What Virtual Reality Is All About
As far as technology goes, we live in the best times in the history of mankind. We live in a time where things we see on TV are increasingly becoming real. Some of our favorite sci-fi concepts have found their way from the TV screens to the real world. One of our favourite fictional ideas is virtual reality. Well the enthusiast, virtual reality is no longer a thing of fiction. A lot of top tech companies have been toying with virtual reality technology for a while now.
This article is meant for virtual reality fans and those that do not know what it’s all about. Read on to the very end, you are guaranteed to learn a lot about what virtual reality is.
What Is Virtual Reality?
So, what is virtual reality, and what is it all about?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel they are immersed in their surroundings. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds. By simulating as many senses as possible, such as vision, hearing, touch, even smell, the computer is transformed into a gatekeeper to this artificial world. The only limits to near-real VR experiences are the availability of content and cheap computing power.
Is There a Difference Between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality?
While both these concepts are built around simulation, there is indeed a difference between the two. Think of augmented reality as an inverted virtual reality. Are you still having trouble picturing it? Let’s take it a step further.
Augmented reality involves the simulation of virtual objects in the real world, your physical environment while virtual reality simulates an environment for you to inhabit.
In Augmented Reality, the computer uses sensors and algorithms to determine the position and orientation of a camera. AR technology then renders the 3D graphics as they would appear from the viewpoint of the camera, superimposing the computer-generated images over a user’s view of the real world.
In Virtual Reality, the computer uses similar sensors and math. However, rather than locating a real camera within a physical environment, the position of the user’s eyes is located within the simulated environment. If the user’s head turns, the graphics react accordingly. Rather than compositing virtual objects and a real scene, VR technology creates a convincing, interactive world for the user.
What Are Some of the Ways Virtual Reality Is Applied?
1. Virtual Reality in Sports
Professional sports teams, in particular, are investing in virtual reality to obtain a competitive advantage. Coaches in the NFL and collegiate football are introducing virtual reality technology into their workouts to prepare for games. Virtual reality is being used by NASCAR drivers and soccer teams to retrace their steps and learn from their mistakes.
When it comes to fans, virtual reality is all about new experiences. Users can view highlights from the perspective of a player in the NBA.
2. Virtual Reality in Retail
Online purchasing is convenient, but it frequently requires us to buy first and then try. However, virtual reality allows you to preview furnishings in your own home and test on makeup on your actual skin. Customers will have a better experience as a result of this, and returns will be reduced.
Retailers can deepen engagement with current and potential customers by bringing VR to the next level. They can collect data to sell and customize each user’s buying experience.
3. Virtual Reality in Automotive
In the automotive industry, virtual reality encourages experimentation over a pricey prototype. Ford is utilizing virtual reality technology to bypass the 2D drawing step and go into a 3D model. When creating and redesigning external and interior components, saves time.
Audi and Tesla, for example, are taking this a step further with their virtual showrooms. Users can use their headsets to explore new features and adjustments while driving.
4. Virtual Reality in Healthcare
Virtual reality technology has been widely adopted in the healthcare industry. It aids in the training and preparation of their specialists for real-world scenarios, such as surgery. Complex operations can be planned out by groups. They can even diagnose and cure patients created by computers.
Virtual reality is also being utilized to investigate mental health therapy options. It’s been used to cure a variety of conditions, including alcoholism, claustrophobia, depression, and more. Because headsets may be used in the comfort of one’s own home, they can be a safer and more cost-effective solution for many clients.
5. Virtual Reality in Education/Training
Students were compelled to learn online due to the pandemic. While technologies such as Zoom can help with collaboration, they frequently fall short. Virtual reality can be beneficial. It has the potential to increase student involvement and attentiveness.
But virtual reality isn’t just for academics. Retailers, IT firms, and even the military are utilizing tools to assist in the training of their employees.
What companies are heavily involved with the production of virtual reality technology?
Seeing as virtual reality is one piece of technology that is definitely here to stay, a number of heavyweight tech companies have invested a fortune in its development and production. Here is a compiled list of the top 10 companies heavily involved with VR:
Conclusion
Virtual reality is one of the technologies with the most promising future growth prospects. According to IDC Research (2018), investment in virtual reality and augmented reality will increase 21-fold over the next four years, reaching 15.5 billion euros by 2022. Furthermore, these technologies will be critical to businesses’ digital transformation efforts, with spending in this area expected to surpass that of the consumer sector by 2019. By 2020, it is estimated that more than half of the larger European enterprises will have implemented a VR and RA strategy.
This is one concept millions of people are truly excited about; we know we are, but let us know what you think down in the comment section. Also, be sure to check out Northpad Nigeria and read exciting tech articles!
FAQs
What is virtual reality?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel they are immersed in their surroundings.
What is the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality?
Augmented reality is the simulation of virtual objects in the real world while virtual reality involves the creation of a virtual environment to be inhabited.
What is virtual reality used for?
Virtual reality is used for a lot of things. To name a few, it is prominently used in gaming, healthcare, education, aviation, and the military.
Do you need any special qualifications to use VR technology?
No. you do not need any special qualifications to use. A lot of VR technology is mass being mass-produced for household use.
How much does a VR headset cost?
There are a lot of affordable VR headsets out there. It’ll cost you anywhere between $299 and $1000; Of Course, it goes even higher than that.
What is the difference between stand-alone VR and PC VR?
Standalone VR is any VR headset that works completely by itself. In contrast, PC VR is any headset that requires a constant connection to a nearby PC
What is Mixed reality?
Mixed reality (MR) is the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualizations, where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time.
