The virtual reality revolution is upon us.
With PlayStation VR hitting the market and the announcement of Microsoft’s VR headsets for Windows 10, both at a consumer friendly price point, the buzz around the technology is bigger than ever.
However, like anything there is also a level of negativity being put against it by opponents.
Many people are convinced that VR is nothing but a fad, much like motion controls in gaming and 3D TVs.
They say the costs are too high and the application is too limited, but they fail to see the bigger picture.
Although the devices are currently primarily advertised to be for gaming, VR has the capability to be far more.
Imagine visiting other parts of the world, all from the comfort of your own home. VR providing a level of immersion unrivaled by video or something like Google Earth.
You could walk the streets of Paris or hike around the Himalayas without stepping out the front door.
Sure, it won’t be the “full experience”, but there’s an element of quantity over quality.
You could visit far more places in VR than you could ever in person, and presumably for much less money.
This also applies to events. For less money and less hassle, you can see your favorite band play live from the best seats in the house, or sit courtside at the NBA finals.
Again, it may not be the “full experience” but the ability to have a sense of being at these places and events easily is something consumers will latch on to.
The devices also have room to be used for education.
Lessons on VR could help to block out distractions and provide a more engaging learning experience for children.
The devices could also provide hands on training without truly being hands on. Simulations for various things such as vehicles and machines allowing people to work on and learn something without it physically being there.
You could apply this to healthcare as well. Imagine a studying surgeon being able to train in a safe VR environment, getting hands on training before any lives are at risk.
VR can also allow a surgeon to work on a patient from miles away with the use of robotics.
Imagine having access to the best surgeons in whatever field you need wherever they are.
This is only a small example of the various applications of these VR devices.
Although widespread use of VR may seem far-fetched given current requirements and costs like any technology it will only get better and cheaper.
Once prices come down and people see the novelty and practical application, the technology will take off.
Every device, from the wheel to the computer, had to start somewhere, and virtual reality is just getting started.
