Category: virtual reality

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Exploring the Concept of Virtual Identity: A Technical Analysis

Virtual Identity Explained

With the increasing use of technology, the concept of virtual identity has become a popular topic of discussion. Virtual identity refers to the digital representation of an individual, which includes personal information, behavior, and interactions in the online world. This article explores the technical aspects of virtual identity and its role in various digital platforms.

The Technical Aspects of Virtual Identity

Virtual identity is a complex concept that involves technical aspects such as data encryption, user authentication, and digital signatures. Data encryption is used to ensure that personal information is kept secure during transmission across networks. User authentication is the process of confirming the identity of an individual using a username and password, biometric verification, or other identification methods. Digital signatures are used to verify the authenticity of electronic documents and transactions.

Virtual Identity: The Role of Authentication

Authentication is a critical component of virtual identity, as it ensures that only authorized individuals have access to personal information and digital resources. In addition to usernames and passwords, modern authentication methods include multi-factor authentication, biometric verification, and behavioral analysis. Multi-factor authentication involves using more than one form of identification, such as a password and a security token. Biometric verification uses physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to identify individuals. Behavioral analysis uses machine learning algorithms to analyze user behavior and detect anomalies that may indicate fraudulent activity.

Virtual Identity vs. Real Identity: A Comparison

Virtual identity differs from real identity in several ways. Real identity refers to an individual’s physical characteristics and personal information, such as name, date of birth, and address. Virtual identity includes this information, as well as online behavior, interactions, and preferences. Virtual identity can be more fluid than real identity, as individuals can create multiple virtual identities or change their online persona to fit different contexts.

Privacy Concerns in Virtual Identity

Privacy is a major concern in virtual identity, as personal information can be easily accessed and exploited in the online world. Individuals must be aware of the risks associated with sharing personal information online and take steps to protect their virtual identity. This includes using strong passwords, limiting the amount of personal information shared online, and being cautious when interacting with unknown individuals or sites.

Digital Footprint: Building Virtual Identity

A digital footprint is the trail of data left behind by an individual’s online activity. This includes social media posts, search engine queries, and website visits. A digital footprint can be used to build a virtual identity, as it provides insight into an individual’s behavior and interests. It is important for individuals to manage their digital footprint and ensure that it accurately represents their values and beliefs.

The Importance of Virtual Identity Management

Virtual identity management involves controlling and maintaining an individual’s online presence. This includes monitoring online behavior, managing privacy settings, and responding to negative content or reviews. Virtual identity management is important for individuals, businesses, and organizations to maintain a positive image and protect against reputation damage.

Virtual Identity and Cybersecurity

Virtual identity is closely tied to cybersecurity, as the protection of personal information and digital resources is essential to maintaining virtual identity. Cybersecurity involves protecting against unauthorized access, cyber-attacks, and data breaches. Individuals and businesses must implement strong security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems, to protect against cyber threats.

Virtual Identity in Social Media

Social media platforms are a major component of virtual identity, as they provide a space for individuals to express themselves and interact with others online. Social media profiles can be used to build a virtual identity, showcase skills and accomplishments, and connect with others in a professional or personal capacity. It is important for individuals to be mindful of their social media activity and ensure that it aligns with their desired virtual identity.

Virtual Identities in Gaming: A Technical Discussion

Virtual identities are also prevalent in the gaming world, where individuals can create avatars and interact with others in virtual environments. Gaming platforms must implement strong security measures to protect against hacking, cheating, and other forms of abuse. Virtual identities can be used to enhance the gaming experience, as players can customize their avatars and build relationships with other players.

Virtual Reality and Virtual Identity

Virtual reality technology allows individuals to immerse themselves in virtual environments and interact with others in a more realistic way. Virtual reality can enhance virtual identity by allowing individuals to create more realistic avatars and interact with others in a more natural way. It is important for individuals to be aware of the privacy risks associated with virtual reality and take steps to protect their personal information.

The Future of Virtual Identity

As technology continues to evolve, the concept of virtual identity will become increasingly important. It is up to individuals, businesses, and organizations to manage virtual identity effectively and protect against cyber threats. By understanding the technical aspects of virtual identity and implementing strong security measures, individuals can build a positive online presence and protect their personal information in the digital world.

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Exploring Virtual Identity: Systems, Ethics, AI

The Concept of Virtual Identity

The concept of virtual identity refers to the way individuals and entities present themselves in digital environments. It encompasses aspects such as online profiles, avatars, digital footprints, and personal data. Virtual identity has become an integral part of modern life, as more and more people interact with each other and with organizations through digital channels. However, virtual identity also raises significant ethical, legal, and technological challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its responsible and beneficial use.

=== Historical Overview of Virtual Identity Systems

Virtual identity systems have been around for decades, dating back to the early days of the internet when bulletin board systems (BBS) and multi-user dungeons (MUD) allowed users to create online personas. The advent of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in the 2000s gave rise to a new era of virtual identity, where millions of users could build and maintain online profiles that reflected their real-life identities. More recently, blockchain-based identity systems are being developed as a way to provide decentralized and secure virtual identity management.

=== Types of Virtual Identity Systems

There are several types of virtual identity systems, each with its own characteristics and use cases. Some examples include:

  • Personal identity systems: These are systems that allow individuals to create and manage their digital identities, such as social media profiles, email accounts, and online banking accounts.
  • Organizational identity systems: These are systems that allow organizations to establish their digital identities, such as corporate websites, online stores, and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms.
  • Federated identity systems: These are systems that allow users to access multiple digital services using a single set of credentials, such as the OpenID Connect protocol.
  • Self-sovereign identity systems: These are systems that give individuals full control over their digital identities, including the ability to manage their personal data, share it with others, and revoke access when needed.

=== Ethics of Virtual Identity Creation and Use

The creation and use of virtual identity raise numerous ethical concerns that need to be addressed. For instance, virtual identity systems can perpetuate bias, discrimination, and exclusion if they are designed or used in ways that favor certain groups over others. Furthermore, virtual identity systems can compromise individual privacy and autonomy if they collect and store personal data without consent or use it for nefarious purposes. Ethical considerations should be central to the design, deployment, and management of virtual identity systems to ensure that they serve the public good.

=== Regulating Virtual Identity: Legal Frameworks

Virtual identity systems are subject to various legal frameworks that govern their creation and use. These frameworks include data protection regulations, privacy laws, consumer protection laws, and intellectual property laws. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe imposes strict requirements on the processing of personal data, including the right to be forgotten, the right to access, and the right to rectification. Legal frameworks can help mitigate the risks associated with virtual identity systems and provide a framework for ethical and responsible use.

=== Case Study: Virtual Identity in Social Media

Social media platforms have become a major source of virtual identity for millions of people worldwide. Users can create online profiles that include personal information, photos, videos, and posts. These profiles can be used to connect with friends and family, share opinions and experiences, and engage with content from others. However, social media platforms have also been criticized for their handling of user data, their role in spreading misinformation and hate speech, and their impact on mental health and well-being. Social media companies are facing increasing pressure to adopt more responsible and transparent practices that protect users’ privacy and mitigate harm.

=== Virtual Identity and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly prominent role in virtual identity systems. AI algorithms can be used to analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns, trends, and correlations, which can be used to improve virtual identity management. For example, AI can be used to detect fraudulent activities, prevent identity theft, and personalize user experiences. However, AI also raises significant ethical concerns, such as bias, discrimination, and lack of transparency. Virtual identity systems that rely on AI should be designed and implemented in ways that prioritize ethical considerations and ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.

=== Benefits of Virtual Identity Systems

Virtual identity systems offer numerous benefits to individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Some of these benefits include:

  • Improved access to digital services and resources
  • Enhanced personalization and customization of user experiences
  • Increased efficiency and convenience in digital transactions
  • Better security and fraud prevention
  • Greater transparency and accountability in identity management

Virtual identity systems can also facilitate social inclusion and empowerment by providing individuals with a platform to express their identity, connect with others, and participate in public discourse.

=== Risks and Challenges of Virtual Identity

Virtual identity systems also pose significant risks and challenges that need to be addressed. Some of these risks include:

  • Privacy violations and data breaches
  • Identity theft and fraud
  • Discrimination and bias
  • Cyberbullying and online harassment
  • Misinformation and propaganda

Virtual identity systems can also exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities and widen the digital divide if they are not designed and implemented in inclusive and equitable ways.

=== The Future of Virtual Identity: Trends and Projections

The future of virtual identity is likely to be shaped by several trends and projections. These include:

  • Increasing adoption of blockchain-based identity systems
  • Greater focus on privacy and data protection
  • Advancements in AI and machine learning
  • Growing demand for self-sovereign identity management
  • Emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility

The future of virtual identity will also be shaped by societal, cultural, and political factors that are difficult to predict but will undoubtedly play a significant role.

The Importance of Virtual Identity

Virtual identity is a crucial aspect of modern life that offers both opportunities and challenges. As digital technologies continue to shape the way we interact and communicate with each other, virtual identity will become even more important in shaping our digital selves. To ensure that virtual identity serves the public good and respects individual rights and freedoms, it is essential to adopt an ethical, legal, and responsible approach to its creation and use. By doing so, we can harness the benefits of virtual identity while mitigating its risks and challenges.

=== References and Further Reading

  1. Solove, D. J. (2013). Understanding privacy. Harvard University Press.
  2. Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Doubleday.
  3. European Union. (2016). General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32016R0679
  4. Kantara Initiative. (2019). Identity and Access Management for the Internet of Things (IoT) Primer. Retrieved from https://kantarainitiative.org/download/80863/
  5. World Economic Forum. (2018). Empowering Identity: Blockchain for Development – A Primer. Retrieved from http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Empowering_Identity_Blockchain_for_Development_2018.pdf
  6. World Bank Group. (2016). Digital Dividends. Retrieved from https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/23347/9781464806711.pdf
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Are We Living in a Simulated Reality?

 

According to some theorists, we are living in a simulated reality. This theory is based on the idea that the world we experience is nothing more than a computer simulation. Furthermore, some scientists believe that an advanced civilization could create this simulation.

We spend so much time inside computers and phones that it’s hard to imagine life without them. But what if we’re living in a simulated reality?

Some people think that computers could be creating simulations of different worlds in which to play, while others believe that our entire reality could be just one extensive computer simulation.

What is defined as Real?

When discussing what is real, it’s important to define what is meant by the term. For some, the reality is what can be experienced through the five senses. Anything that exists outside of that is considered to be fake or simulated.

Others may believe that reality is more than just what can be perceived with the senses. It may also include things that are beyond our understanding or knowledge.

In the movie “The Matrix,” Morpheus asks Neo what is real. This is a question that people have asked throughout history. Philosophers have debated this question for centuries. What is real? Is it the physical world that we can see and touch? Or is it something else?

What is real? How do you define ‘real’? If you’re talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then ‘real’ is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain.

-Morpheus, The Matrix

 

Some people believe that there is more to reality than what we can see and touch. They believe that a spiritual world exists beyond our physical world. Others believe that reality is nothing more than an illusion.

There is no single answer to this question as it varies from individual to individual. What one person considers natural may not be seen as such by someone else. This makes it a difficult topic to debate or discuss.

The Matrix: A movie or a Documentary?

There is a lot of debate over whether the 1999 movie The Matrix is a work of fiction or a documentary.

The Matrix is a movie based on the idea of simulated reality. It asks the question, what if our world is not what we think it is? What if we are living in a simulation? The movie takes this idea and runs it, creating a believable and fascinating world.

 

However, some people believe that The Matrix is more than just a movie. They think that it is a documentary. Our world is a simulated reality, and we live in it without knowing it. While this may seem like a crazy idea, it does have some basis in science.

Simulated reality is something that scientists are currently studying, and there is evidence that suggests it could be possible. So, while The Matrix may be a movie, it could also be based on reality exploring the idea of a simulated reality.

The Simulation Theory

The theory is that we might be living in a simulated reality. Proponents of the simulation theory say that it’s plausible because computing power increases exponentially.

Why wouldn't simulators do so if we could create a simulated world indistinguishable from reality?

Some scientists even believe that we’re already living in a computer-generated simulation and that our consciousness is just a program or algorithm.

Physicist creates AI algorithm that may prove reality is a simulation

A theory suggests that we are all living in a simulated reality. This theory, known as the simulation theory, indicates that humans created a computer program that allows us to experience life as if we are living in the real world at some point in our history.

Some people believe that this theory could explain the mysteries of our existence, such as why we are here and what happens when we die.

The first time the simulation theory was proposed was by philosopher Rene Descartes in 1641. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the theory began to gain popularity. This was due to the development of computers and later artificial intelligence.

Then, in 2003, philosopher Nick Bostrom published a paper titled “Are You Living in a Computer Simulation?” which revived interest in the theory.

While there’s no definitive proof that we’re living in a simulation, the theory raises some interesting questions.

What if everything we experience is just an illusion? What does that mean for our understanding of reality and ourselves?

How could we know if we’re living in a simulation?

There are a few different ways to determine whether or not we’re living in a simulation. One way is to look at the feasibility of creating a simulated world. If it’s possible to create a simulated world that is indistinguishable from the real world, we’re likely living in a simulation.

Another way to determine if we’re living in a simulation is to look at the development of artificial intelligence. If artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence and becomes able to create its simulations, then it’s likely that we’re living in a simulated world.

Whether or not we live in a computer-generated simulation has been debated by philosophers and scientists for centuries. Still, recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have brought the topic back into the spotlight.

Some experts believe that if we create intelligent machines, they could eventually become powerful enough to create their simulations, leading to an infinite number of universes — including ours.

So how could we know if we’re living in a simulation? One way would be to see if the laws of physics can be simulated on a computer. Another approach is to look for glitches or inaccuracies in the universe that could suggest it’s fake. However, both methods are complicated to execute and may not provide conclusive results.

The bottom line is that we may never know whether or not we’re living in a simulation.

Final Thought

The likelihood of living in a simulated reality is still up for debate; the ramifications of such a possibility are far-reaching.

If we were to find ourselves in a simulated world, it would force us to re-evaluate our understanding of reality and its meaning to being human. It would also raise important questions about the nature of existence and our place in the universe.

Apr 18



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How To Use Metaverse Technology To Design A Better Real World

 

Design thinking, a method that puts people and empathy at the center of new product development, has swept from consultancies like IDEO and Frog to nearly every corporate innovation group. Design thinking starts with ethnographic research and insights, then uses prototypes and resonance testing to iterate towards more successful user-centered products. This process is now the gold standard in modern product development. But rather than selling more products, what if the goal is to solve large-scale social problems? How can we enlist metaverse technologies like AI, computer vision, augmented reality, and spatial computing on these meaningful issues? 

 

Metaverse technologies’ incredible potential should be applied beyond avatar chat rooms and virtual property pyramid schemes– They should be put to work to do so much more.

 

There are many programs to learn design thinking, coding, or 3D modeling and animation in the service of producing first-person shooters, but only one academic program in the world that makes solving a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals a central requirement for every student project. The Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design takes the United Nations’  collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all" as a core tenet of their teachings.

 

In January I was invited by co-founders Simona Maschi and Alie Rose, to teach a week-long SuperSight workshop in Costa Rica, focusing on computer vision and augmented reality to envision a better world. “The SDGs are backed up by the most extensive market research in history: they tell us where the needs are at the planetary level. If there are needs there are markets to be created. The great responsibility for design teachers and students is to accelerate the transition towards sustainable products and services that are regenerative and circular. In this process nature can be a mentor teaching us about eco-systems and circularity.” To prepare students for the challenges ahead, the CIID curriculum includes biomimicry and immersive learning sessions in the jungle of Costa Rica. 

 

So to Costa Rica we went. Over the course of the week, my co-instructor Chris McRobbie and I showed some of our AR projects, introduced foundational concepts, design principles, and riffed on the vast potential for the metaverse. The students made things: they used the latest machine learning algorithms built into SNAP lenses and the SNAP Lens Studio tool, then used Apple’s Reality Composer to make a series of augmented reality prototypes. Let me show you what they made, and WHY:

 

Manali and Jen created an AR tool to replace all the statues of old white men in San Jose with inspirational women. Why? For a kid who passes these landmarks every day ambiently learning about their world, “there are a lot of women who deserve to be recognized more.” The student video is here: 

 

Jose, Pablo, and Priscilla used computer vision to blur product packages in the grocery store that are unsustainable. This diminished reality application stears shoppers toward buying products in packaging that’s better for the environment. 

Lisa and Karla created a gamified stretching experience to motivate some movement between all those zoom meetings.

Mia and Vicky used computer vision for an application that is central to so many families and drives a lot of social interaction–pet ownership. Automatic human face recognition remains a fraught topic, but this team used pet-recognition which is much less controversial. The concept helps strangers learn if a dog is friendly, get some ideas for good conversations with the owner, and safely return them home if they are lost.

The most controversial project was from Sofi and Dee, who created a smart glasses app for women to discreetly tag creepy men. Other women see the augmented marks if they choose–a kind of an inverse scarlet letter. 

In last years’ CIID program, Arvind Sanjeev, envisioned a new way to create shared ad-hoc metaverse experiences with an AR flashlight called LUMEN. It has a computer vision system on the front and a bright laser projector to show information anywhere you shine its beam. LUMEN is great for groups of people to peer into the metaverse together. For example, point the beam on a wall to see where electrical conduits run, or onto a body to see the underlying skeletal structure and learn about a knee or shoulder implant. After graduation, Arvind joined forces with Can Yanardag and Matt Visco to develop Lumen into a real venture/platform. The transparent body X-ray effects are so compelling I’m showing LUMEN to orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists at the Healthcare Summit in Jackson Hole this week. 

 

Run a metaverse envisioning workshop for your company this year. 

There are now so many accessible immersive computer prototyping tools like Apple Reality Composer, Adobe Aero, and Snap Lens studio to help your team start experimenting. Even a one-day workshop with a skilled facilitator can help your team ask important questions and start to sketch some ideas to prototype. I often bring in an illustrator or storyboard artist to capture ideas from a good strategic discussion, then hire a game studio to create a fast 3D interactive “sketch” to envision the most promising concepts that come out of a workshop. Building things is a blast. Teams are engaged, learn about the potential of the new medium, and there’s enormous pride that “we made this!”

Tangible prototypes communicate ideas incredibly effectively around the organization.

The metaverses are coming; start sketching experiences for these new worlds.

Each metaverse will have its own technology, privacy policy, business model, and architecture—isolationist or open. Zuckerberg’s vision will be very different than Google’s, Microsoft’s, Apple’s, Amazon’s, MagicLeap’s, UnReal’s or Nvidia’s. Niantic is pursuing a metaverse that augments the world with digital game layers to encourage people to get outside—the real-world metaverse is the one I’m most excited to design and develop.

The key is to get your team to start driving the metaverse-building engines, as my workshop students did. A link to the best prototyping tools is on SuperSight.world. Sketch some experiences: How might this technology change how you collaborate at a distance, learn in context, configure and sell products, envision the future? Becoming fluent in these tools for rapid prototyping and remote work is imperative to stay agile, competitive, and creative.

David Rose
 
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Augmented Reality (AR): What it is, How it Works, Types & Uses

It’s been estimated that augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications have the potential to deliver a £1.4 trillion boost to the global economy by 2030. Adoption of AR/VR has accelerated as businesses discover the cost and productivity benefits: 56% of businesses have implemented augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) in some form and 35% are considering it.

We will explore what augmented reality (AR) is, how it works and how it delivers numerous benefits to industries in this article.

What is augmented reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is the usage of computer technology to project layers of digital content to the real world. The technology dates back to 1960s but the widespread use of smartphones made AR accessible to everyday consumers.

What is the difference between virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)?

Compared to AR, virtual reality (VR) provides a more immersive experience by creating a completely artificial environment that replaces reality. Augmented reality, on the other hand, augments the real-world experience with virtual elements. 

Since VR provides a more immersive experience than AR, it often requires special equipment and high-end computers. AR can be accessed with smartphones or tablets which makes it accessible to a wider audience.

How does augmented reality work?

  • In order to overlay digital content in a real-world environment, AR needs a device with a camera and AR software such as a smartphone, a tablet, or smart glasses. 
  • The AR software uses computer vision to process the video stream captured by the camera and to recognize objects in the environment. This allows the AR system to project virtual content to a relevant place. 
  • Then, it displays the digital content on top of the real environment through the display device in a realistic way.

What are the different types of augmented reality (AR)?

There are different types of augmented reality technology that are proper for different types of tasks. The two main types of AR are:

  • Marker-based AR applications are triggered by specific physical images (markers) captured by the camera to position the digital content on top of it. A marker can be an object or a visual such as logos, posters, or QR codes. The video below demonstrates a marker-based AR. The business card acts as a marker for the AR application which displays additional digital information after it encounters the card.
  • Markerless AR does not depend on markers and lets users decide where to display the digital content. Markerless AR applications rely on the camera, GPS, compass, and accelerometer of the device to gather information about the environment.

There are also different types of markerless AR technology:

  • Superimposition-based AR detects the objects in the real world and partially or fully replaces their original view.
  • Projection-based AR does not need a display device as it projects light onto a surface to display digital objects.
  • Location-based AR provides augmentation in specific places. It uses the device’s GPS and compass to position the virtual object at a point of interest. Pokemon GO mobile game is a popular example that uses location-based AR.
Source: cnet

What are some use cases and applications of AR?

Retail

AR allows retailers to let their customers try products before buying them. For instance, IKEA Place app lets customers to place furnitures in desired places so that they can visualize how the item will look in their homes.

Education

AR applications can be used to make learning material more accessible and help students better engage with the subject. Teachers can get help from visual representation while explaining a subject. For example, Photomath app allows students to scan a math problem and virtually guide them through the solution.

Manufacturing

AR allows fast prototyping in manufacturing and allows remote assistance in maintenance. For instance, Boeing equipped its wire production technicians with AR glasses which guides them while they wire aircrafts. The company claims that this cuts its wiring production time by 25% and reduces the error rates to nearly zero.

Logistics

AR increases efficiency and enable logistics companies to cut costs in warehousing and transportation. AR-enabled devices can instruct human workers in a warehouse by displaying shortest routes to a shelf and provide information about items on the shelves.

Source: Jasoren

For more, feel free to check our article on AI use cases and applications in augmented reality (AR).

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Tech’s On-Going Obsession With Virtual Reality

 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Virtual reality and augmented reality have been steadily evolving for decades, but still haven't lived up to the expectations of many. Here's a look at the current state of VR and AR, and where they're likely to go.

Virtual reality (VR) has been one of the most important technological crazes of modern times. Although the original idea can be traced back to the early '80s, in the last few years we've kept hearing the same question being asked over and over:

"Is THIS the year of VR?"

Because of the inherent limits of our current technologies, VR still struggles to make its breakthrough and become an everyday use product. (Read also: VR/AR Where We Are and Where We Came From.)

Before diving deeper into the topic, let's first take a look at what VR was supposed to be, and what it actually has become, or at least promises to be, instead.

What Is Virtual Reality?

VR equipment consists of headsets and other gadgets used to project a person's virtual image in an artificial world. The general idea is to be able to interact within a virtual reality that is as realistic as possible with objects and other individuals that may also share the same space. In addition to traditional VR goggles, many other items such as gloves and headphones have been added to modern equipment.

Virtual reality seemed to capture public imagination during the '80s and '90s, when movies like "Johnny Mnemonic" and "The Lawnmower Man" fired up a real craze. However, back then, this technology was still very rudimentary and never managed to go beyond unreliable devices such as the infamous Nintendo Power Glove.

Today VR development has come back with devices such as the Oculus Rift, YouTube 360° videos and... well... obviously full-immersive adult movies.

Differences Between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality should not be confused with augmented reality (AR). VR tries to simulate reality through visual and auditory stimulation, while AR just builds on existing reality by enhancing it with digital projections.

AR usually consists of apps and software used on mobile devices to add virtualized elements to the real world. (Read also: Augmented Reality 101.)

Examples of AR include pop-out 3-D emails and text messages, virtual makeup mirrors and apparel color-changing apps. AR can be used to enhance reality by, for example, building physical objects via 3-D printers after they have been "virtualized" from 3-D pictures.

VR offers a believable reconstruction of real-life for entertainment purposes, while AR adds virtual elements to the real world.

Current Status and Future Potentialities

Silicon Valley kept building VR for quite some time, but where is this technology now other than the fleeting entertainment that "Pokemòn Go" provided us with?

Truth be told, much of the current hype about VR technology revolves around a few interesting gadgets. One of the most popular VR headsets is the Oculus Rift, which began as a Kickstarter campaign before Facebook bought it in 2014. Together with the Sony PlayStation VR and the HTC Vive, these devices revolutionized the gaming scenario.

The addition of integrated hardware such as motion-tracked controllers and an extremely immersive experience made these headsets quite popular among gamers. However, the relatively small gaming library and a price that is still far from truly being affordable to the average person are factors that currently prevent these from becoming mainstream.

VR tech is more than just video games, though. According to experts' predictions, in the next 10 years the VR sector will be worth $38 billion. Retailers such as Ikea started their first experiments to let customers view and move about their new appliances or kitchens via a virtual reality headset and controllers. Marks & Spencer launched its first virtual reality showrooms and Volvo designed a virtual driving experience with the Google Cardboard headset.

Will VR Be the Future of Smartphones?

Extremely influential individuals such as Mark Zuckerberg provided some interesting insight on how current smartphone technology seemingly reached a technological impasse. According to his opinion, the competition with Google and Apple is preventing Facebook from developing its full potential in the VR world.

Integration between smartphones and VR can instead be the most probable solution. Programming legends such as John Carmack (the father of "Doom" and "Quake III Arena") are betting on the development of Gear VR, a technology that can make smartphone VR a reality. It's still too early to say whether VR is going to be the solution and the future of social networks as a whole. However, this is definitely the place where Google Glass and Microsoft's HoloLens are looking to.

Possible Medical Applications of VR Technology

One of the latest trends for VR tech is to use it to treat some diseases and conditions. A lot of medical research on its possible applications other than entertainment and media is going on. VR headsets have been used to help phobic patients fight their fears in a controlled environment.

Soldiers who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been treated with it since 1997, when Georgia Tech developed the first Virtual Vietnam VR. Other applications include pain management and social cognition training for autistic patients. (Read also: How AI in Healthcare is Identifying Risks and Saving Money. )

Augmented reality, on the other hand, is currently being used for advanced 3-D imaging by surgeons at the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and Stanford Health Care. Physicians can get a better view of patient anatomy that helps them during delicate operations such as valve replacement.

Controversial Aspects

Just like any other groundbreaking discovery, VR technology is not devoid of potentially negative aspects. A quite modern controversy recently arose, since it's almost inevitable that a large portion of VR landscape will focus on the adult entertainment industry.

This world is still seen as a male-dominated one that only recently saw some form of parity in the form of LGBT adult material. A new technology may, however, cause this hardly gained progress to take several steps backward. Larger companies will probably focus on mainstream male-oriented content, forcing niche audiences to be initially crowded out, if not excluded.

Other possible controversies include social isolation and ethical issues (mostly related to video gaming violence). As violence in the form of firefights and armed battles will take place in such a realistic and immersive way, younger or psychologically unstable consumers can be strongly affected. (Read also: Finite State Machine: How it Has Affected Your Gaming for Over 40 Years.)

Whether this influence would be negative or positive is yet unknown, but many developers would have to ensure that the content of a game can still be perceived as different from reality. Striking the right balance between fiction and realism can be hard, however, as the sense of distance that usually provides players with a safety net can be lost.

Final Thoughts

Despite the hype, VR technology is still in its earliest stages of development. However, it definitely is an enfant prodige, and we surely want to be there to witness the moment when this promising invention will finally go beyond its first steps.

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    • " data-original-title="Written by">Claudio Buttice
    Published: August 28, 2020 | Last updated: February 17, 2022

    Virtual Identity
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