Virtual reality (VR) has come a long way since its early beginnings in the 1950s. Today, there are many different types of VR available, ranging from fully-immersive experiences that transport you to another world, to more casual encounters with 360-degree videos on your phone. In this post, we’ll take a look at the different types of VR and how they are being used today. From fully-immersive headsets to smartphone apps that bring augmented reality (AR) into your daily life, there’s a VR experience for everyone. So buckle up and get ready to dive into the exciting world of VR!
Non-immersive VR: This type of VR does not fully surround the user and does not require a headset. Examples include 360-degree videos on a phone or computer, or interactive exhibits at a museum.
Semi-immersive VR: This type of VR partially surrounds the user and may require a headset, but the user is still aware of their physical surroundings. Examples include VR arcades or VR experiences that use motion-sensing technology, such as the Nintendo Labo VR Kit.
Fully-immersive VR: This type of VR fully surrounds the user and requires a headset to block out the physical world. The user is completely immersed in a virtual environment and may feel as though they are physically present in that environment. Examples include the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR.
Augmented reality (AR): This type of VR overlays virtual elements onto the real world, rather than fully replacing it. AR can be experienced through a headset, such as Microsoft HoloLens, or through a smartphone app.
Mixed reality (MR): This type of VR combines elements of both AR and fully-immersive VR, allowing the user to interact with both virtual and physical elements in the same environment. Examples include the Magic Leap One and the Microsoft HoloLens 2.
