Virtual Reality is Becoming Reality: Understand the Effects on People's Daily Lives

Virtual reality is a trend that continues to grow. The next step in the technological revolution can greatly expand what we consider connectivity. Understand.

Today, people from all cultures have computers that are hundreds of times more sophisticated than the first devices created in the 20th century. And the most impressive part: these devices are in their pockets, on dining tables, and basically in every situation.

Cell phones have revolutionized our lives. Today, they are part of work, families, leisure, and obligations. They are at the center of a new way of relating that is not based on physical proximity, expanding possibilities in the virtual field.

Now, have you ever imagined if, in addition to access through screens, we could immerse ourselves in virtual worlds using “wearable” devices? This is the promise that augmented and virtual reality is making happen right before our eyes, literally.

Wearables: The Cyborg Planet

The concept of a cyborg is very interesting but also misunderstood. In the collective imagination, a cyborg is seen as a person using a mechanical arm or some robotic prosthesis reminiscent of the aesthetics of a movie like “The Terminator.”

In fact, the idea of a cyborg is much broader and can be simply defined by the symbiosis between man and machine, in a co-dependence. Decades ago, we lived without cell phones, and the world was different; but try today, losing the device means being unable to work, contact family, or maintain daily activities.

Wearables – smart devices that are worn on the body – add a bit more aesthetics and comfort to the cyborg reality. An example is smartwatches, an invention that innovated by bringing the device to the arm, always visible, in addition to being able to record and monitor body functions and even assist in health care and physical performance.

The increased use of virtual and augmented reality glasses takes the cyborg reality even further. Thanks to these technologies, it will be possible to immerse oneself in reality with a highly connected vision, with real-time information about what one is looking at and doing.

Moreover, the interface attached to the face allows entry into entirely new worlds, whose social, interactive, and productive possibilities have only been sketched out in their immense creative capacities. Everything is directly linked to bodily and motor sensations.

IoT: The Connected Planet

Glasses and wearable devices for Virtual and Augmented Reality promise to further boost one of the current technological trends: the Internet of Things.

For those who don't know, IoT (Internet Of Things) envisions a world where objects are properly connected to the network, providing real-time information about localized events. The use of technology is already common in companies that use sensors to save energy, water, or just to identify where people and objects are.

The increased use of Virtual Reality glasses can greatly expand the development of this technology. The explanation is simple: thanks to the cameras installed in the glasses, the device will be able to see what you see.

For example, when opening the refrigerator, internal sensors could identify foods that are running low and display the information directly in your glasses, even anticipating your needs and placing an order directly with a retail store, simply confirming with you the price and delivery date of what is missing.

The future of virtual reality promises smart homes, objects, and cities, and much more. Just imagine!