Immerse yourself in the latest advancements of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, from its humble beginnings to its current state and future potential. Discover how VR is revolutionizing online interactions with social VR and embodied presence.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the history and current state of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, as well as its potential applications and challenges.
Key Points:
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The early days of VR: The article mentions that the first attempts at creating VR technology date back to the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that VR began to gain traction.
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Oculus Rift’s impact: The article highlights the significance of Oculus Rift’s introduction in 2012, which marked a turning point for VR technology and paved the way for its widespread adoption.
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Current state of VR: The article notes that while VR has made significant progress, it still lacks a “killer app” or a product that combines compelling technology with an intuitive design.
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Social VR and embodied presence: The article explores the concept of social VR and how it enables users to interact with each other in virtual environments, creating a sense of embodied presence.
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Challenges and concerns: The article discusses potential challenges and concerns related to VR, including harassment, toxic behavior, authentication, and misuse of technology.
Notable mentions:
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Magic Leap’s AR headset: The article mentions Magic Leap’s secretive development of an augmented reality (AR) headset that can deliver traditional VR as well as hologram-driven mixed reality.
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Apple’s rumored headset: The article reports on rumors surrounding Apple’s work on a potential VR/AR headset, which could launch as early as 2020.
Takeaways:
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VR technology has made significant progress in recent years, but it still requires innovation and refinement to reach its full potential.
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Social VR and embodied presence have the potential to revolutionize online interactions and create new forms of social engagement.
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The misuse of VR technology is a pressing concern that requires careful consideration and regulation.
Additional resources:
The article provides links to additional WIRED guides on related topics, including:
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The Untold Story of Magic Leap: A deep dive into the secretive development of Magic Leap’s AR headset.
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The Inside Story of Oculus Rift: An account of how Oculus Rift became a reality and changed the VR landscape.
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Coming Attractions: The Rise of VR Porn: An exploration of the early adoption of VR technology in the adult-film industry.
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The Display of the Future Might Be in Your Contact Lens: A look at the development of AR contact lenses and their potential applications.
Overall, this article provides a thorough examination of the current state of VR technology, its potential applications, and its challenges.
