Up@dawn 2.0 (blogger)

Delight Springs

Friday, December 2, 2022

Augmented & Virtual Reality

 Virtual and Augmented Reality
Emily Seeto

What is Augmented Reality?

    Augmented Reality is when you put a 3D object into a real life space. AR is an amazing tool with many benefits, you can see any piece of furniture in your current space without having bought it. It's a great tool to get an idea for what you're looking for without having to buy it and realizing that it looks ugly. Augmented Reality really makes it easier to better understand especially if you're a visual learner. 

    Augmented Reality can also allow you to measure things better. There's a feature on iPhones called 'Measure' that allow you to pin a point on an object and drag to measure something precisely. AR is meant to assist and alleviate issues the best it can. Whether it be from measuring or to better visualize a space!


    Augmented Reality has even made it into video games! The most notable video game is Pokemon Go! Pokemon Go is a game created by Nintendo and Niantic to bring Pokemon into the real world. It encourages physical activity by walking and interacting with other players who have it.


What is Virtual Reality?

    Virtual Reality is when you fully immerse yourself into a virtual world with your own avatar. By having Virtual Reality, you'll be able to interact with the 3D world by grabbing or kicking things depending on the level of 'reality' you pick. There are a few types of virtual reality called partial body (just hands) or full body (hands+legs). Most people who play Virtual Reality are most likely going to have partial body, but full body is what everyone dreams to have. Full body is expensive, and requires special trackers called HTC Vive Trackers and Base Stations. They allow you to fully interact with the world by kicking stuff or being able to sit in VR. 

     To experience VR for yourself, the cheapest option is Oculus Quest. Some of the popular games that VR players play are VR ChatSuper Hot and Pistol Whip. Virtual Reality can be experienced with anyone who is willing to spend money on a headset and it really is that easy to experience the virtual world for yourself! 

Side Effects of Virtual Reality

    There aren't many side effects when it comes to VR except for the occasional feeling of motion sickness. Motion Sickness is common for new players because the brain doesn't know how to distinguish the movement from the virtual space. This can also lead to something called Phantom Touch. Phantom Touch is a weird phenomena falling under the same category as unable to separate the real world from the virtual world. Phantom Touch is when you feel a sensation as your arm being touched by another avatar when it's not actually touching you in real life.

 

The Philosophy...

    When looking deeper into Virtual Reality, I discovered that most people want a form of escapism. By becoming literally anything you want via virtual avatar, it allows the user to immerse themself and help feel more comfortable in their own skin. Virtual Reality helped a lot during the pandemic as a way to cope with little social interaction. Humans are social creatures and need to speak to other humans! It helps keep you happy and virtual reality may be a solution to those who don't have the ability to leave their homes. 

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