The History Of Virtual Reality And Where It’s Headed

Donovan LarsenDecember 15, 2022

0 60 13 minutes read

If all the big tech giants had their way (and they are getting close to it), virtual reality would be an everyday way of life. The push to bring virtual reality out of the game room and into the board room is in overdrive with Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg leading the charge.

Now the move to take virtual reality out of the game room and into the board room doesn’t mean VR gaming is set to go away. On the contrary, the plans concerning VR most definitely will continue to revolve around VR gaming. But Zuckerberg has big plans for VR technology, and he is betting billions that he can make it work.

To understand where we are at with the technology and equipment, we must first acknowledge how we got there. While virtual reality may appear to be a newer technology, its roots go much further back.

VIRTUAL REALITY CREATES A THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORLD WITHIN A HEADSET

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What exactly is virtual reality? We went to the smart guys and gals at NASA to ask that same question and here is the definition we got: “Virtual reality is the use of computer technology to create the effect of an interactive three-dimensional world in which the objects have a sense of spatial presence.”

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Okay, that’s a good start. To break it down, even more, we chose Oxford’s definition: “the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.”

While we appreciate NASA’s input, what we were looking for was a description that many of us are more familiar with – the use of special electronic equipment to freak the ever-lovin’ bejesus out of you.

IDEAS AROUND VIRTUAL REALITY BEGAN ALMOST 100 YEARS AGO

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While many of us may think virtual reality is a fairly new concept, you may be surprised to find out that the concept has been around for well over 180 years. Its origins date back to 1838 when Sir Charles Wheatstone was the first to describe stereopsis (roughly translated as “depth perception”). Two years later, Wheatstone would win the Royal Medal of Royal Society for his explanation of binocular vision.

In Wheatstone’s research, he was able to demonstrate that the brain combines two pictures of the same object which are taken from different points to give the picture an illusion of depth and immersion. It was this research that led him to build the very first stereoscope.

Fast forward a few years and in 1935, American author and science fiction writer Stanley Weinbaum created the first fictional model for virtual reality in his short story titled Pygmalion’s Spectacles. In Weinbaum’s story, his main character meets up with a professor who has invented a special pair of goggles. These goggles would allow the wearer to view “a movie that gives one sight and sound” and “taste, smell, and touch.”

The professor goes on to explain “You are in the story; you speak to the shadows (characters), and they reply.” He ends by saying, “the story is all about you, and you are in it.”

Does anyone out there remember the View-Master? It was a small red stereoscope that users would put round 3D reels inside. You would then slide the button down to move from one picture to the next. It was first introduced at the New York World’s Fair in 1939 and enjoyed a major boom in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Believe it or not, the View-Master is still around and doing fairly good business.

Morton Heilig was a cinematographer in 1956 and he thought he had the “cinema of the future.” He had just built the Sensorama, the world’s first VR machine. His machine was built large enough to hold up to four people at one time and it combined a number of different technologies that would stimulate all the senses.

Once inside the Sensorama, users would see full-color 3D video paired with audio, smell and atmospheric effects, and vibrations. He did all of this by using a vibrating chair, scent producers for different smells, stereo speakers for layered sounds, and a large, stereoscopic 3D screen. Unfortunately, the six films he produced for his Sensorama didn’t produce the effect he was hoping for, and the machine never took off.

But the technology was there, Heilig proved that. Over the next couple of decades, VR technology continued to improve and advance. Heilig himself patented the Telesphere Mask in 1960, which became the first head-mounted VR display.

The military got involved and began producing and testing their own versions of VR equipment. More training equipment was being built around VR technology. Flight simulators were built by General Electric. But for the most part, early VR revolved mainly to train. The thought to bring them to the public and gaming didn’t come until much later.

IN THE 1980s AND 1990s VIRTUAL REALITY BEGINS TO GAIN STEAM

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With all these advancements in virtual reality, it was only a matter of time until someone began to develop VR for public consumption. The problem early on was that the technology was so expensive that it was felt the general public wouldn’t be able to afford it.

In the late ‘80s, two former Atari programmers decided to develop VR hardware. One of these programmers, Jaron Lanier, was the man who coined the term “virtual reality” for their equipment.

One of their big sellers was the DataGlove. This piece of equipment inspired Mattel and Nintendo to come together and build a low-cost glove of their own. They called it the PowerGlove and it came out in 1989 with two games, Super Glove Ball and Bad Street Brawler.

Although the glove sales lasted a little over one year, public interest in VR was beginning to grow. The release of the 1992 Stephen King movie, Lawnmower Man helped build interest in VR headsets, so work started on making headsets. Nintendo’s Virtual Boy was one of the first VR products released but this didn’t require a headset. Sega then introduced their Sega VR and for a while, it was a big hit.

But as gamers know, things go in waves and the VR craze wave was about to crash.

INTEREST IN THE TECHNOLOGY WAINED IN THE EARLY 2000s

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Why it didn’t take the first time around is not really known. The technology was new (to the public), the games were fun, and the costs weren’t as high as they could be. Perhaps it was just seen as a novelty and not something a gamer could get into. The headsets could be cumbersome and although the technology had a high cool-factor element to it, it wasn’t as smooth a simply turning on a game and playing.

The VR trend went away. Players didn’t buy it anymore, so game manufacturers backed away. By the time the 2000s hit, VR was a virtual no-go to gamers. It lasted a good long time, and it wasn’t until a decade passed that life would return to virtual reality.

THE OCULUS RIFT HELPED SPARK A DEMAND FOR VIRTUAL REALITY IN THE 2010s

Up from the ashes, it shall rise. Virtual reality found new life. It took some time, but interest began to creep into the general public in the 2010s. The Oculus Rift was one of the first products to hit the market. It was followed by Google Cardboard and from there, the seal was broken.

Sony got into the mix by developing their PlayStation VR for PlayStation 4. Valve climbed into the VR ring when it teamed up with HTC to bring the HTC Vive to the public. Samsung wanted to play, so they entered the fray with the Samsung Gear VR, which was designed to use their Galaxy Smartphones. This was a big hit until it wasn’t. They found out their phones couldn’t handle the processing power needed to play virtual reality games over a long period of time.

Nintendo came out with their Labo VR Kit to pair with the Switch. VR was back in a big way, and everyone was wanting a piece of the action.

IT CAN CAUSE MOTION SICKNESS AND EYE FATIGUE

Of course, you can’t promote VR and actually play the game without knowing the risks involved. First and foremost, you will need some space to play. Thousands have busted their ass falling to the ground trying to manipulate the games they play. So realistic are some games that users get completely lost in them, not understanding the real world outside the VR headset.

Another issue many have faced is the motion sickness it can create. Gamers call it cybersickness and if you aren’t prepared to move around in a virtual world, it can get to you. You will feel all the nastiness of motion sicknesses like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, sweats, and disorientation. Some of you may also call this a hangover.

And there are other issues that have presented themselves to users. Eye fatigue can be an issue as can a more serious one of epilepsy or blacking out. If any symptoms present themselves to you while under the VR spell, you should discontinue playing immediately.

META IS CREATING ALL NEW WORLDS WITH THE TECHNOLOGY

Gamers are in virtual reality heaven. They have options galore and the VR game makers are coming up with so many amazing things, it’s simply, well…amazing. But games aren’t the only area VR is being used.

Meta is the new name and VR is their new fame. Or so Mark Zuckerberg thinks. Back in October, the face of Facebook announced that the popular social media site was in for a change. A name change, that is. Instead of Facebook, Zuckerberg said they were taking on the name of Meta.

His reasoning? He feels the metaverse is the future and he was going all-in on the technology and equipment. By all in, we mean $10 billion worth of all in. That is what Meta plans on investing this year alone to develop VR products like a robotic hand, high-tech VR glasses, and a number of VR software applications to get the virtual ball rolling.

Meta has already introduced Horizon Workrooms, which uses the Oculus Quest 2 VR beta software to bring the boardroom to the home office. Real-life meetings will be a thing of the past if Zuckerberg has his way.

Meta isn’t alone though. Big tech feels there is a huge business to be had so they are jumping in headfirst. Even though Google’s Glass was a failure, it hasn’t stopped them from continuing their push.

Microsoft introduced Hololens in 2015, but their $3,000 commercial suite was aimed at businesses. It has been a hit as they have developed better technology. Big companies like Toyota, Suntory, and Kenworth use Hololens.

Valve is another big player in the VR market. They have the Index headset that pairs will Valve’s Steam video games and they are getting plenty of action. Of course, there are also the Apple rumors. Don’t expect them to be left out in the cold. There is speculation that Apple has already developed its version of smart glasses and VR headsets and that consumers will see these products sometime in 2022.

Virtual reality is back, folks. You don’t have to get on board with it, but you might want to give it a try. It can be a fun, and potentially nauseating time for all.

The post The History Of Virtual Reality And Where It’s Headed appeared first on Tell Me Best.

20 Cheap Imported Beers Better Than Budweiser

Import Beers That Beat Budweiser

It’s easy to find good domestic beer at a fair price. But what about imported beer? Some might think it’s like craft beer – expensive and sometimes esoteric – but in fact, a wide array of affordable and accessible imports can be found nationwide. Although prices vary by location, many are cheaper or about the same as a six-pack of beers like Budweiser. The more important thing? Most taste better.

Pilsner Urquell

While Czech beers aren’t well-known abroad, this central European country has a respectable roster of beers. Why? Well, as the country that drinks the most beer per capita, the Czech people need to supply a lot of brewskis. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Pilsner Urquell, one ofthe Czech Republic’s most popular brews, is an excellent choice. And at less than $10 at most stores, it won’t break the bank.

Related: 19 of the Oldest Breweries in America

Harp

Harp is a crisp, easy-drinking lager that might make some Americans wish it were as available as Budweiser. It’s made by Guinness, which started brewing Harp in the 1960s as beer drinkers in Europe began drinking more lager. Although Harp is promoted as an Irish product, the bottles that make it to the U.S. are typically brewed in Canada.

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Red Stripe

This easygoing Jamaican lager actually got off to a rough start when exports to the U.S. started in 1985 – in widely used tall bottles. Marketers resolved the issue by switching to the signature squat design people had seen when traveling in Jamaica. Considering its broad appeal and affordability, Red Stripe is a safe choice when supplying beer for a get-together.

Related: How to Pair 12 Beers With Food

Corona Extra

Famous for its beachfront commercials, this pale lager is usually served with a wedge of lime or lemon to bring some tartness to its light flavor. Corona means “crown,” which is appropriate given that it’s the most popular imported beer in the U.S.

Tecate

With its sharp and tangy taste, the Mexican lager Tecate might not have as broad an appeal as Corona or Red Stripe. But for the price – usually cheaper than Corona – it’s a solid choice for a summer beer.

Czechvar

This pale lager is controversial in the U.S., and not because of its balanced, crisp flavor. The controversy stems from a decades-long legal dispute between the Czech brewer and its American counterpart over the Budweiser name. We aren’t legal experts, but we can say that Czechvar tastes loads better than Anheuser-Busch’s flavorless lager. So the next time you reach for a Bud, make it a Czech one.

Pacífico

Pacífico, while light enough to be refreshing in the summer, is full-bodied and distinctive, and many claim this cheap Mexican Pilsner is superior to Corona and Tecate. Try serving with a wedge of lime and salt on the rim of the glass.

Dos Equis

Though “The Most Interesting Man in the World” might not specify it in his famous commercials, there are different types of Dos Equis – look for Amber, Lager Especial, and Azul, which is brewed with blue agave nectar and has a higher alcohol content than other Dos Equis beers.

Sol

Another Mexican lager, Sol is an easy-drinking golden brew that’s comparable to Corona in its light taste. That means you might want to steal a note from Corona and consider adding a wedge of lime or lemon.

König Pilsener

This German Pilsner might be a bit hard to find in the U.S., which is a shame. König has a solid golden color that hints at being just a tad heavier than American Pilsners, but many agree it is the superior choice, with subtle flavors and just the right amount of carbonation.

Heineken

Just a few coins more expensive than Budweiser, Heineken is the third-best-selling imported beer in the U.S., with about $901 million in sales during 2021, according to Statista. With its hard-to-miss green bottle and red star logo, Heineken dominates the international beer market and is sold in more than 170 countries. And though it might be a bit bland, it’s an easy introduction to imported beers for those accustomed only to domestic products.

Molson Dry

Although the centuries-old Canadian Molson Brewery merged with Coors in 2005, it still makes beer in Canada and exports to the U.S. One of the most popular is Molson Dry, an easy-drinking lager that won the gold for North American Specialty Lager in the 2002 World Beer Cup.

Zywiec Porter

This Polish porter is characterized by its rich, chocolatey flavors and smoky undertones. And with its 9.5% alcohol by volume measurement, it’s definitely going to hit harder than a can of American Bud. So if you’re looking for a unique beer and more bang for your buck, then a bottle of Zywiec Porter is sure to impress.

Modelo Especial

As one of the most imported beers to the U.S., Modelo Especial is a light Pilsner with broad appeal. Modelo Especial has a sweet, malty taste that contrasts nicely with spicier foods such as Mexican or Indian dishes.

Labatt Blue

This Pilsner is the self-proclaimed best-selling Canadian beer in the world. At its low price, Labatt Blue is a good change of pace from similar American beers such as Budweiser or Miller Genuine Draft. Labatt Blue is also an innovator – it was the first beer brand in Canada to include a twist-off top.

St. Pauli Girl

Identifiable by its iconic logo of a German girl in traditional garb, St. Pauli Girl is an affordable, full-bodied lager. The makers of St. Pauli Girl claim to brew in accordance with Reinheitsgebot, the German beer “purity” laws from 1516 – questionable, seeing as they use culture yeast in the brewing process. Either way, the beer enjoys its title as a gold medal winner for the American Tasting Institute Best Full Calorie German Lager.

Guinness Draught

Guinness Draught, more than 250 years old and popular worldwide, is probably the cheapest stout that’s widely available in the U.S., and a great beer for those looking for something heavier and richer than lagers.

Sapporo

This lager has become the top-selling Japanese beer among American drinkers since its introduction in 1984. Sapporo might be slightly more bitter than domestic lagers such as Budweiser, but it pairs well with just about any dish with its crisp flavor and mild hoppiness.

Hoegaarden

This wheat beer dates back to the 15th century, when a group of Belgian monks decided to experiment with their brewing process. After adding a dash of botanicals, Hoegaarden was born. This centuries-old beverage is full of refreshing notes typical of wheat beers, like citrus and coriander. And best of all, a six-pack can be had for less than $10.

Bitburger

As one of Germany’s most popular beers, you know Bitburger has got to be good. And it’s easy to see the appeal, as this Pilsner is somehow dry, bitter, and sweet all at the same time. The bottom line? It’s easy to drink, well-made, and cheaper than its craft competitors.

More From Cheapism:

21 Summer Beers to Cool You Off On a Hot Day
The 3 Adult Beverages You Need to Add to Your Summer Drinks Repertoire
The Most Refreshing Cocktails From Around the World
The Best Non-Alcoholic Beers
The Cost of a Beer and a Hot Dog at Every MLB Ballpark

21/21 SLIDES

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/the-history-of-virtual-reality-and-where-its-headed/ar-AA15f4D3

VIRTUAL REALITY CREATES A THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORLD WITHIN A HEADSET

IDEAS AROUND VIRTUAL REALITY BEGAN ALMOST 100 YEARS AGO

IN THE 1980s AND 1990s VIRTUAL REALITY BEGINS TO GAIN STEAM

INTEREST IN THE TECHNOLOGY WAINED IN THE EARLY 2000s

THE OCULUS RIFT HELPED SPARK A DEMAND FOR VIRTUAL REALITY IN THE 2010s

IT CAN CAUSE MOTION SICKNESS AND EYE FATIGUE

META IS CREATING ALL NEW WORLDS WITH THE TECHNOLOGY

20 Cheap Imported Beers Better Than Budweiser

Import Beers That Beat Budweiser

Pilsner Urquell

Harp

Red Stripe

Corona Extra

Tecate

Czechvar

Pacífico

Dos Equis

Sol

König Pilsener

Heineken

Molson Dry

Zywiec Porter

Modelo Especial

Labatt Blue

St. Pauli Girl

Guinness Draught

Sapporo

Hoegaarden

Bitburger

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