A beginner’s guide to VR
What is virtual reality?
Virtual Reality (VR) allows you to experience and explore 3D, 360° simulated realities. Using a headset, you can virtually visit places all over the world, explore fictional worlds, watch films and music videos in 360 degrees, experience immersive storytelling, play video games in a completely immersive, real-time environment, and more.
How does it work?
By immersing you in a simulated environment, virtual reality tricks your brain into thinking you’re in another place. A VR headset shows you a 360° image, and when you move and use a controller, the device changes what you are seeing accordingly. The first versions of VR came out in the 1980s.
Do I need to use headphones?
No. Headphones often enhance a virtual reality experience, but they are not necessary.
What do people use VR for?
Virtual Reality is often known for immersive gaming and entertainment, but also has a wide range of uses in many fields, including education, health care, research, and more. Some colleges even have created virtual reality experiences of their campuses to recruit students!
Can VR make people sick?
Some people experience motion sickness and headache from their VR experience. If you don’t feel well, remove the headset until you feel better. Next time, try a game that doesn’t involve as much up and down and doesn’t require rapid head movements.
How old should a child be to experience VR?
Ultimately, it is up to the parent/guardian of a child to decide if their child is old enough to experience virtual reality. Most VR headset manufacturers set age limits. For example, the Oculus Rift and Samsung’s Gear VR headset have a 13+ age rating. Digital Trends published an article covering this topic. Common Sense Media provides six tips to keep VR safe and fun for kids.
Is VR worth it?
Absolutely!
