Next Generation Gaming: From Smart Phones to Goggles

Over the last 7 years we have seen a huge surge in smartphone gaming development as a result of intensive investments in these devices'  operating systems. Essentially, this was so successful because Android (Google) and Apple created a platform on which game developers could produce fun and interesting applications, and the ensuing stiff competition to create the best products (and make the most money) resulted in the the production of the best games possible. 

We now see this same situation occurring within the development of the most advanced entertainment systems on the market - virtual reality gaming. The major difference is that instead of using our smart phones to virtually throw birds at piles of rocks, we'll wear interactive goggles that enable us to truly see and feel the sensation of flying through a desert canyon, fighting Galactic Empire clones and slam dunking a pass from our pal Michael Jordan. Of all of the VR platforms that we've seen arise in the last few years, the manufacturers that seem to hold the most potential are Valve, Sony, Microsoft, Oculus (Facebook), Samsung, Google and Razer. 

http://www.augmentedrealitytrends.com
/virtual-reality/oculus-vr-goggles.html

All of these companies are betting hard on this technology - they all recognize that it has the potential to revolutionize the way we play games. And with a gaming industry collectively valued at $91.5 billion, it's no surprise that they're hoping to carve a nicely-sliced piece of that pie for themselves. 

What will matter most at the end of the day, however, is what type of games we - the consumers - want to play. While everyone will have their own opinion on the subject, we've gone ahead and researched a couple of the games which have the potential to be particularly exciting and successful. 

http://www.codemasters.com/f1-2015-to-
debut-on-playstation-4-xbox-one-and-pc-this-june/

Formula 1

Can you imagine driving a Formula 1 car from the comfort of your home? Picture the feeling of speeding around a track at 300 km/h, turning your head to the right and seeing Fernando Alonso in the car you are just passing recede into the rearview mirror. Amazing, right? Formula 1 virtual gaming promises to deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience unlike any other. 

Silent Hills

Are you that guy/girl who loves the sensation of being afraid? If so, the Silent Hills virtual reality experience is THE game for you. We've checked this out - there is no creepier game on the market. The fear factor is far above that felt at the movie theatre - with VR goggles on you are actually hearing the noises around you, looking around the corner and feeling the ever-present danger. Check out the video below to see what it's like to step into the darkness.  

Assassin's Creed

https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/game/assassins-creed/

The Assassin's Creed saga is one of the most successful in the recent history of video games, and is definitely going to be one of the most widely-anticipated VR release. Loyal followers will now have the opportunity to look around and see the historical monuments, the carnage of battle and the intrigue classic to the series. We won't have to use a TV screen or read a book to participate in the French Revolution in Paris anymore.

What games excite you the most? Do you agree with our assessment? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Microsoft HoloLens – The Era of Holographic Computing is Here

This year when Microsoft finally announced the launch of virtual reality compatible Windows 10 we, along with the rest of the world, were struck with awe. The program had been long awaited by fans all over the world. Windows Holographic is a mixed reality operating system that transforms the local environment of the user into a virtual reality. This means that the next time you bring a windows holographic enabled system home; your home can transform into Hogwarts, Disneyland or even a board room.

Along with the Holographic OS, Microsoft also developed its own range of smart glass lens similar to preexisting products on the market like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. The new product, the HoloLens, is a wireless headset without any external cameras. The set has multiple gyroscopes and accelerometers that help it to register the slightest movement made by a user's head - check out the picture to the right.

Windows 10 has a lot of applications designed to be used with the HoloLens, including virtual versions of Skype and the popular game Minecraft, Holostudio, a 3D designing software which can be used in sync with 3D printers and Onsight, a VR application that explores space. 

We're particularly excited by the HoloLens. In the video below, you can see how the system might become an integrated part of our lives, moving all applications from desktops to drawing room halls. As a result, game developers around the world have begun  developing holographic games which we should expect to see in stores sometime next year. 

With Microsoft lending its formidable capabilities to the VR technology trend, we can expect virtual reality to meld into mainstream households sooner than most of us would have imagined.

Now we're eagerly awaiting the day when Cortana (for all those Halo lovers out there) becomes a life-sized holographic assistant!