Paving The Way For Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality was once the dream of every film-maker, video-gamer and futurist. Expectations ran from revolutionizing education to field-training for dangerous occupations to virtual vacations at fractions of real-world prices. While technology has improved dramatically since the first virtual reality offerings, VR has never quite caught on. Developments in computers and materials are paving the way for resurgence of popularity for virtual reality. New VR consoles may take advantage of these advancements to create a truly immersive experience.

Computer Power 

According to Moore’s Law, miniaturization advances allow computer processing power to effectively double every two years. Considering the capability of today’s computers, it won’t be long before limitations of processing and memory are a thing of the past. While virtual reality programs have always been large, fast direct attached storage and increased memory capacity make running even the largest programs feasible. As processors and memory become more efficient and less expensive these programs will be able to be more complex and lifelike.

Augmented Reality 

Virtual reality was originally designed using total immersion headsets. At the time it was the only way to filter out unwanted background details and provide a fully sculpted experience. Advances in several key technologies have created a new way of experiencing virtual reality called “augmented reality”.

Soon, computer-generated imagery will be able to be viewed within the eye itself without cumbersome headgear. Since augmented reality works with the background images of the real world and enhances them, virtual reality will no longer require complete sensory deprivation.

Metamaterials 

Scientists continue to develop new types of materials for everything from military armor to fashion accessories. On the horizon are what some scientists call metamaterials. These materials are formed from structures that are actually smaller than the wavelength of light. These groundbreaking materials are currently able to guide rays of light around objects, making them invisible.

Although only in the testing stages, metamaterials will revolutionize computers and graphics in unfathomable ways. Depending on the applications, everything from augmented reality contact lenses to super-powered direct attached storage systems could be created.

Virtual reality still has hurdles to overcome, from both a technological and cultural standpoint. With each advance in materials and computing however, the gap between the potential uses and the pragmatic realities becomes smaller and smaller. With no more cumbersome headgear and visual enhanced with augmented reality and metamaterials, virtual reality may yet become a household name.