Because of the implementation of innovative ideas, the technology industry across the globe is experiencing substantial improvement and growth. We are rapidly becoming familiar with promising futuristic technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality and IoT (Internet of Things) etc., which are believed to bring revolutionary or far-reaching changes in the way we communicate to the world around us.
Virtual reality is a term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person.
There may different opinions on what exactly constitutes a true VR experience, but in general, it should include:
- Three-dimensional images that appear to be life-sized from the perspective of the user
- The ability to track a user’s motions, particularly his head and eye movements, and correspondingly adjust the images on the user’s display to reflect the change in perspective, e.g. change in perception
The aim is for a natural, free-flowing form of interaction which will result in a memorable experience. This ensures that the virtual environment is both realistic and enjoyable.
From the past few years, some of the most celebrated multinational technology firms have been making extensive investments in these futuristic technologies especially virtual reality, as they are seeing huge business potential in them. And in the coming few years, these technologies are going to influence or revolutionize the entire world, in the same manner, the way smartphones have done when they first hit the market.
In the few years from now, everyone around us will be looking forward to optimizing these promising next generation technologies especially virtual reality.
Take a look how leading technical companies are working towards developing virtual reality devices:
There is no denying the fact that Google Inc. is one of based tech firms in the world, which has amazed the world for its incredible internet associated services. However, for the last few years, Google has been investing a lot in virtual reality and probably that’s the reason it soon came up with Google Cardboard, a highly affordable VR headset.
Cardboard is essentially an enclosure that creates a window to the future.Cardboard app features simple demonstrations: Google Earth, Street View, Windy Day, and more. But it’s just a small taste of what’s possible.
When compared to other VR devices Google Cardboard is comparatively very cheap. It was developed by two prominent Google engineers- David Coz and Damien Henry in the company’s Paris office and was unveiled in 2014 during a developers conference.
Samsung
Samsung – a South Korean multinational company is another important contender when it comes to the race of developing innovative virtual reality devices. In other words, Samsung is working aggressively in the field of virtual reality and has come up with Samsung Gear VR -which is powered by Oculus.
Samsung is looking to provide a boost to the virtual reality movement with the launching of Milk VR, a service which will provide 360-degree videos for free to Gear VR virtual reality headset users.
Put on the Gear VR, and you’re there in the moment. A Super AMOLED display, wide field of view, precise head-tracking and low latency brings reality to the virtual.
Gear VR is a highly comfortable headset, who’s weight is approximately 318g when measured without Galaxy smartphone. When compared to its earlier model, this VR headset now has a wider interface and is approximately 19% lesser in weight.
Microsoft
When it comes to virtual reality, we can never ignore to mention Microsoft, as its VR headset HoloLens is expected to hit the markets this year. According to earlier reports, the HoloLens developer kit, which was recently made available for pre-order at a whopping $3,000.
HoloLens is essentially a holographic computer built into a headset that lets you see, hear, and interact with holograms within an environment such as a living room or an office space. Microsoft has built the headset without the need to be wirelessly connected to a PC, and has used high-definition lenses and spatial sound technology to create that immersive, interactive holographic experience.
When it comes to power, the HoloLens features a battery that will allow for two to three hours use and up to two weeks of standby time. You’ll also be able to use the headset while it’s charging over Micro USB.
Of course, the battery is necessary due to the fact that HoloLens is completely untethered, meaning you don’t need a PC or any other external hardware in order to use it.
Since the time Oculus VR was acquired by Facebook Inc., in March 2014, people across the world have huge expectations from Oculus Rift- the virtual reality headset developed by Oculus. According to reports, the consumer versions of Oculus Rift headset is already available for pre-order and its been huge success already.You can pick up a developers’ version of Oculus Rift for around £400 online right now. The official price is $350.
The Rift will use a dedicated software platform, Oculus Home, to display its content on. Similar to the Xbox dashboard, it features different subsections for content, as well as tiled previews, storefronts and social integration. Thanks to Windows 10’s native support for the Oculus Rift, users can also stream games from a Xbox One to the headset, viewing them in a virtual theater.
To start with, any prospective Rift customers will need a desktop PC with a CPU and graphics card equivalent to – or better than – an Intel Core-i5 4590, and a Nvidia GTX 970 or an AMD R9 290, as well as 8GB of RAM. Due to the highly GPU-intensive nature of the Oculus Rift’s requirements, the headset will not be compatible with Macs.
Apart from these companies, Sony and HTC are also digging deep, when it comes to exploring the field of virtual reality.
Sony
PlayStation VR, known by the codename Project Morpheus during development, is a virtual reality gaming head-mounted display developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, and manufactured by Sony Corporation. The consumer version of the PlayStation VR is scheduled to launch in October 2016. PlayStation VR is set to cost $399
PlayStation VR will immediately work with the 46 million PlayStation 4 consoles in homes worldwide, and Sony has signed on more than 230 development houses to create VR content. These studios, range from small indie operations to big names like EA. Its AMD graphics processor has been built to handle stereoscopic 3D processing.
PS VR uses the PlayStation Camera to provide tracking and is able to locate the back of the head as well as the front so users can look directly behind them. The camera tracks the VR headset around 1,000 times per second providing a seamless experience.
HTC Vive
The consumer version of HTC Vive will be available in April 2016. Vive surpasses it with the final cost sitting at $799.
There’s not too much change between the newest consumer Vive and the Pre in terms of specs and design, though the finalized details have yet to be released.
The only real new feature is the Vive’s ability to connect to iPhones and Android phones to deliver alerts and messages when you’re in VR. It’s called Vive Phone Services and, like the camera inclusion, seems to be there to help people spend time in VR games and movies while keeping in touch with the real world.
The HTC Vive includes a display featuring two 1080 x 1200 screens, one for each eye, and the pixel density is said to eliminate the screen door effect unless you really look for it.
So considering the fact that all the renowned names in the technology industry are putting their heart and mind in developing virtual reality devices, we certainly cannot afford to miss the experience provided by them.
‘Enjoy Friends and Go Virtual !!’
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