Virtual Reality
Is it the future, or a passing fad?
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual Reality, (or VR) is a 3D computer-generated environment that replaces your normal senses for an artificial environment. The most common way to view virtual reality is with a headset. Some VR headsets are their own machines, but a few (such as Google Cardboard and the Samsung Gear VR) operate simply by sliding in a smartphone.
How does Virtual Reality work?
VR systems have computer sensors that monitor body and head movements that cause the headset to reflect the view/position of the virtual point of view. While a few headsets use controllers that require no movement, others require more physical movement as to almost completely simulate real life. Computer sensors can also track hand movements, however, this has its limits, as users cannot feel weight or resistance.
A few popular headsets
Entertainment isn't VR's only use
VR isn’t only useful for entertainment, but also for training, such as: astronaut training, architecture, the training of surgeons, engineering, and education.
A brief history
There has been research on VR since the 1960’s, but it was only until the 1990’s that VR hit store shelves. The first portable VR system was the Virtual Boy, by Nintendo (it was a flop). Virtual Reality didn’t start gaining momentum until the advance in computer systems and detail in the 2010s.
The future of virtual reality
Opinions on the future of VR are very split, while some believing it will become a part of everyday life, like computers and the internet, while others believe it’s a passing trend that will die out, like 3D TVs and Xbox Kinect. However, most experts agree that once VR improves and becomes more affordable it will be more commonly used.
Review
Pro's:
-Easy to sign up
-Was quite easy to format
Con's:
-Limited options, like you couldn't move a picture
-It took forever to figure out how to upload pictures (dragging doesn't work)