Virtual reality has been gaining attention for the last couple of years now. VR is defined as a 3D rendering of an environment that the user can interact with. The way that the user responds to the world around them determines what happens in that simulated world.
When we think of VR, we often picture gaming headsets. However, the concept has expanded beyond these constrained walls. It has become popular enough in modern technology that you could pick up your phone right now and watch a movie trailer or music video in VR. All you have to do is move your phone around to look around in the video.
While videos and games are already on board, apps are starting to test the waters too. The question is, why should an application development company consider virtual reality?
Why Virtual Reality in App Development?
1. Art
There have been VR programs that allow artists to “paint” in a 3D environment. While these aren’t as advanced as other apps that have been developed for artists, it shows a lot of potentials.
We have 3D art in the form of mediums like sculptures already. The only catch here is that artists are limited by the materials they have. VR stands to give artists who may not have access to many physical materials.
Also, just like any other medium, VR artwork has its own intricacies. Time magazine has already done a piece to look at how different artists – from children to professionals – work with this new material.
2. Training and Learning
This might seem like a tight niche but it’s a corner of the VR industry that’s gaining ground lately.
According to the Virtual Reality Society, virtual reality applications can be a great help to companies training new employees. This is an especially large benefit for companies that are training employees for dangerous positions.
This is because a VR training app offers a degree of safety. These trainees can practice dangerous tasks without the risk of actually getting hurt.
As for other learning environments, VR can adapt to different learning styles. It also allows for otherwise impossible situations to exist. For example, a teacher could take their class on a “field trip” to ancient Rome or a company could train for hypothetical scenarios.
3. Psychology
The American Psychological Association has also brought up VR applications as psychological tools. The technology is particularly useful for professionals and patients working together on exposure therapy.
The APA specifically describes the case of a patient with anxiety over public speaking. With a VR app, he can practice speaking in front of people without actually doing it. At the same time, the environment can change and react.
They also discuss how VR apps can help with psychological research too. They can put subjects in different environments and situations to see how they would react without. This is also a great way to save money on research as well.
4. Entertainment
One of the most obvious reasons that VR is gaining ground is that it’s entertaining. It’s generally fun to be able to interact with the world around you. The novelty of the concept is also entertaining. What’s promising is that even though this technology has been around for a while now, that interest in the novelty isn’t fading.
This isn’t limited to games either. VR videos are coming out as a great way to pull viewers into the world they’re watching. We’ve already seen apps like YouTube and Facebook start to integrate this concept. This is something that’s set to grow in the future as content makers strive to pull watchers into the world they create.
For example, Snappic uses AR and VR to help users take their real-time photos to the next level. They let you airbrush and polish your pictures and also use face-tracking software to give you some props to play with! There are different picture modes including traditional still photos GIFs, boomerang photos, as well as the use of green screen sampling and animated backgrounds. They even have a roaming solution with Snappic DSLR that will help you take high-quality pictures on the go. They also let users share their creations via text, email, social media, or their very own customizable microsite.
5. Architecture
If there’s an example of an industry that can benefit from VR, architecture can’t be overlooked. Services like these can greatly benefit from apps that allow them to design projects and even do client walkthroughs. An app like this stands a chance at increasing efficiency by leaps and bounds. This could be useful for real estate companies for bringing clients into the reality of the properties and assets on sale.
VR has already shown a lot of potentials and that potential continues to grow every day. Reasons like these are just a few reasons why app developers should continue to integrate this technology into their new releases.
There are many web app development companies that use AR and VR to develop mobile apps that help users take their real-time photos to the next level. It is just a matter of time for a new influx of VR-powered shots.