Exploring the Roots of Virtual Reality in the 1990s: A Look Back at the Rise of VR Technology
Virtual reality (VR) technology is ubiquitous nowadays, with headsets being accessible and affordable to the general public. The immersive experience that VR provides takes us to a world that is not real but feels like it. However, VR technology was not always this accessible or sophisticated. The widespread use of VR technology we see today has roots that go back to the 1990s.
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality is an artificial environment that is created with software and that is experienced through sensory stimuli such as sound, sight, and touch. In other words, virtual reality is a computer-generated environment that simulates reality, which is designed for the user to interact with.
The Emergence of VR Technology in the 1990s
The emergence of VR technology in the 1990s was a result of significant investments from government agencies and private companies to explore their applications. Research efforts to develop VR technology started in the 1960s, but it was not until the 1990s that VR reached widespread popularity.
In 1993, the first VR headset, the Forte VFX-1, was introduced. It was bulky, had poor resolution, and required a powerful computer to run. However, it represented a significant leap forward from earlier attempts at VR technology.
One of the most prominent pioneers of VR technology at the time was Jaron Lanier, who founded the company VPL Research in 1984. The company developed some of the earliest VR headsets for commercial use.
The Rise of VR Technology in the 1990s
The rise of VR technology in the 1990s was fueled by government and private investment, as well as a burgeoning interest in personal computing. It was not only used for gaming and entertainment but also had practical applications such as in the fields of medicine, architecture, and engineering.
In 1995, the first VR arcade, Virtual World, was opened in California. This signaled a broader interest in VR beyond research and development.
Despite the potential applications of VR technology, it was not adopted widely due to the cost and complexity of the equipment. This resulted in VR becoming a niche technology, used mainly for research and development purposes.
The Resurgence of VR Technology Today
After the rise and fall of VR in the 1990s, it took some time for VR technology to resurface. The emergence of affordable and accessible VR headsets in the early 2010s reignited interest in VR technology. The development of VR-specific games and applications has further driven the industry forward.
VR technology is no longer limited to research and development purposes but is now used in fields such as education, healthcare, and architecture. The technology has become much more sophisticated, with advancements in graphics, resolution, and haptic feedback.
Final Thoughts
The roots of VR technology can be traced back to the 1960s, with significant breakthroughs occurring in the 1990s. While VR technology had limited applications back then, it has since come a long way and is now used widely, with practical applications beyond entertainment. With the rapid advancements in technology, it is exciting to imagine what the future of VR holds.
