns and VR advertisements. An example would be how Volvo made it possible to test drive its XC90 SUV in virtual reality in 2014.
And as for film and entertainment, Steven Spielberg has said that it could revolutionize the way we watch films. An example that come to mind are full immersion, which is basically a more advance version of 3D.
VR has been changing the game for many industries, but it’s also changing the game for people. There are tons of apps that a person can download, hook up to a VR headset, and enjoy. It has also made great strides in media production with 360-degree videos and photos. And as long as people don’t take it too far, VR is a great advancement into the future of media consumption.
