What Is Virtual Reality?  (A Simple Definition of VR)

What Is Virtual Reality? (With Examples)

Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world.

VR is achieved by using a headset that gives users a 360-degree, three-dimensional view of a virtual environment. This technology can transport people to different times and places, create new worlds, and provide an immersive experience that can be used for entertainment (e.g. Prime Video VR, gaming), education, training, and more.

Some popular examples of VR technology include:

These systems allow users to interact with the virtual environment in a variety of ways, such as using controllers or hand motions.

What Are the 3 Types of Virtual Reality?

There are 3 main types of VR that let you experience a different place or situation:

Non-Immersive Simulations

Non-immersive VR is the simplest form of VR and usually just consists of a 2D image or video that you can view on a computer screen. You might use non-immersive VR to take a virtual tour of a museum or art gallery, for example.

Semi-Immersive Simulations

Semi-immersive VR is a type of VR that gives you a more lifelike experience than non-immersive VR, as it uses 3D images and sound. However, you are still aware that you’re using a computer program and not actually experiencing the situation in real life.

Fully-Immersive Simulations

Immersive VR is the most advanced type of VR and it fully immerses you in a three-dimensional environment. You’ll be able to interact with objects or even people as if they were really there.

Virtual Reality vs Augmented Reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two popular technologies that are used to create immersive experiences.

Both VR and AR can be used to create realistic environments that can be experienced by a person. However, there are some key differences between these two technologies.

VR technology creates a completely immersive experience for the user. This means that the user is cut off from the outside world and is only able to experience the virtual environment.

On the other hand, AR technology augments the real world with digital elements. This allows the user to still see and interact with the real world, while also seeing digital elements that are superimposed on top of it.

Why Is It Called Virtual Reality?

The term was coined in the 1980s by Jaron Lanier, one of the pioneers of the technology.

He used the word “virtual” to describe the computer-generated environments that were becoming increasingly realistic. And “reality” because users could interact with these environments as if they were real.

Overview: What’s Virtual Reality?

Simply put, virtual reality is a technology that allows users to experience digital environments in a realistic way.

Virtual reality headsets (Amazon) are the most common way to experience virtual reality, but there are other ways to interact with virtual worlds, such as using controllers or gloves.

Whether you’re playing a game, exploring a new place, or learning about something new, virtual reality can offer an immersive and exciting experience.