Technologies that will change the way you live - Part 1: Virtual Reality
It seems almost common place to hear about a discovery that will eradicate HIV or cure cancer. My mission is to introduce you to consumer technologies that will actually change your life in the next 5,10,20 years.
Video games, film, TV, and video in-general are huge markets that allow users to vicariously experience places, stories and situations, in both fantasy and the real world. Video games are so enchanting that “gaming addiction” is actually a thing. The allure of being a hero in a fantastical setting is definitely attractive. There have been multiple reports of people dying after a marathon of their favourite video game. Although these are extreme cases, it’s a testament to how immersive these mediums are despite the fact that they are projected on a small 2D screen, with unnatural controls.
Recently I received an Oculus Rift DK2, and finally had a chance to experience the latest virtual reality(VR) gear in person. In case you’re not familiar, Oculus is a VR headset that is generally accepted as the most polished on the market. It’s also now owned by Facebook. The Oculus headset tracks the movement from your head, so you can rotate, tilt or move it in any other way, and have that reflected in virtual world. The ‘game’ Welcome to Oculus really gives a good feel for the possibilities of the technology. If you have a spare 10 minutes, please watch:
So why will VR will be huge?
1. Potential (5/5):
VR will revitalize a number of old markets, including video gaming, film, videos, NSFW videos, as well as creating new ones such as virtual experiences and virtual tourism. Here are some clips in addition to ‘Welcome to Oculus’ that allude to VR’s potential:
Virtual Tourism
Education & Simulation (Surgery)
The possibilities are limitless: From combat simulation and training, to having a conference call in a virtual meeting room, to going on holiday Total Recall style.
2. Technology Maturity (4/5):
The Oculus gives you a sense of how real VR can really be. Today’s Oculus has a number of flaws and shortcomings such as a relatively low resolution, complicated set up process, and a jungle of cables, but these are small implementation details that are sure to be ironed out as the technology matures. Theres also need for innovation in input devices for other parts of the body. Currently, the most immersive games are those that have the user seated. E.g. Roller coasters, racing games, spaceships. There are however some promising concepts for different body inputs such as Omni, or Leap Motion.
VR provides the opportunity to recreate our entire world, with a vividness that blows anything we’ve experienced before. Look how far we’ve come from Pong to Skyrim. The gap is going to get bigger, and at a faster rate.
Imagine being able to experience anything you wanted - indistinguishable from reality. What would you do?