Understanding: what is VR really?

XXI century is the century of advanced technologies. And now it is even difficult to imagine that 100 years ago people were running away from cinemas when a train from the film of the Lumiere brothers was riding on them. And now they are trying to "hit" this train with the help of virtual reality glasses.

But what exactly is VR? How is it different from AR? And from MR? What opportunities does it open up for a person? For what and for what purpose are they actually used? We'll tell you everything you need to know about VR in 4 points.

1. What do all these letters mean?

VR stands for virtual reality. This is essentially a technically created world that a person experiences through the channels of feelings. VR completely immerses a person in virtual reality. That is, when you put on glasses, you lose the feeling that you are in a room, and completely immerse yourself in the world that has been chosen: the ocean, the street of a city, the jungle, etc.

AR stands for augmented reality. This technology is of a slightly different nature. It adds (or removes) non-existent elements to the real world through sensory data. The most striking example of this technology is the game "Pokemon GO". If you walk down the street and see Pikachu through your smartphone screen on the road, that's AR.

Then there is MR, which stands for mixed reality. This technology combines the best of the previous two. The person is in contact with the real world, in which there are "real" virtual objects, indistinguishable from the real ones. That is, if you put on glasses, your room is around you, but there is a horse in it that does not differ from the real one - this is MR.

2. What devices help you immerse yourself in virtual reality?

For a full-fledged immersion in VR, there are already special glasses, helmets, suits, gloves and even entire rooms.

There is also a budget option - glasses into which a smartphone is inserted. Their cost starts from several hundred rubles, but in them you can only look around. Glasses with their own screen and VR helmets are another matter. They connect to a set-top box or computer. But the most powerful immersive experience at the moment is provided by the VR room, also called the CAVE system. And such a pleasure is worth it.

3. VR is only toys?

No, virtual reality is used not only in games. In fact, VR has penetrated so many areas of our life.

For example, many museums are already mastering this technique for conducting virtual excursions (for example, in ancient times).

This technology has also greatly expanded the possibilities of cinema: virtual cinemas and films made using virtual reality have already appeared. You literally turn out to be the hero of the events. At the moment, large film companies are creating trial short films in this format, but so far most often these are just pictures that are beautiful from all sides without a plot.

VR is also very useful in education, medicine, natural sciences. For example, with the help of a virtually recreated reality, students can conduct experiments and experiments without harm to themselves and the health of others.

4. What can I try now?

You can start with the most accessible - simple 360-degree videos of which YouTube is full. There are as documentaries (mostly extreme: racing, parachute, etc.). They were filmed with special video cameras and computer work. Before watching, you just need to put on special glasses.

When it comes to gaming, all the leading gaming companies are now focusing on VR toys. And also virtual rooms are gaining momentum. Becoming more and more relevant, they will soon be much more accessible.