How Will Virtual Reality Change Our Lives?
We were first introduced to the idea of virtual reality in the 1999 sci-fi flick, The Matrix.
In the multi-million-doller trilogy, Keanu Reeves' character, Neo, found himself living between two worlds. Fighting bad guys, and generally making the whole concept of VR seem pretty darn cool.
Entertaining, yes. But realistic?
While the 90s version of virtual reality we were promised in films like The Matrix and The Lawnmower Man might remain firmly on the silver screen, virtual reality IS the future.
And it's something you need to pay attention to.
You see, VR isn't going away.
The clearest sign that VR is the future came in July 2014 when Facebook brought Oculus Rift for a cool $2 billion. Virtual reality is growing, and becoming more accessible by the day. Soon, it'll be as commonplace as an iPhone.
Here are just a few predictions for how virtual reality will change our lives:
1. Gaming
As we've already touched on the Oculus Rift headset, it makes sense to start with gaming. After all, this is the most obvious – and demonstrated – example of virtual reality in action. Facebook wouldn't have acquired Oculus had it not seen the potential in VR, another sign that it's only going to get bigger.
Even before it has gone mainstream, Oculus already supports a vast number of games. And this list is growing all the time. Sony and Samsung are also releasing similar VR headsets, and the increased competition will force designers to make their games and experiences more intense, immersive and impressive.
2. Watching films
3D films are nothing new, but they're not really as exciting and well, three-dimensional, as viewers were hoping and expecting. But just imagine how much the cinematic experience could be enhanced when you throw virtual reality into the mix.
You'd be in control of the movie world. You can look around as you want, see the action from different angles, and choose where to give your full attention. This is all still theoretical at the moment, but it really could change the way we watch films in the future.
3. Seeing the world
We all get a bit of wanderlust every now and again, but money, responsibilities and daily life all get in the way of us hoping on a plane and jetting off to sunnier climes.
Virtual reality could help us see the world, without leaving our living rooms. You could tour museums and monuments remotely, take in some amazing scenery, and even just relax on a 'beach' – all without a passport.
4. Surgery
This is one area where virtual reality is already being used, as it's safer for trainee-surgeons to perfect their techniques in a realistic environment. Fully interactive models can suffer from a selection of ailments, and surgeons can learn new techniques and trainees can put theory into practice without an unrealistic plastic model, or the pressure of a real-life situation.
5. Space exploration
Space travel is expensive, not to mention neigh-on impossible for Joe Bloggs. Heck, the chances of heading off into the stratosphere are pretty slim even if you're an astronaut. But VR makes this expensive – and sometimes dangerous – escapade, much easier.
Scientists can safely explore from Ground Control, heading out much deeper into space than would be humanly possibly otherwise. The possibilities really are endless here, and it's a really exciting way VR could change our lives.
6. Training and development
Pilots already use flight simulators but, like surgeons, could seriously benefit from something a lot more realistic to help perfect their skills. Enter, virtual reality. There are already a whole host of games where you can hone your skills, but even real pilots could benefit from the level of immersion virtual reality has to offer.
7. Improving quality of life
Lastly – but by no means least – virtual reality has the potential to transform the lives of those who aren't capable of living a normal life. It gives people the opportunity to explore and experience the world – even doing things we take for granted – and that's the biggest thing VR has to offer.
The possibilities really are endless where virtual reality is concerned, it really does have the potential to change our lives and the world we live in. Time will tell wat kind of impact VR has, but one thing's for sure – there's so much more to virtual reality than gaming.
