Is Virtual Reality the Next Tech Breakthrough?

Virtual reality is a technology that has been around for a while, but has still not entered the mainstream. The benefits it brings could be as impactful as the internet, and it has the potential to change every industry.

 The last major technological breakthrough was with smartphones, specifically apps. The iPhone was the pioneer, with its App Store, whereas Google quickly caught up allowing users to download apps from a wide range of industries.

 Nonetheless, Virtual reality is the migration from static 2D screens to immersive 3D experiences. Meta (formerly Facebook) is currently the number one company in this field, but other tech giants are quickly mobilizing to build the Metaverse.

 In Meta’s Keynote Connect 2021 speech, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company is actively building the new framework to make VR accessible to all. One area where he claimed VR would first succeed is in gaming.

 As gaming consoles are now the most advanced, they have ever been, it’s hard to fathom how the graphic and the gameplay will get better on 2D screens. Whereas, with VR a whole new experience is possible. It will allow players to feel as if they are actually there within the game, which provides a simulation just like real life.

 Some particular games will be better than others. For example, racing games will be authentic, and if you have a steering wheel too, you’ll feel as if you are actually driving a car. In addition, first person shooters will give you the feeling that you are in real combat, seeing the enemy and shooting the gun in real time.

 But it doesn't stop there. All games will have a more realistic feel. You’ll be able to select locations you’ve only ever dreamed of for specific games like chess and casino games like baccarat and roulette.

 Imagine playing baccarat at James Bond online in Thailand, or chess at Central Park, New York. Only your imagination is the limit.

 Nowadays to play chess, it’s on 2D screens whether smartphones or PC, there are plenty of online portals you are able to play. The same thing can be said for playing casino games online. Players from around the world, from Thailand to the Philippines can select online casinos (คาสิโนออนไลน์) to play all their favorite games.

 What's better is that there are comparison websites that review all the top operators and even check for the best welcome bonuses. However, in the world of VR, this experience will become interactive, as you’ll feel as if you are sitting at the blackjack table itself.

 It’s not just gaming that will be transformed with VR technology. It’s expected to change all industries, with education and fitness two others that Mr. Zuckerberg has targeted.

 Normally, school children will go on a field trip to learn new things, but with a VR headset, they are able to visit anywhere, from the classroom. Museums will be available to everyone online just via a headset, and you will be able to listen to curators on historical artifacts.

 In the fitness sector, you will be able to use a headset to do boxing training, or with a cycling machine, you will be able to ride through the Alps.

 Meta has announced a new VR headset will arrive in October 2022. On Joe Rogan’s podcast, Zuckerberg teased some details on the next generation of VR headsets.

 But the main issue facing VR is whether individuals will adopt the technology. The internet is in cyberspace but it’s still tangible and something that can be put down. On the other hand, some believe VR is a dystopian technology, with people just wearing headsets, and not living in the real world.

 As ever, it will be young people who adopt the technology first and with headsets starting at around $400, the barrier to entry is low. Yet, older people may be less inclined to use the tech on a daily basis because of the major change from 2D to 3D screens.

 Whatever happens, the next decade will be vital for the VR technology, and if it will ever become mainstream. The benefits are huge, but there are drawbacks too. Only time will tell if we will all be plugged into the Metaverse.