What is virtual reality (VR): An overview by Evgeny Kasyanenko

I am Evgeny Kasyanenko, and I am glad to welcome you again to the Kiss.software blog. Today I will tell you about VR/AR technologies and their possibilities.

VR/AR have become very popular lately. Yes, the general development of technologies and their availability to a wide audience have contributed to this popularity. The virtual reality sector is rapidly evolving, and businesses and regular users are considering its integration into their projects.

A moment of theory about virtual reality

What is VR or virtual reality?

Virtual reality is a digital space created using computer technologies. This space completely isolates a person from the external environment and transports them into a digital world (space). In the virtual world, the user can interact with objects and the environment. There are many variations of the virtual world: it can be a workplace office or a simulation of flying a fighter jet.

Now let's go through the key terminology of the field. It will definitely come in handy, as you will encounter it very often.

1. Immersiveness. This term refers to the level of immersion in virtual reality. Immersiveness determines the level of realism of the virtual environment. The higher the immersiveness level, the greater the sense of presence in the world felt by the user. The overall immersiveness is achieved not only through high-quality visuals but also through audio effects and controllers.
2. VR Headset. A device or multiple devices (headset + controllers) used for immersion in virtual reality. The headset is responsible for the visual part, while the controllers help interact with the environment.
3. Trackers. This is a system of sensors that scans the user, their position in space, and helps capture movements to transfer into the game world. Trackers can be integrated into the headset or provided separately. Some trackers are installed in different corners of the room to track the player’s movements.
4. Foveated Rendering. This is a separate technology responsible for processing graphics in the virtual world. The technology captures high resolution and image quality only in the part of the virtual world where the player's gaze is directed. Peripheral areas are rendered at a lower resolution. This technology helps manage system resources more effectively, providing high performance without compromising quality and the immersion effect.
5. Scene. The virtual space where all action takes place at a moment in time. The scene includes the location, objects with which the player interacts, game characters, and other elements of the world.
6. Field of View or FOV. This refers to the angle of vision that the player sees. The larger the FOV angle, the more realistic the immersion in the virtual world.
7. AR or Augmented Reality. A technology that overlays digital elements and objects onto real-world objects. The technology works thanks to a smartphone camera or additional headset, such as Apple Vision.
8. Mapping and Localization. This technology is used in the AR sector. It is responsible for creating a map of the environment and space and then determining the position of the user's device (smartphone) in space.
9. MR or Mixed Reality. This is a combination of two technologies: VR + AR. In mixed reality, virtual elements are overlaid on the real world but can also respond to its changes.

VR and AR: What is the difference?

Is there a difference between AR and VR? The technologies are similar, but there is a significant difference. The difference lies in how the technology applies in the real world.

1. The VR technology immerses the user in an artificial (digital) environment. VR isolates the user from the real world. Everything the user can see, hear (and soon feel) is entirely a digital space, a result of the system's work.
2. On the other hand, AR technology does not isolate the user; quite the opposite. It brings digital elements into the real world and overlays them on top. The user can still see and interact with the real world. New components, elements from the digital world, are simply added to the real world. These digital components can partially interact with elements of the environment.
   

VR and Business

I have highlighted several key advantages that the integration of VR and AR technologies will bring to you and your business.

1. Your clients will gain a new experience.
2. Your employees and clients will be able to interact with the product even at the pre-order stage or even during its creation.
3. You will improve audience engagement metrics for your business. After all, they will not only be able to see the product in advance, conduct tests, and assess its quality.
4. You can conduct training and staff education while they are at home.
5. Organize corporate events and meetings in a virtual space to enhance team unity, relieve employee stress, and make conversations less stressful.
6. Your marketing campaigns will be perceived completely differently.
7. VR will simplify the management of large projects. All thanks to the visualization of complex data and models.

Now let's take a more detailed look at the opportunities for integrating virtual and augmented reality.

Real Estate Sector

Virtual tours of homes, apartments, land plots, or commercial real estate. And all this can be done by the client without leaving their home. The buyer may be on the other side of the world, but they can view the property, appreciate the view from the window (if it is important to them), and sign the contract.

Yes, this method is already actively used by many companies. Matterport offers users a platform to create 3D models of your property. Its services have been used by Redfin (the largest real estate agents in the U.S.), who actively conduct virtual tours for potential buyers.

Retail Sector

Companies use VR to provide customers with a new experience of interacting with their product/service.

Everyone knows IKEA? Did you know that there is a separate app from the store called IKEA VR Experience? You can place furniture in a virtual space and assess your future renovation, its practicality, and ergonomics in advance.

Education and Training

Thanks to the realism of simulations, you can model situations close to reality, and your employees will learn to deal with them not on "paper," but in real life. Does anyone do this? Yes, Walmart. The company trains and educates its staff on effective communication methods with customers.

You can create your virtual school for children. This will not only diversify their distance learning but also open new opportunities. Imagine how many different experiences from chemistry and physics can be shown to students? And all of this will be completely realistic and safe.

Healthcare System

In the healthcare system, VR/AR technologies are actively used for student training. Doctors practice performing complex multi-step surgeries. VR assists in the rehabilitation of patients after injuries and operations by creating a training environment.

You can get acquainted with the Osso VR platform. A unique digital product created for training surgeons.

Manufacturing and Design

VR helps designers and architects create cool and interesting solutions. They can create a prototype of a building or a product and allow clients to examine it, walk around it, and even test it in practice. Ford has already actively integrated virtual reality to create new models of their cars.

Within the company, employees can not only evaluate the design but also the ergonomics of the car and its safety systems. Employee evaluations help improve the product before the car hits the market.

Tourism and Hospitality

I have already written about virtual tours of real estate. How about pyramids or ancient cities? The method of using VR for excursions and tourism emerged at the beginning of 2020 when the pandemic began. Has it lost its relevance? Not at all. Users can travel to different points around the world, visit galleries, and architectural landmarks right from home.

You can also create your virtual tour of various attractions and iconic sites.

Marketing and Advertising Sector

Create your unique interactive VR/AR advertising campaigns. This will help increase user engagement metrics and their interest. Such methods help boost your brand's recognition in the market. There are as many formats and options for conducting advertising campaigns as you have a rich imagination. Coca-Cola, for example, offered a virtual tour of Santa's village, while Audi allowed potential customers to take a test drive of cars on a virtual track.

Gaming and Entertainment Industry

VR games are becoming increasingly popular and technologically advanced each year. If just 5 years ago, projects for VR headsets were simple and puzzle-like, now they have reached a new level. We can recall the latest Half-Life, Resident Evil, and other AAA projects.

Metaverses and Business Meetings

You can diversify your business meetings and discussions within the company. You can use Facebook Horizon Workrooms and hold a meeting in a new environment, using different interiors and locations. How about a meeting with colleagues on the beach? This helps to lighten the atmosphere and improve communication among employees. This approach to meetings shows good results and is increasingly used for team building.

There is something called VRChat. There, users can create their avatars and spend time in a virtual world.

Trust your business to the professionals at K.I.S.S. Software

If you are still pondering how to improve your customers' experience and enhance audience engagement metrics, then VR/AR technologies are at your service. Our development and integration team for virtual reality products is always ready to help.

Why do clients choose Kiss.software?

• The team consists of specialists with many years of experience in the field of VR/AR technologies.
• You will see all stages of integration and the results of the work.
• Honest feedback and direct communication are a priority. Honesty and openness during collaboration help to timely make adjustments to the project and achieve the desired result.
• We offer comprehensive solutions for integrating VR/AR technologies into your product.
• We select a stack of specialists and technologies based on the requirements and specifics of the project.
• Our team guarantees long-term support and updates for the project.

If I have intrigued you and you are interested in consulting with our experts and team, visit the "VR Application Development" page and leave a request for feedback.