Virtual Reality LIVE?
Received Samsung Virtual Reality (VR) headset few weeks ago. I have to admit, it was pretty exciting unpacking the Gear box. Having read countless articles on VR, I wanted to experience it.
The Gear is light weight but chunky and overall it looks primitive. Setting up did not take very long; a little fiddly but simple. Had to install a bunch of stuff on the phone including Oculus which provides access to a dedicated app store for VR. The content ranges from games, experiences and some creative apps.
So finally, the moment was here! Wore my gear headset and headphones.
WOW! Transcended to another world. First impression...I am in a video game. I am virtual. Reliving the sci-fi and fantasy movies that I have adored over the years. It was happening.
I took a roller-coaster ride and it was unreal ...but real. Adrenaline rushing just the same! I was swinging, cringing and screaming. Boooom! Instant thrill sitting on my couch.
Starwars was next. Found myself in the movie scene! Spaceships flying over my head, BB-8 rolling around me, saw the death star like never before. It was right in front! Just amazing.
Went from flying and shooting games to experiences such as skydiving, skiing and hiking - being fearless. It’s all out of control COOL.
Some low lights - got a headache and felt disoriented after the first use (best not to use VR for more than 30 mins in one go). Streaming quality is poor, so downloading content is ideal. At home the pets and loved ones are annoyed. And content is mostly basic.
So what’s the future?
The hardware/human interface needs significant improvement. Sleeker headsets, helmets, cubicles (VR rooms) or integration into something hologram. But really content and how we exploit this technology will dictate if VR is here to stay.
The biggest potential and probably somewhat contentious is an idea of VR Live! A platform for real-time human VR to VR contact. Integrated through social n physical networks, and using the array of cameras embedded in all our phones! (Off course all phones will have 360 cameras by 2020)
We could hang out with friends in Central park NY n have lunch next to the Eiffel tower. Spend afternoon by the Yarra River in Melbourne and watch sunset from Ipanema beach in Brazil. VR live could get us closer to time travel.
Social interactions could be redefined as well, with alter egos ruling a new parallel universe.
Entertainment could become real - Staring in movies and TV shows real-time with an ability to alter the course with your interactions. VR TV!
Business - Companies can make an insane amount of money by innovating and exploiting VR. Marketing could be an absolute concept, through VR consumers could be ruled!
Exciting and startling at the same time. The implementation is left to us; how we conceptualize innovative ideas and make them a reality via virtual reality.
While I speculate on this Saturday evening and get ahead of myself. I encourage you to pick a pair of VR headset and indulge. Let me know what you think.
#virtualreality #VR #virtualrealitylive #SamsungGear