Smartphones today have high-resolution screens, great cameras and powerful processors. The scope to innovate with the phone itself has become low. Which is why the next big thing in smartphone tech is not the phone itself, but a very unique accessory. This issue, Corporate Citizen introduces the future of Smartphone evolution – Virtual Reality
Currently, some android manufacturers like Lenovo and Huawei have already introduced Smartphone models with bundled VR headsets.
Virtual reality (or VR) is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions.
Virtual reality is usually implemented using computer technology. There are a range of systems that are used for this purpose, such as headsets, omnidirectional treadmills and special gloves. These are used to actually stimulate our senses together in order to create the illusion of reality. If an implementation of virtual reality manages to get the combination of hardware, software and sensory synchronicity just right, it achieves something known as a sense of presence, where the subject really feels like they are present in that environment.
Imagine playing a game where you feel you are actually inside the game instead of just controlling the lead character by tapping on the screen, or virtually touring an entire city like London or Paris just by putting on a headset in the comfort of your room. Or watching a movie where everything seems hyper-real. This is not a sci-fi scenario, but a reality. By just using a VR headset along with compatible smartphones, these scenarios will soon become commonplace.
Currently, some Android manufacturers like Lenovo and Huawei have already introduced smartphone models with bundled VR headsets. However, with the introduction of the next version of Android (tentatively called Android N) in September this year, Virtual Reality support will become native to all Android phones, including budget ones. All you will need is to buy a VR headset accessory, (which will cost around Rs.1,000 and you are good to go. Facebook has already decided that VR will be the future when it bought Oculus, the world’s most popular VR headset company. Going forward, companies like Google and Microsoft are designing apps to incorporate VR elements and transform the way you interact with them. By 2017, all smartphone manufacturers will bundle VR headsets along with their phones. The future of smartphones has indeed arrived.
By Neeraj Varty
