7 Everyday Uses for VR You Didn't Know About
Our world is becoming increasingly virtual and we can thank people like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates for this. Social media was the gateway that led both the young and old to a new realm of digital existence. And it was Microsoft and Google that paved the way for our adaptation to artificial intelligence (AI).
Our children are speaking to their devices (and some devices are even talking back). Others are diving into virtual worlds fighting aliens, robots, and other foes using virtual headsets. This trend is taking over the world and I've even witnessed it in my line of work. Virtual reality is becoming an integral part of engineering, especially when it comes to maintenance and repair, product demonstrations, and creating safety scenarios for training employees.
It's amazing to watch as our world shifts into the unknown universe of technology. And even more so, we're witnessing older generations adopting it. The disconnect between tech and seniors is closing and fast.
And that's why I want to discuss virtual reality headsets. These devices are soon to be in everyone's homes -- for different reasons of course. Not sure how it'll apply to your household? Then maybe you'll find these purposes intriguing.
1. Virtual Reality & Mental Health
Yes, we're already witnessing the emergence of therapists transforming their practice into virtual offices. If you ask me, it's convenient and, in some cases, safer. With virtual headsets, patients are able to get the therapeutic sessions they need in the comfort of their homes. This is critical for those who are on medications that make it challenging to drive. If you’re curious to learn more, then XRHealth is worth checking out.
2. Virtual Reality & Medical Training
Since we're on the topic, it's worth pointing out how virtual headsets are being used in other areas of the medical field. This time around, it's in medical training.
Imagine a pre-med student operating on the body of a virtual avatar using VR glasses. It's a practical way to get "real-world" experience without touching a live person.
3. Virtual Reality & Healthcare
We're living in a time where we're unable to leave our homes without wearing a face mask. Yet, we need to be more attentive to our well-being. Virtual reality makes it so patients can continue getting the checkups they need without leaving home or neglecting their health in the process.
But how is this possible?
Let's say you're a patient with arthritis and you normally visit your doctor's practice for physical therapy. You and your physician can continue your progress virtually using tele-medicine applications on a computer with webcam or on mobile devices, and a variety of connected sensor equipment. My colleagues with small children at home say they will never go back to in-office visits!
4. Virtual Reality & Physical Training
While we're at it, let's throw in overall physical training. You likely already use YouTube or television to perform workout routines at home. However, if you're looking for the added benefit of working out with a trainer (or even a class), you can do so using virtual reality.
More trainers are offering this as a service, especially during COVID-19. Gyms are locked down, but this shouldn't mean your physical fitness has to be. You can use this for all sorts of training, including yoga, Pilates and weight lifting. Peloton is a good example of exercise equipment with VR incorporated.
5. Virtual Reality & Homeschooling
Maybe you have school-aged children at home. If so, then homeschooling them during COVID-19 may be uncharted waters for the both of you. Now, there aren't any virtual reality schools per se, but there are apps and curriculums designed specifically for primary and secondary school students. Or even college students who've flown back to the nest.
Of course, education through virtual headsets isn't just for the younger generation. Those looking to use this time to grow their skills and talents can do the same. Maybe you desire to learn how to build, draw, or do other hands-on activities.
If so, then Google and ISTE are worth checking out. Here’s a great video breaking down augmented reality for austistic students.
Virtual reality provides an immersive way to learn new things in an exciting and engaging manner.
6. Virtual Reality & Remote Work
Most people today are stuck at home with nothing to do but binge Netflix shows (even I'm guilty of this). Then there are others who still have to work in tandem with their teams from other geographical locations.
It's not uncommon for remote teams to use apps like Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Zoom, Slack and Asana to communicate and manage projects. However, sometimes, you need a little more "hands-on" collaboration with your co-workers.
Virtual reality does an excellent job of imitating this. For example, hosting meetings, demos, and training using VR glasses. Seeing one another maintains a sense of normalcy for companies that thrived on workplace engagement. The VR glasses enable avatars, background control, and sharing simultaneous experiences.
7. Virtual Reality & Shopping
Aside from watching countless hours of online video, people are spending hours each day shopping. It may seem odd at a time like this when tens of millions are unemployed.
However, window shopping has never hurt anyone. I too enjoy looking at things I may need around the home or to add to my closet.
But now that we're confined to our homes, VR technology is making it possible to not only view products in 3D, but visualize them in our homes (and on ourselves). This is known as augmented reality (or AR). This is when you’re taking items from a virtual world and bringing them into your reality.
Picture this:
You're looking for a new couch. Wearing your VR headset, you can see the sofa in your living room. Not really your taste? Then you can select another.
You can do the same for clothing, makeup, glasses, and home decor.
Some applications use mixed reality (MR), which is a combination of virtual and augmented reality.
Buying VR Glasses for Your Daily Activities
VR technology is riveting and will one day become the new norm for our daily activities. Whether it's heading off to yoga class in your living room that has been transformed into a holodeck like on Star Trek or hosting a meeting in your PJs.
There's something for everyone when it comes to these headsets, but to take full advantage, you first need to buy a pair. Here are some worth checking out:
The best one will depend on why you're using it and your budget. Whatever you decide, let us know in the comments what you choose and what you think of the VR movement.