What is VR, How does it works

Technology is just one simple word, but the meaning and the roots of it are profound. Technology has many untold stories and facts, which we are unfamiliar with. We are surrounded by the gifts of this technology all day long, and everything around us has some relationship with the technology behind it. So, when we started to unfold some technology secrets, we came across a name called Virtual Reality, which was is currently of the most advanced technology this industry has created.

Well I know numerous questions must be popping in your heads about Virtual Reality and half of you must be assuming that it’s a complicated technical term. But that is not the case, as it is a primary word and you are using it daily in your life. Don’t get wired up and let me share the full story of Virtual Reality with you guys.

What is a virtual reality?

Virtual Reality or commonly called as VR is not a new terminology and has been working successfully with many ages. VR is a computer-based technology, in which headsets are used to create the multi-projected or physical spaces in which the user’s physical presence is stimulated. It’s done by the combination of physical spaces or multi-projected environments to create a virtual image and sound to simulate a user’s physical presence in a virtual or imaginary environment. The person using this VR system seems to transfer to the virtual world presented in front of him, and the person interacts with the virtual object.

 “It’s a transportation of sensations and vibrations from the computer device to the VR headset mounted to your head”.

I know you are bit lost in these big heavy words and technical terminologies. So, let me put it that way, the word Virtual Reality is made up of two words, virtual and reality. Virtual means the artificial hub of waves and transmission of signals to create an illusion. We know the meaning of reality. So by combining both the terms, we get that, the artificial virtual world set up to provide a real life experience to users is Virtual Reality.

This artificial world is created with the help of images, videos and sounds to give it real world touch. The virtual reality system transports one to the world of illusion by blocking all other forces. Headsets are used to provide VR effects, and they are inserted in front of your eyes to give you a first class experience of VR. The VR technology is ordinary, and nowadays it’s being used very rapidly by leading industrial companies to give their users a worthwhile experience.

How does the Virtual Reality or VR system work?

How does VR Works [Source : Canon]
You might be wondering, that how come inserting VR headset in front of your eyes transport you to the other world. You feel like you belong to the video you are looking at, but in reality, you are sitting in your living room. It’s not magic, this is pure science and has a full explanation behind it. There are different companies which have their VR systems according to their works.

VR headsets such as PlayStation VR and Oculus Rift are often referred as HMDs, which only means they are head mounted displays. Even with no audio or hand tracking, holding up Google Cardboard to place your smartphone’s screen in front of your face can be enough to get you half-immersed in a virtual world. The thought behind it is to create a 3D virtual environment in real life and remove the boundaries which viewers have to face while watching TV.

In this process, the Video is sent from the console or computer to the headset via an HDMI cable in the case of headsets such as HTC’s Vice and the Rift. For Google’s Daydream headset and the Samsung Gear VR, it’s already on the smartphone slotted into the headset.

The VR headset have gone through massive changes, and the three central mounting features of the VR headset are:

  1. Head Tracking

Head Tracking

The head tracking is a very cool feature, which allows you to move your head in every direction and your video will automatically adjust to it. Like if you move your head to the left the video will turn as well to provide you whole new experience. A system called 6DoF (six degrees of freedom) plots your head in terms of your X, Y and Z axis to measure head movements forward and backward, side to side and shoulder to shoulder, which enables the fast reflex.

  1. Motion Tracking

Motion Tracking

The motion tracking of the VR headset allows you to view your hands and other body parts working in the VR. You will feel like your hand is the part of the game and they belong to the virtual world. This technology is very advance and not every system supports it. But the Oculus Touch is a set of wireless controllers designed to make you feel like you’re using your own hands in VR. You grab each controller and use buttons, thumbsticks, and triggers during VR games. Like if you want to fire a gun in the game, then you just need to squeeze your hand into it. It’s a very cool system.

  1. Eye Tracking

Eye Tracking

The infrared sensor in the VR headset enables you to look in the video as your eyes rotate. It means the whole video shifts with your movement of eyes and gives very high tech plasma effect of the virtual world. The eye tracking feature is available in the Rift, Vive or PS VR but it will feature in FOVE’s very promising VR headset.

So, now we are familiar with the how VR technology works let’s dwell on some other undiscovered facts about the VR headset.

Some of the most Famous VR’s

  • The Google Cardboard & VR glass

After reading about the cool VR headsets, if you really want one for yourself, but scared of the price that you needs to pay for it. Don’t worry; Google has already solved this Delima by presenting the Google Cardboard.

Google CardboardIt’s a virtual reality application made by Google to enhance the usage of technology. They have targeted to avail this magnificent technology experience to their users at low cost.  To take the benefit of VR and use this platform. Users run Cardboard-compatible applications on their phones and place the phone on the back of the viewer, and view contents through their lenses.

Google engineers David Coz makes this pocket-friendly design, and Damien Henry at the Google Cultural Institute in Paris, in their 20% “Innovation Time Off.” The system was first introduced at Google I/o 2014 and got the keen interest of many users. The demand of Google Cardboard generously increased by 2017, and over 10 million Cardboard viewers had shipped, and over 160 million Cardboard app downloads had been made.

How to assemble Google Cardboard VR?

assemble Google Cardboard

The Google presented that technology at little cost, and you can quickly adapt the full procedure of it online. The complete method to make your own VR headset cardboard is available on the official website of the Google. You can easily create your own Google Cardboard at your home with few simple things, which are readily present in the home. The parts that make up a Cardboard viewer are a piece of cardboard cut into a precise shape, 45 mm focal length lenses, magnets or capacitive tape, a hook and loop fastener (such as Velcro), a rubber band, and an optional near field communication (NFC) tag.

Once the cardboard is assembled, insert your smartphone in the back of it and fasten it around your eyes. Now the Google Cardboard–compatible app here split the screen for you into two parts, each for one eye.  The VR glass here plays the trick, and it will show the different 3D image for both of your eyes to create a resolution. The VR glasses are different than another lens, as it shows two different images in both the lens to create special effects.

The Google Cardboard operates on three main softwares. The one for the Android users with the operating system using Java, one for the game engine Unity using C#, and one for the iOS operating system. The Google Cardboard kit is also available for the manufacturer to sell directly to the users and you can buy that kit at an affordable price of $5. So, all in all, it’s the best and a cheap VR headset holder.

  • Samsung Gear VR

Samsung Gear VR

The other option available for VR magic lovers is the Samsung Gear VR which is similar as the Google Cardboard in many ways. The Samsung VR headset is a bit pricey than the Google cardboard priced at $99. But with its high price, it offers high quality also. The grip that the Samsung Gear VR offers is dynamic, and you will not need to use your hands in holding the device in place. You may face a little“ski goggle” discomfort feeling during the extended face-computer sessions, but the straps are adjustable. It’s far more of a lean-back experience than an essential Cardboard viewer.

The gear is amazing, but it has few connectivity issues. You need Samsung’s Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, Note 5, S7, or S7 Edge to make it work. Those are all great phones, but the iPhone users can’t connect to it. But if you are a Samsung Galaxy fan, then you should go for it. You can buy this smart VR gear from the OculusStore. You can browse the store and download VR content while the headset’s on your face. You can experience full VR magic while shopping one.

Application of Virtual Reality technology:

If you are wondering, how this VR system is helpful to us? And how can we use it rather than playing games? Then, my friend, you haven’t heard the amazing benefits of VRs yet, and let me share some real usage of VR.

  1. The famous painter Salvador Dali paintings were combined with the VR system to give the Dali fans an enormous view. The London auction house teamed up with Fgreat Studio to create an immersive film that allowed them to walk around a 3D recreation of Dali’s art, using the gallery’s Occulus Rift headsets.
  2. The Hollywood also got the hold of VR. As a short film is made on it, called the future is Pearl, one of Google’s Spotlight Stories, and the first-ever VR film to get an Oscar nomination.
  3. How easy will learning become if two technologies where bind together. The Uniform has made the plan to team VR with the Internet of Things to help people learn to rock-climb.
  4. Everyone dreams to fly one day and Google Earth are soon going to make this real. The Google Earth will soon coordinate with the VR system to provide you such flying experience.
  5. The top news channels are planning to break the news in a unique way to you.
    News Via VR Gadgets
    News Via VR Gadgets!

    The New York Times and CNN are aiming to collaborate with VR to provide the real dynamics of news.

  6. Watching TV has traditionally been a passive, one-way experience. But Australian studio Start VR is aiming to change all that. VR Noir is a 360-degree film with interactive elements that give you the ability to modify the narrative.

Must have VR accessories

Must have VR accessories
Must have VR accessories

Okay, so if you have a VR headset of your own, then to protect it and handle it safely you must own following VR accessories:

  1. The case to hold it properly.
  2. The Microfiber cloth to regularly clean the lens.
  3. The Anti-Fog Wipe, to remove fog from the lens.
  4. A Bluetooth Controller is also essential to enjoy VR to its fullest.

Well, now you are all set and ready to explore the virtual world with the dynamic features of VR headsets. So now go and buy your VR headset.

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