Written By: Chloe Drieu
With the development of technology, immersive experiences can go beyond the boundaries of the physical world. The revolutionary technology known as Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged, promising to take us into enthralling virtual worlds and completely alter how we engage with digital material.
Reality is perceived through a combination of sensory information and our brain’s sense-making mechanisms for that information. When our brains are presented with made-up information, our perception of reality shifts in response. Essentially, we can perceive something unreal as being real through specialized headsets, motion sensors, and controllers that stimulate our senses.
This phenomenon, which immerses the users in a digital experience and allows them to feel present and interact in a simulated environment, has been given the name “Virtual Reality.” This technology encompasses various sectors, notably gaming, education, healthcare, and entertainment. It is certainly not to be confused with Augmented Reality (AR), in which digital content is layered on the users’ physical environment.
The roots of VR can be traced all the way back to the late 1830s when Sir Charles Wheatstone introduced the concept of stereopsis, a component of depth perception retrieved through binocular vision. His thorough research on the topic, which eventually led him to construct the stereoscope, earned him a Royal Medal from the Royal Society in 1840. Over the years, VR technologies advanced, but it wasn't until the 1990s that the term "Virtual Reality" gained popularity. The introduction of headsets, such as the Oculus Rift in 2010 and Sony’s PlayStation 4 VR headset in 2014, ultimately increased people’s interest in VR.
Forbes described 2019 as The Year Virtual Reality Gets Real because the technology matured and found significant applications across various industries. The adoption of VR advanced in sectors like healthcare, training, and entertainment, leading to more realistic and immersive experiences. In that year, Virtual Reality went from being a far-off idea to a concrete reality, set to completely alter how we interact with technology and the outside world.
Apple announced a potentially revolutionary piece of technology during their WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) on June 6, 2023: the Apple Vision Pro. This headset, which combines VR and AR, will introduce the concept of spatial computing, where users will be able to blend digital content into their physical space. It is controlled by the users’ hands, eyes, and voices. Vision Pro is a cutting-edge device that turns any space into a personalized theater experience. Its Spatial Audio and better pixel density than a 4K TV per eye allow you to enjoy movies, shows, and games in immersive quality. Naturally, this exceptionally sophisticated headset costs an astounding $3,499. It is approximately seven times more expensive than the Meta Quest 3, going for $499, announced only five days earlier.
VR has shown enormous potential for positive impacts across various fields throughout its growth. In healthcare, VR is being used for immersive surgical training simulations, psychological therapy, and reducing chronic pain. Patients can be brought to tranquil settings that reduce pain and anxiety, while therapists may construct carefully controlled simulations for exposure treatment.
In education, immersive and engaging learning opportunities, which increase student engagement, are made possible by VR. Students' comprehension and retention are enhanced when they visit historical locations, observe scientific occurrences, and participate in lifelike simulations.
Additionally, VR has completely revolutionized the entertainment and gaming industries by giving consumers unmatched levels of immersion and involvement. The possibilities are endless, whether venturing into fantastical realms, going on exhilarating adventures, or partaking in virtual sports. Moreover, through social engagement in shared virtual spaces, users of VR can communicate and work with friends and strangers.
Although VR has incredible promise, several potential pitfalls come with its rapid growth. One worry is the possibility of addiction to or over-reliance on virtual experiences, which could result in disengagement from reality. Regarding physical health, the headsets that make these immersive experiences possible may cause strain on the neck and shoulders. Additionally, some users are still susceptible to issues related to cybersickness (VR-induced motion sickness) and discomfort; however, developments in hardware and software are addressing these concerns.
Technology has advanced dramatically with the development of Virtual Reality, which opens up a world of limitless virtual experiences. Its effects are changing how we learn, heal, and interact with digital information across a range of industries, including healthcare, education, and entertainment.
Our duty as users and creators is to find a balance between innovation and responsibility as VR progresses. We can unlock VR’s immense potential and build a future where immersive experiences improve our lives without diminishing the significance of the real world.