Step into the world of Virtual Reality...

Virtual Reality is one of the trending topics in latest technologies. For those who don't have any idea about VR(Virtual Reality), Google Glass is a rough example. And for those who don't have any idea about Google Glass or Google Cardboard, well, read on. This article will give readers just a basic idea about the technology, which is going to change the whole world in the coming future.

So, what comes to your mind when you hear the word Virtual Reality ? Is it a movie scene of Tron:Legacy, The Matrix, Inception, Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over or Ra.One ? Or is it a person wearing a big rectangular box on his eyes ? Or is it Tom Cruise doing this  -->

For a rough idea, imagine yourself playing a computer game, but without a mouse or a keyboard. Here, you are into the game-world as the player, and when you move your head around, you can actually see what's around you.When someone comes to attack you, you defend and in turn kick his ass. Probably that's enough for a rough idea.

Moving on, if you google "define Virtual Reality", here is what it says :

The computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.

In layman's language , VR is all about the creation of a virtual world that users can interact with. This virtual world should be designed in such a way that users would find it difficult to tell the difference from what is real and what is not.

In general, a true VR experience includes :

• 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.

VR uses computer graphics, algorithms, and lenses to hide that edge and recalculate the picture as you move. If you turn your head left or right, it will seem like there’s no end to the screen, like it surrounds you in 360 degrees.

Listing a few VR and AR (Augmented Reality, you can see the difference here) technologies, here are the famous ones in the market : Google Cardboard, Google Glass, Microsoft Holo Lens, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR. Google Cardboard is the simplest of all and as a developer you can build a VR app of your own.

While virtual reality may appear a futuristic concept which dwells in the realm of science fiction, it is, nevertheless, a very real form of technology. And this real form of technology has the potential to deliver real-world benefits to a great many people. Here are some of the applications of VR :
[ source = http://www.vrs.org.uk/ ]

• Education -- For example, astronomy students can learn about the solar system and how it works by physical engagement with the objects within. They can move planets, see around stars and track the progress of a comet.


• Healthcare -- Doctors, nurses and other medical personnel engage in training scenarios in which they have to interact with a patient but within a 3D environment only.


• Scientific visualizations -- For example, viewing a molecular structure at different angles or as a means of problem solving.


• Entertainment -- Virtual Museums, e.g. interactive exhibitions,Galleries,Theatre, e.g. interactive performances,Virtual theme parks, Discovery centres,etc.

For better understanding you can have a look at this video { Credit goes to EON Reality }