Many of the hundreds of VR experiences are not as interactive or realistic as one might expect.
Theyre available to the public and are collecting reviews. Their game developers also benefit from this. Continue reading if youre interested in learning how to create a VR app for your employees, customers, or for the benefit of humanity.
Lets begin with the most realistic examples of VR implementation.
Virtual Reality Applications
Gartners hype cycle last featured virtual reality in 2017. In five years VR was predicted to reach the plateau of productivity, the place where mainstream adoption of technologies takes place.
Since then, VR is no longer on Gartner's radar. This means that it is mature enough to not be considered an emerging technology. Is this the case now? Examine a few VR use cases that are truly successful.
Naturally, real-life examples.
Gamer
Virtual reality is most commonly introduced to people through video games. VR gaming is the best way to get a taste of the technology, despite the price.
Popular headsets range from $299 up to $999. Demand is high, and the offer doesnt fall behind. The largest PC gaming store, Steam, claims a 32% increase in VR game sales from the previous year.
Steams monthly report shows that almost 2 percent of users own VR headsets, or 2.4 million monthly active users. SteamVR was used by 1.7 million users in 2020, a year that saw a boom in gaming. The overall playtime also increased by 30 percent.
Marketers
VR advertising is most commonly used for customer experience simulations and complex product demos. It can also be used to create fun experiments that have a vague connection with the company.
Most of these campaigns are one-offs aimed at generating buzz, enthusing customers, and giving them the opportunity to try out a viable product. One way to achieve this is by creating a 360-degree tour of the service or product. British train operator Lumo produced a video to introduce their new trains, and give stakeholders and passengers a feel for what it is like to travel on them.
Its easy to create such content, and it can be profitable.
Training and Education
NASA began using VR simulators to train astronauts in the 1990s, and hasnt stopped. The agency currently uses four different types of virtual training, including spacewalks and rescue situations.
They also use robot operations and repair. Boeing is currently developing a VR training simulation for its Starliner spacecraft. The pilots could practice docking, and other emergency situations using realistic visuals.
Virtual reality is used in many dangerous and high-risk activities on Earth. Simulators are used in many fields, including military, firefighter and railway maintenance.
They prepare trainees for making quick decisions under stress, without putting themselves or others at risk. The U.S. Fire Administration has advocated the use of VR apps and equipment to eliminate the dangers associated with live training.
Flaim Systems, a provider of this technology, uses real-life gear, including jackets that simulate fire with integrated heating elements, and a hose which gives realism market feedback. It is very similar and different to the PC gaming simulations.
VR isnt just for avoiding dangerous situations. Bank of America launched a VR program at nearly 4,300 of their financial centers in order to improve listening skills and help employees have difficult conversations with customers.
Walmart Academy uses Oculus devices to allow associates to simulate real-life store scenarios, like the chaos on Black Friday.
Virtual reality can also be used to enhance regular school education. ClassVR is a freelance platform that was designed for schools and provides teachers with kits containing headsets, educational materials, and software.
Lenovo VR Classroom provides similar hardware and software. Virtual social spaces such as Mozilla Hubs or AltspaceVR allow teachers to create VR classrooms in an engaging virtual environment.
Healthcare
VR applications in healthcare are very diverse: they range from patient education to increase adherence and engagement, to training for physicians and simulations of surgery.
Some of the most fascinating examples involve helping people to deal with physical and mental pain.
VR exposure therapy is one example of a treatment for PTSD, phobias and anxiety. Veterans who participated in studies that used headsets to immerse themselves in traumatic environments experienced reduced symptoms after several appointments.
VR therapy may be a better alternative to opioids for managing pain. This headset is for patients with chronic lower back pain and has programs to distract them from pain.
Medical VR is a hot topic in the field of medicine. It has been used to alleviate pain from burns, daily dressing changes, and labor pain.
Social Media
Even before Mark Zuckerbergs announcement of the Metaverse, virtual places for friends to hang out or work with remote colleagues were popular.
For instance, the Wild mobile platform enables architects and designers to communicate and visualize designs. This completely transforms prototyping, presentation, and other processes.
Breakroom, Cluster, and, as mentioned, AltspaceVR, Mozilla Hubs, allow anyone to create their own virtual room for events, socializing, and collaboration.
Meta has finally released Horizon Worlds to the public.
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360-Degree Videos And Interactive Simulations Are Two Types Of VR
Virtual reality, or VR, is the technology that can immerse people in a virtual world to provide a more immersive and interactive experience than a flat-screen could.
VR requires the use of a VR headset.
You can create two types of VR content: 360-degree videos and immersive, high-end experiences.
360-Degree Videos
These are usually short immersive experiences that have been filmed using 360-degree cameras or 3D assets. They can be valuable even if they are not interacted with.
Headsets. VR videos are available on the Samsung Gear VR and Xiaomi Mi VR Play.
Applications:
- Short films and other media content
- Exhibitions and tours
- Product demos
- Theme parks are a great way to spend your time.
- Simulations of specific situations for training and treatment
Audience. They can reach a wider audience because 360 videos are available on mobile and desktop without the use of a headset.
These headsets are easier to use - users only need to place their smartphone in the handheld viewer to get started.
Technical requirements for development.
- Multi-directional panoramic camera
- Video stitching software is usually provided by camera manufacturers.
- Adobe Premiere and Final Cut are video production software.
- Spatial audio recorder (optional)
Platform for publication. VeeR, a VR-specific distribution platform, is a good place to share 360 videos.
Simulations
This is a completely different experience, usually reserved for videogames or when you want to encourage people to explore and interact with the 3D environment.
In these simulations, the person can move around, use controllers to perform different actions, and listen to spatial audio. These simulations can be more expensive and difficult to create, but they allow you to explore endless creative business ideas without being restricted by the processing power of a smartphone.
Headsets. Two types of devices can provide such simulations. Tethered headsets that must be connected with powerful computers (Oculus Quest and HTC Vive Focus), and standalone devices (Oculus Quest and HTC Vive Focus) that have built-in processes.
Applications. You can do anything with 360-degree video, but now you can add interactive elements.
Audience. You can reach your audience in two different ways. The first is to target people who own devices. If you are working on a project that will be experienced on-location (for example for employee training or short marketing campaigns), you can give users high-end devices even if they already have one.
Technical requirements for development. Technical requirements for development. Core VR development tools are:
- Software for design and prototyping
- Game engines
- SDK (software Development Kit) of the chosen shipping platform
- WebXR Devices API (for posting VR on the Web)
Publication platform. Steam is the main destination for VR content, including HTC Vive and Oculus. It also hosts content for Windows Mixed Reality (WMR), Valve Index (Vista Index), and other VR devices.
The majority of devices also have their own shipping platforms.
This overview is intended to be a helpful guide. Keep reading if you think that interactive, high-end simulators are the right choice for your virtual reality companies.
We will go into detail about the technicalities involved in developing such experiences.
Understanding VR Development
The development of VR applications is not a new area. We have many tools, techniques, and approaches that can help us start from a lower entry point.
We will outline the steps to creating a VR-project, along with the necessary tools and skills.
Tools For 3d Design, Prototyping, And Modeling
As with most software development projects, VR usually begins with the design phase. We say "usually" because, sometimes, coders will use assets from libraries run by the community for educational or prototyping purposes.
Download ready-made backgrounds, textures, and objects. They can save you a lot of time, and often enhance your project with no additional effort. 3D modeling, however, is essential for creating custom experiences.
What will you require?
Paper and Pen- Even though the dimensions of the 360-degree screen are different from the traditional rectangular screens, you will still need to create 2D wireframes and prototypes for your UI project.
Some designers have created printable templates which can be transformed into virtual sketches. Check out the 360 panorama grid or VR storyboard template.
Blender- Blender is a free online product thats easy to use for beginners. It will help you make great 3D models custom-made for your first VR experience.
With online tutorials, and some practice, any visual designer in your team will be able to get the hang of it. Blender objects are easily importable into any game engine.
Maya and 3ds- Max are the industry standards in modeling, sculpting, animation, lighting effects, and visual effects.
These Autodesk software products are the industry standard for modeling, sculpting animation, lighting, and visual effects. Most game and movie components are created using Autodesk products. It is a blessing as well as a curse, since they are difficult to learn due to their robustness.
It is not cheap, and it takes a master to use them effectively. When you have the time and money, consider them.
Cinema 4D- Cinema 4D is another advanced tool. Its not as popular, but it has more plug-ins, and the learning curve is less steep than Maya.
This is a popular tool for small teams and individual artists. Its also available on Mac OS, unlike Autodesk.
WebXR API
WebXR Devices API allows you to render 3D scenes and present them as virtual reality or augmented reality on the internet.
This is a JavaScript-based API that lets us experience VR on most modern browsers. By switching to landscape mode, even most modern phones can access WebVR. The screen will split up into two displays that can be used with any smartphone-compatible headset.
This isnt a complete virtual experience, but it allows android developers to be creative and brands can integrate VR elements on their websites.
Game Engines
A game engine is essential for creating interactive virtual reality experiences. The game and VR engines require graphic design and programming skills to create rich, immersive and realistic worlds.
The most popular VR engines are available for free, and can be easily integrated with VR platforms-specific SDKs. They also allow for extensive customization using APIs.
Most VR engines let you publish your app across all major platforms. There are many engines to choose from, but well provide a brief overview of the most popular ones.
Unity is a must-have tool for VR engineers. It supports all the main VR devices, as well as file formats from 3D building programs such 3D Max, Cinema 4D, Maya and others.
C#, an object-oriented scripting tool, is used to create commands for your game objects and logic in your virtual world. Unity has a huge asset store with free and paid textures, 3D objects and audio files. It is free to use until you earn over $100k per year with your app.
Unitys community is second to none, with more than 50 percent of all games on mobile, PC and console being created with Unity.
Unreal Engine is the second most popular engine after Unity. Unreal Engine is the second most popular engine after Unity.
This tool is written in C++, which is more complex than C# or Java. It requires C++ programming experience before you can start. Blueprints Visual Scripting is another alternative scripting language that allows programmers and designers to collaborate using the same tools.
Unreal has a different pricing structure - you can use the engine for free until you reach $1 million in revenue, after which you will have to pay a 5% royalty.
It is a much more sophisticated and complex tool than Unity. Unity has better performance, and it looks the most realistic among all engines. It supports all major VR devices, just like Unity.
CryEngine is another free tool that creates highly realistic interfaces. CryEngine is known for its weather and water effects, including volumetric fog and ocean physics.
It also offers full 3D cloud rendering. CryEngine is also compatible with C++, but unlike its competitors, it only supports three VR platforms, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and OSVR.
Platforms and SDKs
With cross-platform engines like Unity and Unreal, you can tap into every market. But any development will require you to choose the SDK starter to build your experience.
The SDK is an add-on that you can install on your engine. It contains engine and platform specific assets, content, and techniques that shape the overall native user experience on each device.
You should probably start with the official SDK of each brand.
Reviewing Sdks Of Five Vr Providers
Viveport SDK- HTC Vive devices were created by a collaboration between HTC, the hardware company, and Valve (the creator of Steam), the worlds largest software distribution platform.
Steam claims that over 12 percent of their users have experienced VR through HTC devices. These apps are available via the Steam VR platform, and can be downloaded on PC.
Oculus SDK- Oculus, Vives main competitor in VR experiences on PC, started global VR adoption in 2014 with its Kickstarter campaign.
The Oculus Store allows you to distribute apps in addition to the Steam platform. The company only sells Oculus Quest 2, but its older devices are still being used. Steam is the only place where almost 40% of VR content is viewed with their main headset.
The no longer produced Oculus Rift S comes in third with about 15%.
OpenVR SDK- OpenVR, which is not an SDK, is an API that allows you to access any headset attached, whether its Oculus Vive Index or Mixed Reality.
Valve provides this API, which basically communicates with SteamVR devices and other SteamVR-compatible headsets. This is a good option because you dont need to depend on any SDK. However, theres no detailed documentation so its not the easiest solution.
This is the only way to reach Valve Index, which has a huge audience of 16 percent of VR users.
Windows SDK- Windows SDK is the only SDK that you will need to use for Windows Mixed Reality development.
WMR headsets are available for both AR and VR. Its VR products include Samsung HMD Odyssey+ HP Reverb Acer OJO and others. They make up 5.69 percent of the SteamVR user base.
PSVR Dev kit- The most elusive item of all, a PlayStation VR developer kit, is accessible upon official request.
Prior to the introduction of the new PlayStation VR 2 headset, it makes sense to get the most recent development kit. Get in touch with Sony directly if youre interested.
Read More: Convert Your Raw Ideas into Functional AR/VR Apps
What Is Slowing VR Adoption?
Virtual reality examples that are both impressive and rare.
Why is this? Here are a few of the reasons we have for you.
Demand for financial and technical resources. Today, VR users no longer qualify as early adopters. It is still the choice of those with the means to purchase the necessary hardware.
It is likely that a user will spend a few thousand dollars to build a PC using the minimum requirements for Oculus and HTC. Thats just the consumer side. The developers also require high-performance hardware to handle 3D modeling tasks and VR engineering.
Lack of implementation can also lead to VR being viewed by the public as a toy rather than an investment.
Physical discomfort. Today, many VR sets are heavy and restricting and dont live up to our expectations for highly immersive and comfortable goggles.
Users often create separate spaces or rooms where the limitations of VR are less obvious. VR adoption will continue to lag behind until devices are mobile, compact and easily accessible anywhere.
Health concerns PlayStation and Oculus do not recommend headsets to children younger than 13. Before trying VR, pregnant women and older people should speak to their doctor.
People with heart conditions or mental health issues are also advised to consult their doctor. Virtual reality gaming can also cause seizures, dizziness, and headaches. It may even lead to blackouts. The majority of these problems can also be experienced when playing regular games or watching television.
However, severe problems are rare and can be prevented. The most difficult part of engaging people in virtual reality experiences is preparing them for potential dangers and taking on this responsibility.
Many of these concerns will soon be resolved. Modern headsets have become more compact and affordable. Oculus Quest 2, the market leader, costs $299 compared to $399 for its predecessor at release.
It also does not require additional computer equipment and can be used anywhere. As technology advances (which it will, with the release of Apples new AR/VR headset and Metas Project Cambria, which is also a standalone device) we can expect to see other problems resolved.
Top VR Software Development Tools
Virtual reality can bring a lot of value to your business. However, developing virtual reality apps can be difficult.
Here, we will discuss the most powerful virtual reality tools.
1. Unity
Unity is known for its game development capabilities, but it also helps you build VR solutions in many other industries.
You can, for example, create VR solutions in the automotive, transportation and manufacturing industries, as well as media & entertainment. Unity is a great tool.
When you use Unity for example, you can benefit from a set of valuable tools. :
- Create Unity 3D VR assets with this powerful editor;
- Tools for artists and designers
- The CAD toolkit;
- Collaboration Tools
You can read more about these features in "Unity: performance as default, high-fidelity graphics and artist tools".
Unity is compatible with Oculus Rift, Sony VR, and other popular VR platforms.
Unity has a portal where VR developers can learn about its functional products. Courses like "Getting Started with Unity" and others are available.
You can access the detailed documentation and get help from the Unity support & service portal.
If you have any questions, your team can start by reading the Unity User Manual. You can also refer to the Unity FAQ Page.
See the Unity pricing plans.
2. Amazon Sumerian
Amazon Sumerian, the AWS VR engine, does not require any 3D graphics or VR programming knowledge. Sumerian is compatible with most popular VR platforms, including Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
It also works on Android and iOS mobile devices.
Amazon Sumerian is compatible with a wide range of VR applications, including employee training, simulations for field services, retail and sales, as well as virtual concierge.
It is packed with powerful features. :
- Sumerian editor;
- Sumerian hosts;
- Asset Management
- You can script your scenes.
You can read more about Amazon Sumerian features.
For more information, you can also read "Getting Started with Amazon Sumerian". Amazon Sumerian FAQ has a wealth of information for virtual reality developers.
3. Google VR for All
Google offers many VR development tools that you can use to create a VR experience for stakeholders. These tools are available on the Google VR Developer Portal.
These tools can be used to create VR apps that work on multiple platforms. For example, Unity, Unreal and Android, iOS and the Web.
You can access guides for developing VR apps on each of these platforms by first navigating to "Choose Your Development Environment" in the Google VR Developer portal.
The individual guides will then be available. You can, for example, read "Quickstart Google VR SDK with Unity for Android" if your plan is to create a VR application for Unity and Android.
If youre building a Daydream or Cardboard VR app, then read "Quickstart Google VR SDK Android".
Google VRs developer platform offers software development kits for all VR platforms, including Unity, Android, iOS, and more.
To download them, you can go to the Google VR Developer Portals Download page.
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What Is The Main Takeaway?
VR creation is not the hardest part for many brands. Many brands will be stuck at the stage where they need to convince their stakeholders that it will be worth the effort.
A VR experience that you design must be able to connect with your audience and solve problems that would otherwise not be possible. Its worth trying if you can find a solution that will benefit you and your clients in a significant way only through VR.
It is beneficial to hire virtual project managers for your clients.
People who want to experience immersive gaming do not have to spend hundreds of dollars for VR products and the required hardware.
For those who want to experience VR for a short time, there are many options.
