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It’s a futuristic invention that was once only captured in fiction; that we once only dreamed about – but it’s finally arrived, right here in the present: Virtual Reality.

For those of you in the dark, Virtual Reality (or VR) is one of the most game-changing technological advancements of the decade. Not only is it finally possible, but it’s being developed and improved more than ever before. But first…what exactly is VR?

What is VR?

VR is the idea that humans can (almost) fully immerse themselves into an artificial world. Think of the last time you watched an amazing movie at the cinema – did you almost feel as if you were being swept into the cinematic world in front of you?

Well, VR takes it to the next level. It takes you into the artificial world, so that you feel as if you are physically inside of it. This means targeting your senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.

The VR Headset

The latest development has, so far, only covered sight and sound. It comes in the form of a headset, which you can wear over your eyes.

When you put on a headset, you will see a screen depicting a virtual world from a first-person perspective. As you turn your head to look around, the headset is able to track your head movements, and move the virtual world accordingly. It will seem as if you’re actually looking around inside a virtual world!

Isn’t that cool? VR headsets are thus ideal for watching videos and playing games. They are, however, only the first step. For a truly immersive experience, gamers would be able to walk or run around, and perform physical actions that translate into the virtual reality game.

Google Cardboard

Now, because VR headsets are such a brand-new invention, they’re incredibly pricey. One would need to cough up several hundred dollars to purchase a top-of-the-range VR headset. However, if you’d like to have a taste, you can buy a Google Cardboard headset for $5 on eBay.

This headset is made of cardboard, and is nowhere near in quality to the aforementioned, but it’s a start! If you have a smartphone, you can place it into the cardboard headset, and you will be able to experience VR sight through your phone!

All you need to do in order to experience VR through Google Cardboard is download apps that are catered to VR media onto your smartphone. Once you do this, you can slide your phone into the headset and view it through the glass.

There are already many sorts of games, videos, and other media that you can view through Google Cardboard. You’ll also get to find out if VR really is for you. For some people, it’s dizzying and headache-inducing! Nevertheless, Google Cardboard is a great, cheap, and easy way to dip a toe into the VR pool!

This is only the start of VR technology. There is still so much more VR media to be developed and released, so many improvements to be made with the actual technology, and three other senses to cover! In my opinion, it’s not worth it to spend several hundred on a proper headset now – it’s only going to get so much better!

Have you thought about getting a virtual reality headset for your kids? Share below.

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  • Wonder what the world will be like when our grandchildren are grown

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  • Technology is moving way to fast and do we really need all of this technology? Where do we draw the line with our children? If we do, are we disadvantaging them by doing so? Do we encourage them to keep up with technology or tell them to wait a while? All this technology is expensive and if you cannot afford it then it makes things hard on you and your child.

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  • While the advances in technology are exciting, it’s also scarey. Scarey to know how much to let your kids see and use. Hard decisions

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  • I haven’t thought about getting a VR set yet. Thanks for the information.

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  • My virtual reality was getting outside and pretending to be someone other than myself. I’m glad to say my boys were the same. They are already on the computer enough without buying them a VR machine.

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  • Tech son has had one for a while now and I must admit it is fun but then again he is in this 20’s and I don’t have to remind him to go play out doors . lol.
    Have noticed Big W has a Dynamic Virtual Viewer for $49 SAVE $20.

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  • I was in JB Hi Fi on the weekend asking about their $30 VR headsets. I ended up not buying a set for my teen as the salesman explained there’s not really enough content at the moment.

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  • Oh my goodness, the advancements in technology, phew!

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  • No, we’re keeping tech minimal for a few more years.

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  • Both my husband and son would love this, I’m sure.


    • Hi hopefullyheidi,
      You can get VR Goggles from Type for $14.95. Great stocking fillers! I purchased a pair, and they’re pretty cool!



      • Hi hopefullyheidi,
        You can get VR Goggles from Typo for $14.95. Great stocking fillers! I purchased a pair, and they’re pretty cool!

    Reply

  • Sounds interesting but no, I don’t think about getting them yet another tech-devise ! i rather get them off the tech-devices and have them kick a ball, write a story, build a tree-house, take a bush walk or do a game or craft.

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  • I think this would be so cool to try – I think it would be great for my girls to try a VR headset, especially if it would work with their current games on the wii U – I could just imagine their faces if they actually thought they were in the skylanders game!

    I have to admit I haven’t thought about getting them one, but like I said would be great to try out

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  • Lisa, could you please write down which ones are your favourite apps catered to VR media? :-)

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  • I’d prefer to send the kids outdoors too, let kids be kids, they grow up too quick as it is. Technological advances mean that kids know a lot more at a younger age….

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  • Oh! Thank you! You gave me an idea for Christmas! I’ve just ordered one in eBay!!! Thanks!!! :-)

    Reply

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