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!

Healthcare - it's Virtually Improving!

We've now covered the application of virtual reality technologies in journalism, education and gaming, but did you know that VR has also been used in the healthcare sector for more than 20 years? 

As previously mentioned global enthusiasm for virtual games crashed back in the 90's as a result of poor graphics development. To the relief of gamers worldwide, the movement has been revived more recently, particularly with Facebook's $2 billion acquisition of Oculus. Despite such gains, however, it's quite clear that VR hasn't been popularized on the mass market - that is, we're not seeing it in our homes or shopping malls just yet. 

On the contrary, however, new developments and research in VR healthcare have been going strong for many years. Here are the four main trends in which it has been conducted:  

• Educational applications teaching anatomy, allowing students and doctors to watch, simulate and actually perform surgeries on virtual (and sometimes real) patients.

• Virtual exposure therapies used by psychologists to treat phobias, cognitive impairments, phantom pains and addictions, and apps that isolate and distract patients under anesthetic during a surgery.

• Preventative applications, including workout programs, relaxation games and even simulators that demonstrate the consequences of unhealthy lifestyles.

• Inclusive applications that seek to improve the mental welfare of disabled and homebound people.

Let’s have a closer look at some of the most promising VR projects within each of these areas:

Bravemind by VBI is an application simulating battle conditions in Iraq and Afganistan in order to help soldiers recover from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Physiotherapists use the app to force patients to gradually face scenes similar to those that caused stress in the past, but in a safe and controlled environment. Veterans are then able to analyze and reevaluate these situations, lowering their anxiety levels. VBI also has applications for treating mental blocks and phobias associated with public speaking, heights and elevators, flying, bridges, storms as well as alcohol and tobacco addictions. 

ICAROS is a fitness device prototype which allows users to train their bodies while simulating a flying experience. The machine's unique feature is that it enables users to experience the full spectrum of emotions by moving the entire body, eliminating the fear of falling that is associate with similar, more traditional games controlled by eyes and/or a remote controller. 

DEEP is an application used to stimulate relaxation through meditative breathing. Yes, the game is controlled by breathing in and out! DEEP comes with a custom controller that is wrapped over the player’s chest and measures diaphragm expansions in order to sense and improve deep breathing. Check out a great video of the application here! 

Eye Play the Piano is another breathtaking project realized by Fove. The technology allows disabled children to play the piano through an eye-controlled interface. The user chooses the notes by looking at them and blinking, and the information is transferred to the piano which actually plays the notes.  

As you can see, VR offers numerous possibilities to improve multiple health conditions. Studies show that VR can even help a paralyzed person to walk without physical walking aid devices! The principal hurdle currently facing the industry is insufficient funding. Several companies are undergoing series of crowdfunding, while others try to attract more traditional investors. Let's hope that these initiatives receive the financial seeding they deserve to help them truly take off!