What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality (VR) is, as the name suggests, a virtual world. By means of two screens in front of your eyes, VR-software creates an 3D-beeld that immerses you in a digital world. Unlike a 'regular' digital world, you actually move within this world. You are right in the middle of the action!

When choosing a VR-headset, you can opt for a passive or an active headset. With a passive headset, you use your own phone. You slide your phone into the headset, positioning the screen in front of your eyes. Then, you play an app or video on your phone, which is split into two small videos. Both small videos are then played in front of your eyes, creating an 3D-effect. With an active VR-headset, you use a processor. This means the power of the VR-headset comes from the headset itself (or a connected PC), allowing for much more functionality. With an active headset, you can experience full VR-werelden simulations or play the most advanced VR-games.

The first consumer VR-headsets were mainly used for gaming. The experience of being in a virtual world and actually being the player is where VR drew its strength. However, VR has now developed to the point where it can be used for many other purposes. Many companies already use VR. For example, some companies use VR to train their staff in a virtual world (such as Walmart's staff), or to simulate emergency situations (think of flight attendants practising an emergency landing). Hospitals and care homes also make extensive use of virtual reality.

Virtual reality is constantly evolving, so it wouldn't surprise us if in a few years we have full VR-ondernemingen or VR-levensstijlen. Another interesting development - part of VR - is the use of Augmented Reality (AR). This technology is still relatively new but is already being used by companies. With AR, you can combine the real world with the virtual world, making it a perfect accessory for various tasks. The coming years will bring many changes, but VR and AR will only get better and more accessible!