VR is definitely worth it in 2023 and will continue to pick up momentum as the years go by. VR has finally made it to a point where it’s not only usable but effective. With the rise in VR gaming and applications, the use of virtual reality has become more common around the globe.
VR has proven not only useful to gamers but is also beneficial to businesses, medical facilities, venues, and sporting events. We have only scratched the surface of what VR can do in this day in age.
Over the past 10 years, companies have experimented with VR, but despite large implementation, this new technology still did not live up to the hype. Early VR systems had many different problems, from discomfort to lack of resolution and dizziness. Also, the amount of VR gamers just wasn’t there at the time. But fast-forward a few years and you now have VR headsets that are being sold out. What happened, what made VR so popular? we will answer that question today.
The History of Virtual Reality
If we want to get a broad picture of VR, then we have to go back to the mid-1900s when the first VR Machine was created. It was a large booth that could sit up to 4 at a time. This VR experience came with 3d video, chair vibrations, smell, and a stereo system for a more immersive
effect. This virtual reality machine was later patented in 1962. (It was called sensorama).
- In 1966 the first flight simulator was created This was by no means a fully immerse VR system, but it paved the way for future flight simulators.
- From 1966 to the 1980s, VR was in its infancy stages. Only a very few companies experimented with this new technology.
- By the time 1977 hit, a fully immersive google street view virtual reality was created. The Aspen Monroe map created a virtual interactive map of Colorado. Users were able to navigate through the virtual streets and even enter buildings. This was a great breakthrough for VR and would eventually lead to more advanced VR Technology.
- By the time 1985 hit the calendar books, VR was being used by NASA. NASA wanted to create a simulation that taught their Astronauts how to control robots from inside the space station This in turn would create a safer environment for their Astronauts. Also, in the late ’80s, the Air fore upgraded their flight simulators
- VR technology started to seriously pick up in the 1990s. Instead of simulations, VR started to migrate to gaming consoles. Sega and Nintendo created their very own VR goggles in the early 90s, but due to a lack of graphics, technical development, and software support and development, both companies discontinued their headsets.
- In the late 1990s, VR became popular among PTSD patients. The VR machine would expose patients to certain pictures and videos that would trigger bad memories. So they could overcome that particular dream. This VR method is still being used on a larger scale.
- In the mid-2000’s street view was introduced by google. This application gave the ability to not only navigate to different destinations, but to look at a particular landmark from a 360 perspective, Google fitted their vehicles with a customized camera called the dodeahedra. Today if you look up any location in google maps, you will have the option to view your location from a 360-degree image.
- In 2012 Oculus, a VR headset startup company targeted to produce headsets for gaming. The new company raised over 2.5 million on Go Fund Me and quickly become a popular prospect.
- In 2014 Facebook acquired Oculus in a billion-dollar deal.
- In 2015 Oculus caused surreal v. as a British company that spectral m Mixed reality creation. Oculus finally had the ingredients to create a full telepresence reality.
In 2016 Oculus created its first consumer headset called the Oculus Rift. This headset was groundbreaking technology, that proved a shift in technology was ahead.
- Also, In 2016 many companies started releasing their unique VR Headsets, such as the valve Index and HTC Vive.
- IN 2018 Oculus introduced its first cordless VR headset called the Oculus Go. This headset Marked the beginning of a new era and quickly picked up steam.
- In May 2019, Oculus released another standalone Headset called the Oculus Quest. This headset was not only a game-changer but would also change what was considered possible for a VR headset. With its six-point VR camera, gamers could finally get a fully immersive headset without wires. At the time of publishing this article, the Oculus Quest one and two are still the best on the market.
The Rise and Future of VR
Virtual Reality really started to pick up around 2014. Companies really started taking this new technology seriously after Facebook bought Oculus. There was a new Technology kid on the block with the potential to change the world. Although VR is still in its beginning stages, the potential is off the charts.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook has recently decided to create a virtual world called the Metaverse. This world will be one massive virtual world that could be visited by anyone from anywhere who has a virtual reality headset. Imagine going to a vitural3d store or sitting in a 3d classroom in the comfort of your home. Also, with the Metaverse, you will have the ability to communicate through various virtual environments (such as meetings, speaking engagements, and networking) and play massive interactive games. Have you ever watched the Matrix movie, well this is a similar concept just without the machines. Zuckerberg has already dumped billions of dollars into this new initiative and plans to have an entirely virtual environment in the next decade. He believes this virtual world will take over the internet.
IS VR WORTH BUYING
VR definitely is worth buying and we would advise that every household purchase at least one headset. Why? Because VR gaming and applications are the future and will most likely be used as a mainstream communication device similar to a smartphone. On the Oculus quest platform, you can already meet people virtually, play multiplayer interactive games, browse the internet, Go to Virtual Venues to watch your favorite sports and events as if you were really there, host virtual meetings, and much more. Honestly, this is only the beginning and we believe VR will take a huge leap in the next five years.
We will not be surprised if Virtual Reality headsets become so advanced and immersive that after using them for a few minutes it will become hard to decipher the real world from the virtual world. The time to jump in and get your feet wet is now. Technology moves fast so it’s important to get a good grasp of how it works and interacts. Eventually, there will be virtual websites, videos, meetings, and stores; so getting ready for this technology is a wise decision.
Current VR Headsets are available now
If you’re looking for a VR headset and not sure which one to purchase, then here’s a quick list that will help out.
- Oculus Quest 2 – Best New VR Standalone headset: Check Prices on Amazon
- Oculus Go – “Entry Level Standalone VR” Check Prices on Amazon
- Oculus Quest– Best Standalone VR Headset” Check Prices on Amazon
- Sony Playstation VR– ” Best Console VR Headset: Check Prices on Amazon
- HTC VIVE – Great Overall VR Check Prices on Amazon
- Valve Index ” Best Overall VR Headset” Check Prices on Amazon
- Oculus Rift S– “Top PC VR” Check Prices on Amazon
We would recommend purchasing the Oculus Quest or Oculus Quest 2 simply because they’re standalone VR headsets, have a broad range of apps and games, and their potential is off the charts.
FAQS:
Why are VR Headsets so Expensive
VR headsets are expensive because virtual reality is still a new technology that uses cutting-edge materials. Many of the more expensive headsets are either non-standalone or designed for augmented reality. Oculus has managed to decrease their headsets to just $299 with slightly modified graphics and better usability. This is a real game-changer because Facebook’s Oculus can now target the general population and build its virtual empire from there.
Is VR the Future of Gaming
We believe VR is the future of gaming but will be more of its own entity. Regular gaming is still very popular and has a long history of innovation. A complete takeover is unlikely.
Conclusion
To reiterate, we believe going VR is not only worth it, but inevitable. Many tech companies know the power of Virtual Reality and therefore are transitioning their efforts to introduce this technology into their arsenals. It’s similar to electric vehicles, whether you like them or not, they are here to stay and will only increase over time. So, our best advice to readers is to just purchase one per household and at least be ready for any new fun games or important business breakthroughs in VR technology.
