Virtual reality (VR) is when computers are used to create essentially a virtual reality, or a whole new world to be engulfed in. Devices such as the Oculus Rift do this by placing a dynamic screen in front of your eyes that dominates your sense of visual perception and moves based on how you move your head.
Augmented reality (AR) is when computers are used to enhance the real world surrounding the user. An example of this would be something like Pokémon Go in which Pokemon are overlaid on the current world.
The most exciting thing about VR and AR though is how their possibilities are endless. An example of that is with the newest application of potential VR/AR computers. Essentially, these computers would have both virtual keyboards, virtual mouses, and the capability for voice recognition software. Does this sound too futuristic and unrealistic? Well in some ways yes it is. This is still just a concept and a full prototype will take years to develop and will face push back from computing traditionalists. However, these are the types of things that are not possible following the recent strides in VR and AR technologies.
I will be making my next post soon and remember-- If I can do this than you can too!
References:
Picture 1) http://time.com/4471620/virtual-reality-computers/
Picture 2) https://cnet4.cbsistatic.com/img/iNSgKL0u3mNnlMC9eyHbbgGUKMA=/fit-in/270x0/2016/07/08/a82975f5-6adb-4dec-8bec-561ca3d348ea/pokemon-go-gif.gif
Article 1) http://time.com/4471620/virtual-reality-computers/
Interesting post. It made me think about all the possibilities of virtual reality-- particularly the ways in which virtual reality could be used to improve our society. I found that Virtual Reality is used by surgeons, allowing them to stimulate surgery by practicing on a virtual patient. I'm sure that this practice in a low-stakes setting is invaluable to practicing surgeons.
ReplyDeleteReference:
http://www.vrs.org.uk/virtual-reality/how-is-it-used.html