Most of us who grew up with things like Star Trek or dreamed we could go into video games have basically dreamed of virtual reality. Technology has come a long way in the last decade and VR headsets like Sony’s Oculus and Samsung’s VR have made huge strides realizing the dream of virtual reality. Users have claimed that the environments are so lifelike that it would be difficult to distinguish some aspects from the real world. But, there is a huge flaw in the current designs of VR headsets. The user is painfully aware that they are ultimately in a small room and there is little to no tactile response, basically it looks real but doesn’t feel real.
TED, most known for their inspirational talk series held a conference in February where innovations from every field were on full display. One of the innovations came in the form of a company called The Void. The void has taken the idea of virtual reality that is currently limited to headsets and they took it a step further. They plan on creating full theme parks that incorporate VR into their rides. Think Universal Studio rides but combined with VR headsets to create the most realistic experience technology can offer.
People tested a smaller version of what The Void has in store. They put on VR headsets as well as custom vests that provide hepatic feedback to the user based on the virtual experience. The Void plans on having an entire theme part with large elaborate settings where patrons can do pretty much everything from Indiana Jones-like adventures to space exploration and beyond. Whether the experience requires heat, cold, cool mist, the floor shaking, or the G-force from an elevator, their environments will truly make you feel like you’re part of the action you’re seeing on the headset. Currently they are setting up their first location in Utah and plan to open by fall of this year.
Experts who have tried their system have been largely positive. Ina Fried, a journalist for Recode a technology website, told the BBC that “It was a little rough around the edges but still fun and very immersive.” Other experts fear that with real VR being so close to completion, some users may find it difficult to deal with their own reality when they can explore such exciting and vivid environments. Co-founder of The Void said, “Is it too real for some people? Do you forget you are a person if your avatar is too real? I know when I get out I want to go straight back in – it’s an adventure that is difficult to have any other way.” His ultimate goal is to incorporate VR into people’s lives to enrich their reality, not to replace it.
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It is amazing to see how the technology has developed in the past decades. A lot of things seemed to be impossible back then, now it is completely doable.
Universal Studio rides but combined with VR headsets to create the most realistic experience technology can offer. wow! what a technology these are using. It clearly shows that how fastly technology is developing in these days.
Wow, that is awesome! It’s kind of freaky to me, honestly, because I’ve seen a couple movies/read a couple of books set in the future where the virtual reality just went out of control. But at the same time, I would try it in a heartbeat! And they did say it’s supposed to enrich people’s reality, not replace it, so that’s a good sign…
Well, I’d try it depending on the cost, of course, haha. It would be interesting to know how much tickets to this virtual reality park will be!
Sweet! I’ve always wanted to try out the virtual reality headset things, but this is even cooler! I would love to be in an Indiana Jones-type adventure, that is like the dream! I never thought I’d say this, but I’m going to have to plan a trip to Utah.
The proper version of the Nintendo Virtual Boy! That machine gave me headaches back then. Let’s see if these things aren’t as headache-inducing.
” His ultimate goal is to incorporate VR into people’s lives to enrich their reality, not to replace it.” I feel that VR is a right assistant to the social life so if they are only programmed-machine.
Virtual reality continues to grow and grow. The man’s imagination just keeps coming up with more and technology.
Virtual reality without the headset is interesting. Changes have come so far in just a few years. I wish I was going to be there when they open it up for public.
This virtual reality technology will surely take the market in the coming few years. Everyone is so excited about this technology.
Virtual reality is the next step in technology. This proves that technology and science in general can grow based on entertainment but can be used for many other things.
VR advancement has come so far! Oculus rift for entertainment purposes alone blew my mind, I can’t wait to see what’s next for human enrichment with VR!