Virtual reality has been in a boon since 2018. In fact, that was the year when there was the highest number of virtual reality or augmented reality products sold on display. VR headsets were sold at record-breaking numbers. This is due to the price drops and more immersive experiences of the users. The following are 7 of the most interesting facts about virtual reality that you have to know:

1. The first VR headset came in the ’60s

The inventor of the VR headset is Morton Heilig. This was coined as the “Telesphere Mask.” The device features the 3D stereoscopic TV, true stereo sound, and the wide vision. The term “virtual reality” was conceived by Jaron Lanier in 1987 when he underwent into intensive research on this type of technology. In general, the VR market was valued at $5.1 billion in 2017 according to Markets and Markets.

2. VR is not only about gaming and entertainment

Virtual reality is used in the health care industry particularly in the treatment of depression, autism, PTSD, anxiety, and even with nicotine addiction. In fact, the most interesting application VR is not related to gaming. There are virtual reality travel experiences and virtual reality documentaries that are knowledge-driven. A virtual tour is also instrumental in promoting and developing products in real estate and hospitality industries.

Photographer: Eddie Kopp | Source: Unsplash

3. Kids are not the only ones interested in VR technology

You might think it’s given that Millennials and Gen Z-ers are more interested in VR, but even the Baby Boomers are interested in this technology. Based on the research done by Greenlight VR and Touchstone Research, 64 percent of Baby Boomers have positive reactions to the use of VR technology.

4. Virtual reality doesn’t have to be expensive

The thought that VR is expensive crops up when businesses become interested in creating an impressive experience among its customers. The reality is that even if VR can be expensive, it need not be expensive all the time. Like many things, the price of VR depends solely on the scope of the project.

5. Major brands are investing in VR

It is said that about 75 percent of Forbes’ most valuable brands have created or developed technologies that are based on AR or VR. Virtual I/O created a $1,000 pair of iGlasses which is a pair of VR glasses in 1995. VR headset models are changing from being computer based to mobile phone-based and being standalone which means that it does not require any other device to access VR or AR.

6. Virtual reality can translate into ROI

The truth is staring at everyone. Virtual reality has shown to result in positive ROI. The British travel group Thomas Cook had a 190 percent increase in their bookings to NYC after they offered the VR experience of the Apple City within their outlets. Amnesty International, on the other hand, experienced a 16 percent increase in its direct-debit donations brought about by its VR campaign.

7. The US Government loves VR

NASA and the US military both invest in VR. Through VR, NASA tries to connect engineers with the devices that are sent to outer space. With the use of the Oculus and motion-sensing equipment from the Xbox One which is a gaming console, NASA engineers are trying to develop controls for a robotic arm through the gestures of a personal operator located on earth. The US military also makes use of VR to train and recruit soldiers before they are deployed. The simulated scenarios provide the combat teams more realistic and highly immersive environments during training to make them more prepared than usual for combat.

These are some of the most interesting facts about virtual reality that will give you an idea of how to use it for your own business or any other purpose. For you to start creating a virtual tour of your business, you can do it hassle-free using Virtual Tour Easy.