As of today, we know of only one reality that exists, but in the near future, this may no longer be the case. Through the use of virtual reality electronic gear, people will be able to enter endless digital worlds and experience more of our universe than ever before. With this, the applications and possibilities are near endless. But, there are still many setbacks that are stopping virtual reality, from becoming a reality.
One of the most important facts for most people is the cost of just one virtual reality, or VR, headset. For a common VR headset, such as the first brand released, the Oculus Rift, the price range goes from $350 to $400 a piece. Though it seems like a low price for such an advanced piece of technology, many people won’t be able to get their hands on one because of the steep pricing.
Another significant point that is holding the development process back is the toll that the headsets put on beta testers’ bodies. Most of the testers experienced different ranges of nausea similar to car sickness, headaches, and eye strain. Also, testers that experimented from the comfort of their homes have hurt themselves by accidentally falling over, hitting, or bumping into objects and other people, because there isn’t any way of knowing what was around them.
Just because there are problems with the idea of virtual reality, doesn’t mean that there aren’t benefits that balance the scale. One of the most useful applications is being able to perform surgery using machines, yet still providing the surgeon with a full field of view. This could minimize the human errors that happen often in surgery, and help to be more efficient in precision movements that are vital to the surgery’s success.
A similar method could also be used for training of civil service, such as policemen or firefighters. The virtual reality headsets could place them in situations without putting them in actual danger, so that they can learn to react accordingly. Though it wouldn’t perfectly reenact something such as a building fire or a bank robbery, it would help to prepare them in advance for their actions.
All in all, virtual reality gear will most definitely become an integrated part in many of our lives. But until the producers can overcome most of the problems, it is still questionable whether or not we will see them in the near future.
