The Rise of Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality, it has always been a futuristic dream such as flying cars. But no longer: the future is here, VR is happening.
Originally posted on September 27, 2016
Haven’t we all dreamed of living in different realities, escaping the one we live in? Forgetting about our daily routines and live a completely different life for a moment. Even though you know it is not real, the temporary escape from reality is just one click of a button away. Leveling your virtual character by doing the exact same chores you should do in real life, like in The Sims. But the difference is: you don’t have to do it, therefore you want to do it. Weird, isn’t it?
Of course, in a virtual world everything is possible: being attacked by a fire-spitting dragon while doing the dishes in a castle tower high in the clouds. The discovery of the unknown, taking chances and doing things that are impossible in the physical world. I think many would agree with me that this is what gaming is all about. All of that without any big risks, as losing in-game just means losing your spent time. But if you enjoyed your time playing, is the time really lost?
Virtual Reality (VR) is not just a dream anymore, it is happening. On August 1st, 2012, Oculus Rift — a VR-headset- was launched as a crowdfunding project on Kickstarter to fund the Rift’s development. In less than 24 hours, the project’s goal was already reached. When the funding period ended, the project was funded more than 9 times their original $500k goal. Oculus Rift looked phenomenal, VR became reality. Years passed by and in March 2014, Oculus was bought by Facebook for $2 billion. Two models of the Rift were released, labelled as ‘development kits’. The DK1 and DK2 were released in, respectively mid-2013 and mid-2014. The purpose of these two models was to give developers the chance to create content for the final version release of the Rift. This final version was released in March this year.
Besides the Rift, there are other headsets in the market. Both Sony and HTC released their own products: Playstation VR and the HTC Vive. There are also variations on this VR-concept. Google Cardbox is specifically designed for your smartphone. It is a foldable piece of cardboard with lenses where the smartphone could be inserted. Using this simple and cheap box you are able to watch 360-degrees youtube videos and play VR-games on your smartphone, all for less than 30 bucks.
Even though gaming and watching movies are the first things that come to mind when thinking of VR, there are many other applications VR is perfectly suitable for. To underscribe this, I want to quote someone who has a nose for innovations: Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook.
“After games, we’re going to make Oculus a platform for many other experiences. Imagine enjoying a courtside seat at a game, studying in a classroom of students and teachers all over the world or consulting with a doctor face-to-face — just by putting on goggles in your home.”
One of the applications of VR that seems obvious once you hear it, is a walk through Real Estate. What if your dream has always been to own an apartment or house in New York or Paris but you live on the other side of the planet? Simply put on a VR-device and take a virtual walk through the (potential) house of your dreams while being in the comfort of your own house. You decide when and how many times you want to see it. Of course, when buying a house, the neighbourhood is also a crucial factor. No problem! let’s take a walk outside and observe the area. The smell of a hotdog-stand while stepping out of your virtual door in New York would certainly give an extra dimension. I wouldn’t be surprised if these kinds of accessories are already scheduled.
Another application is traveling. With VR it would be possible to see every inch of the Great Wall of China without having to walk the entire structure. This sounds like heaven for the lazy and the poor among us. However, I don’t know if VR will ever give the same experience as going out and seeing it for real.
With that being said, it is clear that the possibilities of VR are endless, far beyond mankind’s imagination.
In a few years, we will tell our grandchildren that we knew the times that keyboards and mice were being used.
They probably can’t imagine, they will call us crazy.
Get in touch: whatsup@oneup.company
