Augmented and virtual reality headsets are the new trend in video gaming. One of the ground-breakers is the Occulus Rift headset, and is expected to be available for sale very soon.

Many Stillwater students are very devoted video gamers and are excited to see virtual reality become a reality.Video game club members meet after school Fridays, and are awaiting the release of virtual reality headsets such as the Occulus Rift. The Samsung Gear VR headset is also available, but is considerably lower quality (though it is much cheaper, just $99.)

The distinction must be made between augmented and virtual reality. The Occulus Rift headset is an example of virtual reality, completely replacing the real world with a virtual one, such as the one in a video game. Augmented reality, however is a superimposition of a new reality onto the current reality. The HoloLens from Microsoft is an example, as is Google Glass.

Both of these technologies are relatively new, but are promising new ways to enjoy alternate realities, especially those in video games.

Regarding augmented reality, there are several ways for it to  overlay the alternate reality onto the current, real reality: a headset, glasses, and contacts are all ways that are available. Virtual reality, on the other hand is much more complicated, because it has to completely replace the current reality. Therefore, it is confined to large, bulky headsets.

Some well known companies are trying to crack into the alternate reality display market, including Apple.

According to Apple Insider reporter Neil Hughes, “Apple has a small team tasked with experimental work in the field of augmented reality. It’s been speculated that AR is a long-term project for Apple in the consumer space.”

Apple seems to hope that if it develops a augmented reality or virtual reality technology that it will be follow on the heels of the iPhone and other successful Apple products. They are not expected to have any of these technologies within the next year, however, which means that the current technologies will have a sizable head start in the market.

As augmented and virtual reality technologies become available to the public and commonplace, these technologies will shape the future of many activities and occupations, including video gaming, and many technology jobs. Many Stillwater students, especially those in video game club, such as Andrew Barton, anxiously await this technology.