Recently we've seen more
and more announcements from technology companies such as Samsung and Facebook and large media corporations like Walt Disney investing in VR hardware development. Just in September, Disney dropped $65 million into Jaunt Inc, a VR developer. In October Google's Alphabet and the New York Times initiated a joint venture to distribute free cardboard VR headset with newspaper's print edition to promote NYT's VR application. And now, Time Warner Inc. and ComcastCorp. are investing $30 million into NextVR Inc.
It's fair to assume that all these efforts are focused on offsetting current trends in market share loss as more readers and viewers shift to consuming content on nontraditional communication channels. Or perhaps, these companies are making an even bigger bet, investing in VR as the future of communication. What if these companies aren't just developing new immersive programs, but are creating new types of internet just for VR? We could be closer to Futurama than we might think - how far away are we from a future where we can not only read about a historical event, but experience it? Where we can meet someone, go shopping or watch a movie together without being physically present? We truly hope that we are not the only people thinking of this amazing future.
Google Maps is possibly the most well-known internet application after the company's renowned search engine. The service broke conventional boundaries when it first showed us what an aerial view of our neighborhoods looked like. A couple of years later, it changed the way we see the world with the addition of "Street View." Now, with the launch of Street View in Google's Cardboard VR device, the company has taken another step forward in the development of the perfect mapping application.
The enhanced Street View was recently launched on the Google mobile app. The software is available for both Android and IOS operating systems.
In order to enjoy this awesome new development, you will need to own a pair of virtual reality goggles. You can choose between the two models that currently exist on the market - Google Cardboard and and Samsung Gear VR. Cardboard is the cheaper, more accesible option while the Gear VR provides a more comfortable, premium experience.
Consider buying a new VR headset before taking your next trip - it could give you a better idea of what the experience will look like!
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 andfeel 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.
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.
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.
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 aroundand 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!
Recently we've seen more
and more announcements from technology companies such as Samsung and Facebook and large media corporations like Walt Disney investing in VR hardware development. Just in September, Disney dropped $65 million into Jaunt Inc, a VR developer. In October Google's Alphabet and the New York Times initiated a joint venture to distribute free cardboard VR headset with newspaper's print edition to promote NYT's VR application. And now, Time Warner Inc. and ComcastCorp. are investing $30 million into NextVR Inc.
It's fair to assume that all these efforts are focused on offsetting current trends in market share loss as more readers and viewers shift to consuming content on nontraditional communication channels. Or perhaps, these companies are making an even bigger bet, investing in VR as the future of communication. What if these companies aren't just developing new immersive programs, but are creating new types of internet just for VR? We could be closer to Futurama than we might think - how far away are we from a future where we can not only read about a historical event, but experience it? Where we can meet someone, go shopping or watch a movie together without being physically present? We truly hope that we are not the only people thinking of this amazing future.
