Ever since the 90’s when home computers became a common household item and we started to explore all the possibilities, virtual reality (VR) was always the dream – to be transported to another reality and have a believable, fully immersive experience.
As time marched on and technology advanced, the graphics and sounds became more stunning and life-like, but we still had to experience it all through a flat screen
With devices like Oculus Rift and HTC Vibe that include motion controls and haptic feedback, we are now starting to see the possibility of being fully immersed in a complete virtual experience.
Space exploration, military, medicine, science and aviation fields are just a handful of applications using VR type systems.
So What’s VR Actually Like?
My first experience with VR was with a Gear VR type system (a headset with a mobile phone in it). The instant I put on the headset, the real world quickly dissipated as this new reality took over. I just sat in awe of the sights and sounds. The feeling of full immersion was however, short lived as I had to touch the headset to interact and this took me out of the created realm and back to reality.
I’d been following the development of the Oculus Rift since conception and was very excited when my very own arrived just over a month ago. Oculus First Contact puts you inside a van with a very cool Sci-Fi 80’s feel. The presence of this demo which is designed to show you how the touch controllers function and how you can interact with the world is simply stunning.
There is so much to do and explore in VR and we are only at the beginning. The technology is going to only get more realistic and immersive. I for one, cannot wait to see where this technology takes us and to explore all the amazing, new virtual worlds.
The revolution is here!
Written by Ken Lawson, Photographer for Ken Lawson Photographer, Owner of Astro-IT.