VIRTUAL REALITY

 WHAT IS VIRTUAL REALITY?

Virtual Reality has become more and more popular over the past few years. Especially during the world pandemic, people are seeking ways to connect with others remotely in a more immersive and empathetic way.

But what is VR? The easiest definition of virtual reality can be boiled down to an experience that uses digitally synthesized 360-degree environments to trigger and respond to a user’s digital inputs, creating the illusion of a continuous reality.

Sounds neat right? Well, those who have used virtual reality know it’s much more than that.

VR has been the catalyst and solution for many, many ideas and experiences that were once thought too difficult to make real.

The benefits of Virtual Reality include:

VR has aided teachers in expanding students’ horizons

VR has become a new tool in helping doctors and therapists rehabilitate patients

VR has given designers the ultimate resource in realizing new ideas

VR has helped distant loved ones communicate and bond with each other in a more immersive manner

Of course, VR has also helped us blow off some steam by hunting down some zombies or jetting us into a futuristic, dystopian city, where only we have the power to save the world.

Virtual reality is truly an unending adventure with unlimited potential.

*“What is Virtual Reality?”*

–I understand the benefits VR can play as an educator, entertainer, historian, builder, healer, and just about anyone who can dream.

Why Virtual Reality is Right For You

VR offers something for everyone. Especially, in times like these where traveling and outside entertainment is less accessible than it was in the past, VR can replicate many of those experiences. Travel to the top of Mt. Everest, learn more about the farthest reach of the galaxy, watch movies in a whole new way, and more.

The best part is, it’s accessible for the whole family.

*What Do I Need to Know About Virtual Reality?*

The best answer to that question is all you really need to know is that virtual reality can be immensely valuable for anyone, and is scalable depending on how you would want to use it.

Some key basics to know off-the-bat are some virtual reality devices require a computer to run (better known as PCVR), while other devices run by themselves (All-in-one VR), and each have their benefits.

But before you get into that, I want to share with you some commonalities between the two to give you some cursory knowledge about VR.

Here is one important key factors that can help you navigate your “What is virtual reality?” journey from my perspective.

*1. You’ve Got the Virtual Reality Look.* 

Arguably, one of the most important features of virtual reality is screen resolution and visual fidelity. After all, the clearer you can see, the more you’ll allow yourself to be fully immersed in the experience.

Original virtual reality headsets relied on bulky lenses and low-resolution pixels, making the whole experience somewhat blurry.

However, rapid advancements in OLED and Real RGB pixel technology now produce crisp visuals, offering incredibly realistic imagery, regardless of pixel count.

Some may say OLEDs produce better black, while Real RGB has more vivid colors, so it is really a matter of preference. You also may have heard of virtual reality’s “screen door effect” which is due to the size of the headset screen pixels.

The bigger the pixels in their grid pattern, the more it would create the illusion that one was watching through a screen door. However, technology has found a way to pack smaller pixels, reducing the effect. 

So, At last I would conclude by saying that Virtual Reality is an immensive way for the future and VR’s potential to tell stories in a way that educates, inspires and entertains is an exciting opportunity with boundless potential that must span every industry imaginable.

ANUSHKA

XI-B