Topic – Types of Virtual Reality | 2021
Have you wished for experiencing the world as you’ve never before? Or to feel what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes? Maybe travel around the globe and space in a matter of seconds?
VR aka virtual reality is the way towards all the adventure which drives you bonkers.
To quote The Matrix,
‘Have you ever had a dream, Neo, that you were so sure was real?’ This is exactly how virtual reality makes you feel.
To know more, stay tuned till the end. We’ll explore the optimum 7 types of Virtual Reality out there for you.
Are there different types of virtual reality?
Yes, there are different types of virtual reality based on the user experience, the virtual environments generated, the gadgets used, their popularity, the different types of VR headsets required, etc.
The VR types are classified into the parent branches of Semi Immersive and Fully Immersive. The rest of the VR types fall under the umbrella of these two specifics.
How many types of virtual reality are there?
Primarily you need to know the basic 7 types of virtual reality.
- Semi Immersive and Immersive VR
- Augmented Reality VR
- Through the Window VR
- Mirror World VR
- Waldo VR
- Chamber World VR
- Cyberspace VR
#1 Semi Immersive and Immersive VR (Main types of virtual reality)
The most basic application of virtual reality technology is what we call Semi Immersive VR. In this type of VR, to experience the VR environment there’s no requirement for VR headsets.
When experiencing Semi Immersive VR environments, we also perceive real-world surroundings.
In the fields of education, entertainment, etc. Semi Immersive VR is prominent.
The easiest access to experience Semi Immersive VR is through 4D Cinemas.
Immersive VR provides a completely virtually simulated environment to the user. You need the VR headsets to experience the ultimate virtual reality here.
The most common examples of Immersive VR are the VR games like Lone Echo, Nefertari, Birdly, etc.
#2 Augmented Reality VR
The Augmented Reality VR is what you experience when you play the game Pokémon go. The overlapping of the virtual reality environment or the computer-generated visuals on the real environment, in real-time, is the Augmented Reality.
The population is most likely to use this type of virtual reality technology.
Another key point of statistics from the recent studies is as follows.
If 58.9 million of the population is using VR, 93.3 million people are using Augmented reality VR at least once per month in 2021.
#3 Through the window VR
The Through the Window VR falls under the umbrella of fully Immersive VR. It specifically asks for more than just a VR headset.
It also needs a controller or a mouse to navigate through the virtually generated environment.
You get the VR experience ‘through the window’ of the computer screen/ VR headset.
As a result, it’s called ‘The Desktop VR’.
It’s got a wide range of applications in the fields of architecture, film industry, gaming industry, etc.
#4 Mirror World VR
Unlike the other types of virtual reality, Mirror World VR provides a unique experience.
As an illustration, it is looking at an imaginary world from the outside.
Nevertheless, the user can interact with the characters, figures, objects but from outside. This type of Virtual reality is without the use of VR headsets or any other gadgets.
The image of the user is overlayed on the virtual reality environment and is seen on the video monitors or by projectors. This type of virtual reality is widely used in the children’s entertainment industry.
#5 Waldo World VR
If you talk about the Waldo World VR, this VR lets you look at the virtually created environment through the VR headsets.
The motion-detecting sensors of the controller feed the actions of the animator to the animation of the robot or the figure on the screen.
Robert Heinlein coined the term ‘Waldo’ in one of his science fiction tales in 1965. This type of VR has its application in the fields of healthcare, gaming, etc.
#6 Chamber World VR
The Chamber World VR is simulated by a group of computers enabling 3D projected environments on the walls around the user.
The user enjoys freer moving space in the Chamber World VR since it gives better immersion compared to Immersive VR.
Hence, it’s another leap in exploring the field of virtual reality.
#7 Cyberspace VR
The artificially created reality with access centers as the computers connected to a specific network or an electronic database is Cyberspace VR.
The online gaming websites which give 2D or 3D virtual environments are the output of Cyberspace VR.
At one time, many users plugged into the same server can access this cyberspace virtual reality environment.
Top 3 VR Headsets to explore the different types of virtual reality
The device which gives access to the virtual reality environment, the important part of the virtual reality technology is the VR headset.
The top 3 VR headsets are as follows.
The PC VR
The tethered VR headsets are the same PC VR, high-end VR headsets, and desktop VR.
USB cords, HDMI, or cables connect these VR headsets to the computer.
Not only do they offer the best experience but also a better immersive quotient.
They work on high computing power, but some companies have come up with a few models which require less computing power.
If you get fewer computing VR headsets then you’re compromising on the quality and the graphics of the generated virtual reality environment.
Oculus Rift, HTC VIVE Pro, Sony Playstation VR, Lenovo, and Intel are the leading VR headsets in the market.
Standalone VR
Standalone VR is also called all-in-one HMDs. These VR headsets are easy to use particularly.
It works on batteries in particular. Thus can be carried anywhere.
It requires the least interaction from the user and is mostly limited to the user account creation.
They’re self-sufficient with storage memory, built-in processors, sensors, etc. As a result, these give low-quality graphics and VR experiences.
These are sought by the people since they’re dynamic and cost-effective.
Smartphone VR
As the name suggests, a smartphone is a requirement here to access the virtual environment. Smartphone VR headsets are known as handheld viewers.
These are the most affordable VR headsets. As the name suggests, these are handheld viewers. T, no straps are provided here.
Powerful smartphones result in a better VR experience for the users.
The most popular VR headset of this type is the Original Google Cardboard.
Examples of Virtual Reality
Virtual reality was once the dream of science fiction. But the internet was also once a dream, and so were computers and smartphones. The future is coming
Mark Zuckerberg
Virtual Reality is finding ways to assist diverse fields effectively. The Military, Med schools (Health Care), Entertainment, Education, Research, Gaming, Architecture, Designing, Mental Health, Sports, etc. use virtual reality.
Some examples of VR are as follows:
- Journalism
- Virtual Traveling
- Virtual Training
- Guided Meditation
- Medical Diagnostics
- Virtual House Planning and Visits, etc.
Concluding – Types Of Virtual Reality With A Futuristic Insight
These were the 7 types of Virtual Reality and a few examples of its application.
Virtual Reality Technology is going to dominate the coming years in a majority of the fields.
From the source of the statistics (Statista), the world is going to witness a 7.7x growth in the usage of Virtual reality technology in the coming years.
Know more about the VR trends for 2021. This concludes the topic types of virtual reality.
