Virtual reality applications broaden daily. Many people discover modern ways of appreciating real-time 3D interactions, for either work or play. Since incorporating VR, several industries have enhanced their traffic, increased profits, and got good customer reviews. But for curiosity’s sake, how does virtual reality affect the ordinary person?
The everyday person is conditioned to the possibilities, and pace of modern life. They are accustomed to doing things in a certain way, and they aren’t open to change. VR developments enable you to blend your standard routine with an enhanced familiarity to alleviate curiosities, make communications simple, and simplify plans.
Use virtual reality applications to appreciate life’s better quality. Similarly, you can customize your encounters and share your responses with others in real time. Additionally, you can host online meetings, experiment with different scenarios, or prepare for the next challenge using advanced VR.
What Is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality refers to the digitally simulated experience that is similar to daily life. Smart software and computer-assisted visuals help in the creation of believable three-dimensional scenarios on pixelated screens.
People use VR for several objectives, based on their careers, hobbies, and lifestyle. Common applications include those used in education, business, online dating, entertainment, and International relations. However, discovering other ways of appreciating virtual reality is simple. Technology penetrates the fabric of our society so easily. Even in the new 3D gaming industry.
7 Exciting Uses of Virtual Reality
New VR technology is much more developed compared to the original concept. The best virtual reality products today, enable people to encounter realistic sounds, and sights while appreciating various activities. Many devices also offer pre-programmed experiences that ordinary people would otherwise never pursue.
Try to figure out riding a massive roller coaster through hazardous territory without stepping foot on the track. Augmented reality helps people conquer their fears while avoiding physical risks. Or envision yourself clarifying a new idea to colleagues on the other side of the world using 3D renderings and motion sensors. From scrutinizing and gaming to product improvement and education, VR exemplifies a crucial part of our society.
The best-known uses for virtual reality encompass having fun with or without human relations. Here are the most enjoyable applications, according to the Naija Tech Guide
1. Live Events
Three-dimensional renderings and paired audio can help transmit footage of events in real time. Broadcast specific activities, competitions, and performances while giving the audience front-row seats to the action.
They can directly participate in various events using avatars or as part of a designated group. The organizers can also incentivize involvement for people unfamiliar or uncomfortable with technology.
2. Guided Meditation
Meditating provides countless health benefits but can be challenging to learn. VR meditation guides help immerse participants in a stress-free environment to encourage mindfulness and relaxation.
Many people can also build tailored routines, interact with their instructors, or create a network of like-minded individuals interested in yoga and other holistic practices.
3. Remote Tourism
Augmented reality products let us explore the planet without leaving our homes. The best devices take people to their favorite locations and help them discover hidden treasures on the map.
Remote tourism also protects endangered regions, cuts carbon emissions, reduces travel costs, and eliminates some risks. Virtual tourism opens the world to people with mobility limitations and economic barriers.
4. Long-Distance Relationships
According to a 2017 Stanford study on human behavior, about 39% of heterosexual partners meet online. Long-distance relationships are more prevalent than ever, with rapid communications tools and virtual reality technologies.
Modern couples can interact in real time while exploring various activities and satisfying relationship needs. VR devices help establish and maintain a lasting bond despite geography. You can use the motion sensors to feel like you’re both in the same room.
5. Museum Exploration
Visit some of the most famous museums in the world using vivid 3D reality augmentation. Then enjoy the latest innovations before they go down in history.
VR visits to the gallery let you linger in front of fantastic exhibits despite the hours of operation. You can also explore different elements of each showcase or view past exhibits you might have missed. The Smithsonian lets people go behind the scenes with a comprehensive virtual tour.
6. Enhanced Television
Becoming engrossed in your favorite Hollywood flicks or binge-worthy shows without a backstage pass. Virtual reality applications include TV, movies, and games.
Some options let you pick characters to experience first-person involvement in the plot. Or you can enjoy a wide-angle lens while being thrust into the script. VR movies and television are the most accessible to diverse audiences. There are several 3D movies with different ratings to enjoy by yourself or with loved ones.
7. Custom Fashion
Design, share, and discuss your style creations using virtual reality. Choose standard colors or create your own, and then coordinate fabrics to develop a unique collection.
Do it all without a sewing machine or crew to streamline product manufacturing and drive trends. You can make prototypes for examination or craft exclusive pieces for fashion shows and other events. Some people already think VR will transform fashion industry standards.
Fun virtual reality applications help usher in a new era of human interaction. The technology promotes organic communication while removing time, distance, and language barriers. Moreover, VR is appropriate for nearly everyone regardless of age, location, or experience level.
Augmented reality is generally safe with the correct equipment and approach. However, some safety requirements exist for those with epilepsy or certain cognitive conditions. Follow the instructions for each VR application, and ask your doctor if you’re unsure how virtual reality will affect you.
Things You Need to Enjoy VR
Preparing to use the latest technology can feel intimidating. It’s also expensive for beginners with no equipment or experience. Fortunately, many virtual reality applications are user-friendly and created with the average person in mind. People don’t need special training to enjoy VR devices, games, events, or otherwise.
You will have to purchase some essential gear to get started. This is true regardless of the application you choose. Here is what to pick up before throwing it down:
- High-Quality VR Goggles
- Internet Connection
- Bluetooth-Enabled Devices
- Database Membership
- Storage and Maintenance Supplies
Look for the best virtual reality goggles to avoid incompatibilities and complications. Then ensure your internet connection is secure. The chances of you being self-aware enough to catch a foul play while enjoying augmented reality are slim. Keep yourself protected by interacting with trusted sources only.
Bluetooth-enabled devices send wireless signals that hackers can discover. Choose encrypted websites and join groups to prevent mishaps. Some high-tech products require registration on an exclusive database. This option helps eliminate crossed wires, confusion, and theft.
Virtual reality equipment can be expensive and challenging to repair or replace. Take care of the gear to get the most out of your investment. Buy storage containers and cleaning supplies for due diligence. Then register any device warranties from the manufacturer within 30 days of your purchase.
How to Enhance Your Virtual Reality Experience
Make your experience with fun virtual reality applications even better. Use these clever tips and tricks to let the good times roll:
Set Goals – Determine what you want to accomplish at the end.
Manage Expectations – Understand the limitations of your device and activity.
Get Ready – Prepare yourself and your surroundings for an adventure.
Partner Up – Ask someone to explore the virtual realm with you.
Be Flexible – Try different activities and platforms to find the best match.
Practice First – Get acquainted with your equipment before playing.
Virtual reality should be fun, entertaining, educational, or all the above. You should never feel at risk of harm or injury while enjoying interactive technology. Play it safe in the evolving VR landscape.
Virtual Reality Applications FAQs
Here are the frequently asked questions about virtual reality applications, according to ARVR Tech.
1. What is virtual reality?
Virtual Reality (VR) is the fully immersive 3D experience that the users receive with VR wearables. This computer-generated environment is interacted by a person who either becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and is capable of manipulating objects or performing a series of actions.
2. What types of mainstream head-mounted displays are available?
Nowadays VR devices can be classified into three distinct groups: Mobile based VR, PC-based VR, and Standalone VR Devices.
Mobile Based Virtual Reality
VR which is mobile based can also be classified into two groups: cardboard and plastic. Cardboard VR is the cheapest option and is easily branded and spread out to customers. The other plastic VR devices are a bit more expensive than the cardboard option and have a range of producers. VR Viewers such as Homido VR are an example of a good quality product for experiencing VR on a variety of phones. On the other hand, Samsung has a dedicated VR viewer that works exclusively with their range of mobile phones, called the Samsung Gear VR.
PC-Based Virtual Reality
As much as VR on a mobile device is convenient for promotions, events, etc. VR on a PC is a whole other ballgame! You could say that it’s thanks to the superior performance of the PC’s hardware and you wouldn’t be wrong. Using a desktop computer and a VR HMD is a great combination if you’re going for quality over quantity! Some of the hardware that we have experience with, and have used to produce cutting-edge VR experiences for our clients include HTC Vive and the newly released Vive Cosmos, as well as one of the first companies to bring out a state-of-the-art headset, Oculus Rift. All of these require a high-end PC to run, but the results are more than rewarding, and will leave your customers with their jaws dropped!
Standalone Virtual Reality
Last but certainly not least in this classification, the standalone VR devices are certainly a fresh addition to the world of VR HMD’s. They are a mix of both worlds from the groups above, mobile and PC. This group offers the flexibility of using a mobile device, and the extra quality of a dedicated VR HMD, which we see on the PC HMD’s. The main players here are not new though, it’s Oculus, with two main products, the Oculus GO, as an entrant option, and Oculus Quest for more advanced users. HTC has brought the Focus to the party, a bit more expensive take on the standalone headset.
3. If we want to buy VR gear, which one is recommended?
It depends on what you want to do, what the size of your target audience is, and what budget you have.
The VR applications for Google Cardboard and Homido, can be developed for all mobile phone platforms and optimized in terms of content. The great advantage is that apps can be used by a large number of people, and HMDs are at the lower end in terms of cost. But if you need more control over the content, and better quality of graphics you might opt for Samsung Gear VR, in which case you can invest in a Samsung VR Gear and a matching Samsung phone (on the Android platform).
Oculus Rift and HTC Vive require a dedicated PC platform, hence they come at a higher price tag. Still, they can support high-quality graphics and offer greater means of control than HMDs intended for mobile platforms. VR applications can be made for the PC platform which is dedicated to specific company use cases and targeted at limited users, at present.
4. Should we wait until more people wear headsets?
Not really, because several companies have decided to include web-based Virtual Reality for that very reason: they do not want people to wait for VR headsets to disseminate or that people consume VR content on their mobile phones. Instead, web-based VR means that people can open the browser, click on the link, and access VR content. In the end, many VR companies want to democratize the VR experience and enable it to as many people as possible, which also leads them to bigger market opportunities.
5. Our company wants to use VR for events, and training. Do we need to have more than one VR gear?
You can start small and then expand your head-mounted display ‘‘park’’. New York Times shipped thousands of Google cardboards to draw attention to one of their campaigns and to reach their readers directly in their households. However, you can choose to go for one particular brand and one item i.e. gear, and then branch out.
6. In which industries are VR mostly applied?
Virtual Reality, like Augmented Reality, has already been applied in tourism, retail, real estate, education, healthcare, marketing, and many other verticals. The great argument in favor of VR is that both Fortune 500 brands and boutique companies that want to be on the frontier of innovation are using them.
Over the next 12-36 months, Virtual Reality solutions will become mainstream in all client-facing industries to provide a stronger and more immersive experience. The Goldman Sachs team indicated in their comprehensive VR/AR Report the size of each industry and the number of registered VR/AR users until now so it is worth checking out.
7. What is the estimated market size of VR worldwide?
Statista outlined the mutual size of the global augmented and virtual reality market size for the period 2016 – 2020. In 2016 it was 6.1 billion USD, and in 2017 it was 13.9 billion USD.
According to the most recent reports by IDTechEx, in 2030 the AR, VR, and MR Market is estimated to be well over $30 Billion!
If we look at the Chinese market alone, Bloomberg indicated that their VR market will be $8.5 billion. Since China is working hard to push low-cost models and plenty of their brands are shipping headsets, their gigantic companies may leapfrog the US giants. For example, the Ritech headset is selling over 100,000 units monthly for $20.
Another piece of statistics, worth considering is included in the report of Grand View Research, Inc. This company estimated that the global virtual reality (VR) market is expected to reach USD 48.5 billion by 2025.
8. How can our company differentiate thanks to VR?
There are plenty of ways that your company can stand out thanks to VR solutions. Certainly, Virtual Reality helps your potential clients engage with your product, service, and content longer through the lens of VR (literally and virtually). Secondly, you can see if in your niche so far Virtual Reality has been applied (most probably it was) and how you feel about that.
Sometimes, you may get inspired by Virtual Reality solutions across different markets, geographies, and industries and create something completely new that will leave both your loyal clients and competitors speechless. The first ones get speechless as they are proud of you and the second ones because they cannot keep up with your pace.
9. What factors should I bear in mind while choosing an AR/VR company?
We have written in detail about making an informed choice in this article, which will enable you to avoid mistakes and decide much better which VR company to hire.
In a nutshell, you should consider and assess the team’s experience, portfolio and range of clients, business processes, international experience, and innovativeness. All these factors will help you decide with greater accuracy if the company you choose can deliver.
Also, customer experience is so important. If you are treated equally before you become a client and afterward when you are in a funnel or when you bought something, this indicates that the company truly cares about its clients. So often clients are forgotten or even neglected after they made a purchase and had a transaction with the company.
10. How do you estimate the price of the project?
There are several factors we take into account when we estimate the price of the project: the complexity of the solution and the amount of work required to generate computer graphics, animations, means of interaction, and HMDs control. In the case of 360 photos and video, it depends on whether you will provide the material or filming and video editing has to be arranged.
Another factor that affects the rates of VR application development is how much the VR team (including developers, marketers, and project managers) charges for their time, quality, and results. For instance, according to the website Think Mobiles: in North America (the US and Canada), you will be charged $40-$240 per hour when it comes to developers’ work. In Western Europe, a programmer’s hour costs $40-$180, while in Eastern Europe it is $25-$70, and in India $5-$70.
Furthermore, we cannot emphasize enough how important it is that the client and VR development team create specific VR documentation where both sides will be kept in the loop. The documentation usually includes the aim of the project, features, screenshots, and references of aforementioned or existing projects and it is a comprehensive guideline of where the project is at any given moment.
11. How much background knowledge do we need to have as a client to communicate exactly what VR App we need?
The more you know what you want to achieve with this technology, the easier it gets to come up with the solution. What you should always bear in mind is that this technology is secondary, it is the people who use it and the result we all want to achieve comes first.
Conclusion
Smart communication and audio-visual technology have started a revolution. Currently, people can interact with each other as desired regardless of their location, playing games and making decisions without interference. Virtual reality applications help seal gaps, solve many societal problems, and provide unlimited entertainment. How do you intend to use VR to enhance your life?
