Week 8- Multimedia on the Internet (Virtual reality)

Today’s topic is:

Virtual reality seems like a new and expensive technology.

However, the idea of virtual reality is not new at all! The history of Virtual reality starts in 1950s(!). 

1. Sensorama-Morton Heilig

Sensorama was the earliest known examples of virtual reality. The machine is a theatre that consists of all the senses in an effective manner; therefore bringing the viewers into the onscreen activity.

Features include: stereoscopic display, fans, odor emitters, stereo speakers, moving chair and head mounted television display (for user to experience the movie in 3D).

2.  “Ultimate Display”- 1965 Ivan Sutherland

The display can have people look into virtual world that look as real as the world that we are lived in.

I am quite surprise that the web (internet) develops faster than virtual reality! Since virtual reality starts like 50 years ago?

Then, another concept associated with virtual reality is EXPENSIVE!

1. GOOGLE Cardboard Virtual Reality Kit

 (https://cardboard.withgoogle.com/)- go to the website! It’s quite cool!

 Here’s a video on how to make it!

You can even make your own by downloading the format and follow the steps.

Now that the technology world is focusing on VIRTUAL REALITY AND AUGMENTED REALITY, these two elements are most likely to develop in speed.

Social Problems of virtual reality is quite worrying. Of course technologies bring in a lot of convenience and heighten experience in life.

1. Indulge in the virtual world- I DON’T WANT TO BE IN THE REAL WORLD

What if people prefer the virtual world more than the real world? The gaming industry has caused many to be addicted in the world that the creators created. Thanks to the heighten experience, people will be even more unable to pluck themselves out from the virtual world.

Furthermore, the virtual world is perfect for us to be in.

Would we become like inception?

Why would we want to go back to the world where there is pain… boredom… and stay at a world where we can build anything with our imagination and live a life without negative incident?