A lot of people are talking about virtual reality (VR) nowadays. It’s all the rage amongst technology fans. To many people, the concept of VR, or interacting with a computer-generated simulation in a way that feels real seems like a dream. It could be for people who enjoy using it for gaming purposes, but gaming isn’t the only use for VR.
VR technology has been expanding over the past few years. The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive were released earlier this year, providing users with a new experience in VR technology. Before these two devices came out, there was not a lot of interesting technology in the VR field, VR was bland. Freshman Jamie Lim says, “It’s very hard to create VR. A lot of people have tried and failed.” Before the Rift and Vive, the only option was Google Cardboard, which was a pair of cardboard goggles users could put their phone into, and with the Google Cardboard app, simulate different places. For example, users could walk around a beach area using the goggles right from a phone screen. There were a few other features as well, like changing a user’s avatar appearance or what a user saw when they looked down at their feet. Although this was one of the first VR models, Google Cardboard was nothing groundbreaking that would capture users’ interest for an extended period of time.
On the other hand, with the Oculus Rift, users can see environments which they can interact with. A demo version of the Oculus Rift was available at Best Buy, allowing users to test out many different environments using the goggles and controller. People who tried out the demo version were able to experience different virtual places, like scaling a cliff or adventuring to alien planets. Lim is a fan of the Rift and says, “[The Rift] is a technological marvel.” Like the Rift, the HTC Vive has limited gameplay features as mentioned online. Even though online reviewers complained about the software being buggy, the headset being uncomfortable and the high price tag, these are all issues that can be fixed in the future.
VR has become so popular because it helps users feel like they are in another world, creating an immersive feel that pulls in users. Senior Julianna Glafkides says, “I’m amazed at how advanced the VR technology is becoming.” Many believe that VR can only be used for gaming, but it can also be used to simulate public speaking, flying an airplane, being a police officer, chasing down criminals and learning to drive. “I think it’s being used in sports as well … to kind of simulate real life situations,” photography teacher Nicholas Carrillo mentions.
Additionally, VR can make an experience a lot more enjoyable. Carrillo says, “Virtual reality will be… a tool to enable better experiences.” VR is already being used in some gaming arcades where players can see and feel an environment on the screen in front of them. The movement of the players’ seats allows them to feel the changing environment and bring the visual experience to life, which makes experiences seem more realistic. This VR technology can enhance other experiences, such as horror movies and experiences like flying in a hot air balloon or riding in a low-flying plane over beautiful scenery.
By using VR technology for non-gaming simulations, VR companies can appeal to a wider audience. “So much of it right now is focused on gaming … think about other possibilities,” Carrillo suggests. “There needs to be a balance, and there usually is with technology. There’s the junkies who focus so much on one aspect of technology and never leave the house because of it, but … I think virtual reality will hopefully be a tool to enable better experiences for many things.” Netflix has hinted at plans for VR movies, releasing a 360 degree trailer of their series “Stranger Things,” which lasts about two minutes, putting viewers in a creepy house to explore. “The future of VR is going to present more opportunities for studies and recreation as the technology continues to develop,” continues Glafkides. “VR designers are constantly creating new games and programs that people can download on their phone or use with VR headsets, like the Oculus Rift.”
The world of VR is still developing, and in most cases, is too expensive for the average person to enjoy, considering the Rift and Vive each cost $799. However, these barriers will be overcome quickly. More companies are opening up to the idea of VR, and as they do, more of the VR industry’s potential will begin to show. Hopefully, companies will begin to add features to appeal to all of the human senses and help people fully experience a virtual reality.
