We live in a digital age. Being part of the digital world just became virtually real. Virtual Reality Headsets or VR headsets are the next big thing when it comes to further enhancing the immersion of a digital world.
A brief history dates the ‘first’ VR headset back to 1963, invented by Hugo Gernsback.It is known then as ‘T.V. glasses’.
VR headsets are used by NASA and aviation organizations for practice and simulation as the years pass, albeit large headsets unsuitable to be handheld.
Fast forward to 1993, SEGA released a VR headset to be used for gaming. The headset was applied to arcade games and had inertial sensors that track the movement of the user. Throughout the years, the idea of VR headsets simmered down due to technology and possibly lack of interest.
It was only in 2012 when the first prototype of Oculus was created. Circa 2013, the first batches of VR headsets called Oculus Rift were released publicly, albeit development kits. These development kits are hard to procure due to limited supply and expensive prices. Three years later, VR headsets can be found at retail stores all across the world. Some with even reasonable prices and one notably made out of cardboard.
These headsets are essentially screens housed inside a case. The case will have a pair of sights for the user to view. This creates an effect similar to binoculars. The headset tracks the user’s movement through sensors such as an accelerometer. The change in directions of the headset causes any projected image to move.
VR headsets available to consumers are often used for entertainment purposes. Nowadays, there are videos and images which are shot by 360° cameras. These create videos or images best suited for VR headsets. It amplifies the immersion by making the user feel or see the surrounding environment shot by the cameras.
The gaming industry also started to adopt the idea of VR headsets. Within a span 1-2 years, certain games have adopted VR technology. From shooter to driving games, VR technology has caught up. Games such as War Thunder, Hover Junkers, and Assetto Corsa are among the few games that allow the use of VR headsets for enhanced immersion.
Aside from video games and watching videos, VR headsets are slowly paving their way to various industries such as the automotive and aviation industry. Through the use of virtual reality, prototypes can be developed without manufacturing the actual concept.
Aside from manufacturing, virtual reality can also be used for training. Military, medical, and aviation training can be further improved with its use.
There are various VR headsets available to the masses with varying specifications, features, and prices. Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive are among the VR headsets available in the market.
Technology related to virtual reality will further improve as the years pass by, further immersing us to the digital world of the modern ages; technology makes anything virtual a reality.
Featured Image Credit: (Vrone.us Photo)
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