Understanding virtual reality and augmented reality
In today’s digital world, it’s impossible to escape the screens that have become ubiquitous in our lives. From computers to smartphones and TVs, we rely on screens for news, entertainment, socializing, and much more. However, technological advancements in recent years have brought about new and exciting interactive experiences in the form of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
VR technology transports you to a completely unreal world through a headset where you can explore and interact with the environment. AR takes a different approach, using a clear visor or smartphone to superimpose digital images on the real world around you, creating an immersive and interactive experience.
Imagine exploring an underwater world, surrounded by beautiful marine life, with virtual reality. With augmented reality, you can witness the beauty of fish swimming around you in the real world. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with and experience the world around us.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality is an extraordinary technological advancement that allows users to experience a simulated, three-dimensional environment. This incredible technology involves the use of sophisticated equipment such as headsets, which play a pivotal role in transporting individuals into a completely different virtual world. Without compromising on any of the sensory experiences that come with real-world experience, virtual reality headsets can display incredibly lifelike environments, offering a highly realistic perception of touch, sound and vision.
The fascinating part about the headset technology is the use of what is known as head tracking, where virtual reality headsets track and synchronise with users’ head movements, providing an incredibly natural experience. This means that users can look around the simulated world by simply moving their head, getting a full 360-degree view of everything around them. Within seconds of donning a virtual reality headset, individuals are transported to a new world where their actions translate to unique experiences that are both thrilling and captivating!
Types of VR devices
There is a vast variety of headsets available in the market, each of them offer different features to cater to the needs of different users. However, when it comes to choosing the right headset for your needs, it’s important to distinguish between the two major types available.
The first type of headset comes with a built-in screen, making it an all-in-one device. These headsets are generally connected to a computer and require a powerful system to function effortlessly. On the plus side, they often provide excellent graphics quality and superior performance, making them ideal for those looking to maximize their virtual experiences.
However, they are more expensive than the other type of headset available in the market and require significant investment. Some popular examples of these headsets include the Oculus Rift, the Vive, and the PlayStation VR, which can be connected to a PlayStation 4 game console for an immersive gaming experience.
Virtual Reality devices are becoming more popular among different consumers and industries. These devices have varying ways of providing the virtual experience to users. One type is the kind with built-in screens that offer higher-end graphics and performance levels.
Additionally, these headsets may come with handheld controllers that track your hand movements, providing you with a more immersive experience within your virtual world. Meanwhile, another type of device is designed to house your phone and utilize its display screen, making it more accessible and portable. These VR headsets are powered by apps found on your smartphone, and while the performance may not match that of the built-in screen variety, they tend to be more budget-friendly.
Some popular models include Google Cardboard and Gear VR. With the advancement of technology, more VR devices are becoming available, and the options to choose from continue to grow.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality, also known as AR, is an incredible technology that enables you to perceive the world with digital images overlaid on it. Currently, there are a few AR headsets in the market, including the Microsoft HoloLens and the Magic Leap. Despite their amazing capabilities, their prices are still higher than those of VR headsets, and their marketing is mainly targeting businesses.
Interestingly, you can use augmented reality without headsets on devices like smartphones and laptops. A wide range of apps are utilizing AR, including those that allow you to translate text in real-time using your camera, identify constellations in the sky, and even envision your garden with different plants!
You might have already used AR technology without even realizing it; for example, playing Pokemon Go or using Snapchat filters. Specialists predict an upward trajectory for both VR and AR technologies in the near future. It will be exciting for us to see how they’ll advance and impact both business and everyday life.
