Virtual reality as a concept is not as recent as many people might think. Human fascination with computer interaction dates back to the age of earlier computers in 1950s. In those days computers were marvelous machines, massively built to carryout some amazing tasks. From those earlier days computer scientists tried to workout innovative modes of interaction. The evolution of computers from mechanical beasts to smart electronic devices also changed the way people used them. Every major breakthrough in computing also radically transformed their mode of interaction, making computers smarter, easy to use and more appealing. This virtual reality technology has over the years evolved from earlier more basic modes of computer interaction.
Visual Display
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considered a massive achievement in itself, an amazing thing which enabled humans to directly interact with computers. These earlier displays were only able to show a very basic graphical representation of text, yet the potential of visual based computer interaction was widely realized. Back then, people knew how important a breakthrough this is in computer interaction. People came up with innovative ideas as to how better utilize this amazing computer display interaction. Thus came the revolutionary idea of GUI (graphical user interface), that dramatically changed the history of modern computing and paved the way for virtual reality that we know today.
Real Life Simulators
The concept of virtual reality was first substantially applied to real life computer simulators. It was
created and effectively adopted by military to train pilots and other military personnel to avoid the the risk of accidents and monetary loss. Later these simulators also came to amusement parks mainly for entertainment purposes.
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These simulators use computers and an array of displays to mimic various real life situations to create custom simulations. These computer simulations are still used by numerous industries to train personnel. Modern simulators are more accurate in mimicking situations and display far better graphics.
Gaming Consoles
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With better computers came better graphics and better graphics meant awesome games.
Popularity of games that mimic real life through virtual worlds and fictitious cities are no doubt a real proof of virtual reality technology's evolution.
Internet
Indeed internet has transformed the way we use computers. Our lives have now become more reliant on the services offered on the internet than in real life. Some people believe that the concept of virtual reality is indeed the second lives we live online. The amount of time we spend on social networks and the way we use the web for every kind of information is truly amazing. No doubt internet has played, and is still playing a vital part in the evolving concept of virtual reality.
Science Fiction
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Technology and science fiction greatly support each other. It is by no means an exaggeration to say
that science fiction has provided enormous inspiration in scientific research and development. Science fiction has always provided the fuel for scientific imagination. What was science fiction a couple of decades ago is reality today. And likewise today's scientific reality and technological advancement rightly provides great inspiration for sci-fi authors.
that science fiction has provided enormous inspiration in scientific research and development. Science fiction has always provided the fuel for scientific imagination. What was science fiction a couple of decades ago is reality today. And likewise today's scientific reality and technological advancement rightly provides great inspiration for sci-fi authors.
The concept of virtual reality is a vast topic in sci-fi novels and movies. Hollywood blockbuster 'The Matrix' is one such example where the concept of virtual reality is beautifully portrayed.
The Present State of VR Technology
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Virtual reality has evolved a lot as a concept and as well as a technology. The present state of virtual reality technology has it all. State of the art visual display capabilities, brilliant accuracy of modern simulators, gaming experience like never before, and the most important of all, easy accessibility and affordable price. And if you add to it the online integration feature, it becomes a master piece. But, still the virtual reality technology of 2016 is in the evolutionary stages, one can only imagine what the future will bring.