As technology grows and is improved upon daily, virtual reality headsets are one of the most fascinating developing pieces of tech.
Though virtual reality has been discussed since the mid-1980s, creating immersive environments for people to discover is not new.
According to the blog Heizenrader, virtual reality has three primary forms. These three forms are non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully immersive.
Most people are already familiar with non-immersive virtual reality. This is simply looking at a screen and controlling it through devices such as keyboards or controllers, but still being aware of your surroundings in the real world.
A semi-immersive virtual reality is usually used in training circumstances. Take a pilot, for example. A pilot in training may be in a simulated environment of controlling an airplane, but they will still rely on real-world objects to fully understand their given situation.
Lastly, fully immersive virtual reality is what one may typically think of when VR is mentioned. It is achieved with a headset and hand controllers that fully immerse, as one may assume, a user into the virtual world experience, complete with sound also, to get the full effect.
Recently for a reflection I did for my computer science class, we delved into the world of virtual reality using the Meta Quest.
I thoroughly enjoyed the VR experience. It was highly fascinating and immersive. It is necessary to see both the pros and cons of VR and delving into virtual worlds, but it is incredible technology nonetheless.
On the plus side, it is a terrific, new way to connect with others. There are virtual worlds and programs to explore and new people to chat with daily.
It also allows you to watch movies, which could open the door for a new element for filmmakers to consider. I believe the 3D movie experience in a VR setting. The possibilities are endless.
Though there are also cons to consider. It may be easy for some people to become attached or addicted to virtual reality, so much so that they become detached from reality. There is the possibility of separation anxiety from these made-up worlds.
Virtual Reality is still an experimental medium that is growing every day. It is also expensive to implement. The Meta Quest 2 ranges from $399.99-429.99, while the Meta Quest Pro is $999.99.
However, the games are not too expensive. There are tons of experimental games to download and free games that are just as fun as the ones the user needs to purchase.
I played a fighting game, and it was very adrenaline-inducing and fun. Not to mention, it was free to download. There is a great deal to be explored with VR.
I, personally, am extremely excited to see where the virtual reality world goes in the coming years. I do not think VR will replace gaming consoles or traditional computer interfaces, but I do believe that it will become a household entertainment system in the near future.