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The exciting current state of virtual reality
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Using VR headsets, with a field of view of 110 degrees, they truly provide an immersive experience for gamers. (Shutterstock/-)
A
decade ago, the concept of virtual reality only existed in sci-fi movies and was only talked about in reference to a few decades into the future. However, this year, it is already possible, in terms of technology and price, for consumers to purchase virtual reality as a commercial gaming product.
In the past year, at least three new devices have been released that use virtual reality technology. Samsung released the Gear VR, Oculus the Oculus Rift and the Steam, and HTC released their HTC Vive.
These new systems are so far being used in both gaming and leisure. The Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive both come with their own exclusive video game releases. Using VR headsets, which are wrapped around your head and eyes using velcro, the devices' sensory detectors can sense your movements and move in accordance with your head. With a field of view of 110 degrees, they truly provide an immersive experience for gamers.
The sensory products are not limited to the headgear. Other sensors can be attached around the room to monitor your bodily movements and cause the game to react accordingly. The products also come with their own personal controllers that help you to move around the user interface within the game. However, these products are not cheap: the Oculus Rift costs US$600 and the HTC Vive is being sold at a whopping $800.
More than just a game
The prices mentioned above may seem steep to many people, but virtual reality headgear actually has many other uses beyond the primary function of gaming. Other forms of entertainment are also available on the device including an app called Oculus Theater, which immerses the user in movies that look like they are being played in a theater.
If you are a sports fan, an app called LiveLike VR has also been developed to transport you into a virtual stadium and watching matches as if they were live. It also includes an option to have the fans cheering in surround sound to create a truly immersive experience. Similarly, you are able to watch live concerts od bands such as Coldplay that have been recorded by the virtual reality recording company Next VR – all from the comfort of your couch.
The field of medicine has its own share of benefits to be thankful for with the development of virtual reality technology. Many hospitals now use virtual reality to conduct simulation surgeries to find out the best course of action after getting a 3D image of the brain using an MRI scan. The technology is also used in medical schools to simulate real-life surgery situations to help better train new doctors. Beyond surgery, virtual reality can also be used in stroke victim rehabilitation or in the field of psychology to allow patients to immerse themselves and regain cognitive function.
Virtual reality has also been used in engineering, specifically in automotive and aeronautics fields. Engineers have used it for years to test finished products to find out if all parts run correctly. Virtual reality allows the user to float around and observe the interior and exterior of a machine to find any faults that have been overlooked.
In the field of aeronautics, NASA astronauts and engineers use virtual reality to build space stations and prepare for the harsh environments of space using specific simulations. Many of the Mars probes that are scouring the surface of the planet are being controlled via virtual reality at this very moment.
The military also uses virtual reality to run simulations of real-life experiences to better prepare for them in the field. Many training exercises are done using simulations created by the government and games such as Battlefield and Arma are used to conduct training and improve teamwork between soldiers.
The advent of virtual reality will allow mankind to move forward technology as a whole. The use of VR may soon become a staple in our daily lives and will drastically improve our standard of living.
In a few years, we might not even need TVs anymore as everything might just be replicated on our virtual reality devices.
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Kenneth is a 17-year-old high school student who loves comic books, Dota 2, movies, political science and history. He is currently living in Jakarta and working toward his IB diploma. You can reach him at @kenneth2098 on Twitter.
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