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The Changing Digital Society

  • Sensorama

    Sensorama
    Morton Helieg invents the Sensorama, the worlds first virtual reality installment
  • Sword of Damocles

    Sword of Damocles
    Ivan Sutherland and Bob Sproull develop the "Sword of Damocles," an early head-mounted display (HMD) system.
  • Jaron Lanier founds VPL Research

    Jaron Lanier founds VPL Research
    Jaron Lanier founds VPL Research, which pioneers VR hardware such as the DataGlove and the EyePhone
  • Sega VR headset

    Sega VR headset
    Sega releases the Sega VR headset for arcade games. Virtuality Group launches arcade-style VR systems. Nintendo releases the Virtual Boy, a 3D gaming console that utilizes stereoscopic 3D graphics. VR development continues in research labs and military applications.
  • Oculus VR

    Oculus VR
    Palmer Luckey begins experimenting with VR technology, eventually leading to the founding of Oculus VR.
  • Oculus Rift

    Oculus Rift
    Oculus Rift, the first consumer-oriented VR headset developed by Oculus VR, is released as a development kit. HTC Vive and PlayStation VR are launched, offering high-quality VR experiences. Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR introduce affordable VR experiences using smartphones. Facebook acquires Oculus VR. VR applications expand into gaming, entertainment, education, healthcare, and enterprise training.
  • Meta (Facebook) Quest

    Meta (Facebook) Quest
    Meta (formerly Facebook) releases the Oculus Quest, a standalone VR headset with inside-out tracking and hand tracking capabilities. VR continues to advance with improved hardware, software, and content offerings. Applications of VR expand into various industries, including remote collaboration, virtual events, and therapy. Continued innovation in VR technology, including advancements in haptic feedback, eye tracking, and augmented reality integration.
  • Meta Quest 2

    Meta Quest 2
    Meta releases the Meta Quest 2, a lighter and more capable version of the Meta Quest. Around the same time the Meta Quest Pro is released, it features fully standalone controllers with cameras and their own tracking capabilities. It is a flop.
  • Meta Quest 3

    Meta Quest 3
    It was unveiled on June 1, 2023, and released on October 10 as a successor to the Quest 2. The headset features updated hardware with elements of the Quest Pro, including a thinner form factor and lenses, and additional sensors and color passthrough cameras intended for mixed reality software.
  • Apple Vision Pro

    Apple Vision Pro
    Apple Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset developed by Apple Inc. It was announced on June 5, 2023, at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, and pre-orders began on January 19, 2024. It became available for purchase on February 2, 2024, in the United States. A worldwide launch has yet to be scheduled.