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Sensorama
Morton Heilig invents the Sensorama, a simulator that used 3D images along with smell, wind and sound to create the illusion of reality. IT was at a set location, it could only be used for images. -
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1st Gen
This is when VR first started but was mainly utilized for video and not for video games at the time. Stuck to a position meaning the user could not move around the room whilst playing the game. Not made for games but for videos and realistic photos. -
Headsight
Philco Corp. develops project Headsight, a helmet incorporating a video screen with a head tracking system. The technology was used in military training operations. stuck to one location, very limited movement. -
VR in arcades
Virtuality Group adds VR to arcade video games. The user had to step into a Virtuality cabinet and use goggles to enter the game in VR, Games such as Pac-Man have a virtual reality version. Attached to a stuck location, limited movement area. Only on a couple of arcade games. -
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2nd Gen
VR started to become more popular in arcades and with gaming with a few VR devices being made. Made for games allows slight movement for the user and it was the era were a VR console was first released (Virtual Boy). -
Sega at CES
Sega introduced its VR glasses that fit and stay on the users head at the Consumer Electronics Show. Limited to two consoles, users may injure themselves when using the headset. -
Virtual Boy
The stilt legged table top console created by nintendo offered the uses to play in VR however the only colours it could display was red and black. It lead to major side effects for the users some becoming blind. The stand didn't really work properly, the user could only see the game in red, when using the VR console the user had to be still as the headset was not attached to them. -
Oculus Rift Dev Kit 1 Released
The original prototype of the oculus rift what was given out to backers of the kickstarter and sold for $300 what allowed people to experience a new type of VR for the first time in 18 years. Only limited to looking left, right and behind not looking up or down. -
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3rd Gen
This is where modern day VR begins and now become an accessory to phones or PC utilizing more realistic graphics to further enhance the experience. Allows a lot of movement for the user, being able to look around the playable area via the headset, introduced wireless controllers to VR headsets. Wired to a fixed location. -
Google Cardboard
The first cheap VR headset for phones what Is easy to use. The headset required the user to build the headset and then insert a compatible phone via scanning a QR code to pair the phone and headset then launch a compatible app. This device like many other VR headsets for phones is an android exclusive. You need a certain phone which can fit in the headset. -
PSVR
This is Sony's take on VR. They created a headset they is compatible with the PS4. In development the headset was know Project Morpheus. Limited to only one console, it is wired so the user is limited to amount of movement. -
HTC Vive
The headset what was made in collaboration with HTC and Valve what utilized the steam program and wireless technology introduced a new way to experience VR and play regular PC games in VR. The user is limited to a certain area of play, it is wired which means limited movements. -
AMD Sulon VR/AR Headset
A new type of headset what now utilizes VR and AR made by AMD what was announced at ces 2017. This headset has little information about it only that it utilizes the AMD FX-8800P Processor and could be a wireless device. It is limited to a certain amount of time because it is wireless. -
Intel Project Alloy
This is intels first headset what is wireless and utilizes a camera what tracks the movement of your hands and generates a 3D model replica of your hands. This is the first headset to fully make a real VR experience without utilizing a controller. It is limited to a certain amount of time because it is wireless. -
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4th/Next Gen
This Gen is the future of the VR Technology what is now utilizing wireless technology and AR technology. These are wireless headset allowing the user maximum movement, they are also introducing a virtual reality and augmented reality headset, -
The Future of VR
The future of VR is unknown and our prediction for the future of the technology will be that both AR and VR will be fully integrated together and the headset will be much smaller and fully utilizing wireless technologies and wont need a PC to be able to run. Some companies are already going toward this like google with the wireless daydream headset what doesn't require a Pixel phone to power. https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/17/15655102/google-io-vr-standalone-headset-htc-lenovo-daydream -
The Future of VR 2
VR also has the opportunity to make it more immersive with no external controllers being used with the headset. Things like this are already in development like project alloy uses no controllers and an accessory for the oculus rift allows for this as well. The other part would be the audio VR gives will have a built in headset with 3D surround sound audio. This technology is already available in most headsets now days. http://www.bit-tech.net/news/tech/peripherals/leap-motion-oculus-rift/1/
