VIRTUAL REALITY
What Do You Mean?
Virtual Reality, or VR, is a relatively new computer-based technology that provides a simulated world through sensory input— sight, sound, etc. The experience usually involves using a headset and headphones, which help allow for user interaction within either a replicated environment or an imaginary setting. VR usually allows for the exploration of an environment rendered in complete 3D.
At Silicon Beach Fest, there was a VR Lounge that featured booths by 360 Rize, Specular Theory, Defrost VR, and AT&T DirectVR. One of the featured simulations even allowed users to fly through the Silicon Beach Fest Boardwalk in 3D!
What’s Hot?
I spent most of my time at the VR Lounge with Specular Theory, an LA-based media company that exclusively produces VR content. Although none of the demos I tried allowed for direct user input— e.g. they weren’t video games— I still got to feel complete immersion in the sense that I could look in whichever direction I chose. It was also nice that they made sure the headsets and headphones were sanitized in between the use of each user!
The demos I tried included one in which I found myself watching protagonist Snake complete a stealth mission within the narrative of the video game Metal Gear Solid; one in which I watched a surfer take on some gnarly waves; one in which I followed a music video being filmed from room-to-room; and one in which I was an attendee to a hellish children’s birthday party, replete with dark rooms, clowns, and carnies, the latter two of which were attempting with all their might to give me nightmares.
VIRTUAL REALITY
By Daniel Steingold
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Photo, right, is Kluge designer Abraham Aguero, who is watching the SiliconBeach Fest VR experience that he created.
Fly through the SBF 3D boardwalk HERE.