Virtual Reality seems impossible to comprehend; it is the essence of convincing someone through visual effects that something is there that really is not there. NASA struggled to define the term but decided Virtual Reality is essentially “the effect of concrete existence without actually having concrete existence” or in other words “the use of computer technology to create the effect of an interactive three-dimensional world in which the objects have a sense of spatial presence” [4].
The advancement of virtual reality in the last several years is staggering. Virtual Reality went from crudely made systems that were either unconvincing or nauseating, to life-like experiences where the consumer truly feels as if they have entered a new time and space [1]. Today’s Virtual Reality users can stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon, or explore new places. They can study molecules or galaxies, while never leaving the comfort of their own home [1]. Two of the leading virtual reality devices of today, are the Oculus Rift and Google Cardboard. Oculus Rift was the first highly successful Virtual Reality system that was able to convince people they were in an entirely different time and place. While wearing the Oculus rift headset, people could look at items from all sides and watch animals and people move about in a virtual world.
The Oculus Rift is currently one of the most advanced Virtual Reality headsets. Users can attach the system to a PC and choose from a variety of adventures. Once they put the set on, they are taken through the virtual realm. The highlights of the Oculus Rift are that users can look at objects from all sides. The system has also become advanced to the point that users no longer experience motion sickness or a feeling of disorientation during use. The headset has been successful, but is also expensive, the Oculus Rift “[sells] for about $350 each and provide a high-fidelity, immersive 3D experience complete with head tracking, so you can spin around and see a scene from any vantage point as if you were really there” [3].
While wearing the Oculus Rift, the device must be attached to a PC, meaning that you cannot move very far while wearing the headset. However, Google has created a cheap imitation product called “Google Cardboard” that is completely wireless and sells for about $30 on the internet. [3] The system works in conjunction with the Android Google Cardboard App. Google has also fashioned a system where you can actually build your own headset, so long as you use their Android Google Cardboard App. The headset does not have the quality or the amount of features that the Oculus Rift has, but it allows you to get a feel for what virtual reality is like. The Google headset allows you to view scenes or watch YouTube videos on a screen that appears the size of a movie theater screen [3], while in reality you are looking at a screen that is only a few inches wide.
Both of these virtual reality systems are quite fascinating, but both also have their falling points as well. The headsets are both a bit bulky, and the Oculus Rift can only be used while attached to a PC. In addition, Google Cardboard uses an advanced App which not all Android phones can handle. However, both systems are works in progress, and are quite intriguing pieces of equipment which have taken the world of virtual reality to the next level.