In the modern world, technology is almost constantly evolving, with new innovations realized every day. So, let’s take a deep dive into the world of augmented and virtual reality, and the innovations signaling a new generation of headsets.
What are AR and VR?
Put simply, VR is the development of a whole new virtual environment, whereas AR superimposes digital elements onto the real world. Both of these used together is known as mixed reality (MR). The use of these technologies has the potential to transform the way that we interact with digital spaces.
Take something like online casino games, for example – when users play Rainbow Riches Slingo they experience a digitized version of classic bingo, but with the interactive mechanics of a slot game, and creative thematics. In using VR, this could allow the game to make the ‘road to riches’ into an immersive virtual environment; using AR could allow the game to bring the pots of gold and magic toadstools into the real world.
Source: Pixabay
Either way, as you can see, the use of AR and VR has the potential to make online casino games and wider digital entertainment offerings more immersive. However, despite their rise in popularity, AR and VR headsets are not broadly accessible as of yet. Implementing and using the technology is far from cost effective for businesses and consumers alike.
That said, more and more of the big players in technology like Apple and Samsung are coming out with innovative headsets that are hoping to break new ground. Let’s take a look at just some of the headsets hitting the press.
AR and VR Headset Innovations
Since Apple announced the Vision Pro headset, the so-called ‘revolutionary spatial computer’ has turned heads. In fact, Apple’s CEO told the Worldwide Developers Conference 2023 audience that the headset signals ‘the beginning of a new era for computing’. And, with prices starting at $3,499, it should be hoped that the headset does just as it intends.
The Vision Pro headset is said to use an M2 processor and an R1 chip, which allows it to function using input taken from 12 different cameras, five sensors, and six microphones to produce a 4K feed, so it can be controlled by movement and voice activation. This means it produces around 23 million pixels and could display environments of 100 feet. Users of the headset can utilize this for watching films, playing music, exploring 3D designs, completing work, and even working out.
Source: Pixabay
Another technology giant, Samsung, has also improved their AR and VR offerings, this time by developing two unique sensors – the 3D ToF sensor ISOCELL Vizion 63D and the global shutter sensor ISOCELL Vizion 931. It is said that both of these sensors are made for integration into future Samsung smartphones and headsets alike, including the highly-anticipated MR headset.
The ISOCELL Vizion 63D makes history as the first sensor to use integrated image signal processing that senses and processes depth without the need for an additional chip, reducing power consumption by 40%. The ISOCELL Vizion 931, on the other hand, can connect four cameras to the processor using one wire, which improves simplicity, efficiency, and flexibility of circuitry and applications.
One thing that both Apple and Samsung have cracked with these innovations is the ability to utilize existing smartphones and their mass distribution to make AR and VR more accessible in time, potentially bringing virtual environments into the functional universe of the future.