A história da Realidade Virtual - Tecmundo

Summary

This video explores the fascinating history of virtual reality (VR), tracing its roots from the 1838 invention of stereoscopic glasses to its resurgence in the 2010s. It highlights key milestones such as the 1968 creation of the first functional VR headset, the boom of VR in the 90s, and the 2012 Kickstarter success that revolutionized the industry. The script also covers VR's evolution, its applications in gaming, education, and simulation, and its growing accessibility through major brands like Oculus, HTC, Sony, and Google. The video examines whether VR is here to stay or if it might once again fade into obscurity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of Virtual Reality (VR) has been around for a long time, dating back to 1838 when Charles Wheatstone invented the stereoscope.
• 😀 VR technology evolved through the 20th century, with key moments like the 1935 fiction of 'Pygmalion's Spectacles' by Stanley G. Weinbaum describing holograms, sound, and even smell in virtual environments.
• 😀 In 1968, Ivan Sutherland created the 'Sword of Damocles,' considered the first functional VR headset, though it was very heavy and impractical.
• 😀 The 1980s and 1990s saw several commercial attempts at VR, including failed products like the Nintendo Virtual Boy and Sega's virtual headset, which didn't live up to expectations.
• 😀 NASA played a key role in the development of VR for training astronauts, helping refine VR's potential for practical applications beyond entertainment.
• 😀 The 1990s witnessed a brief VR boom, especially in gaming, but the technology remained expensive, bulky, and uncomfortable for many consumers.
• 😀 In 2012, Oculus VR launched a successful Kickstarter campaign for the Oculus Rift, which marked a significant turning point for VR, making it more accessible and affordable.
• 😀 The Oculus Rift debuted in 2016, offering an immersive experience with a display of 1280x800 pixels and a 110-degree field of view, which was a major improvement over previous VR attempts.
• 😀 Despite its success, the Oculus Rift faced challenges such as requiring powerful PCs to operate and causing motion sickness for some users, although newer models have addressed these issues.
• 😀 VR technology has continued to evolve, with players like Sony, HTC, and Google developing their own headsets, offering unique features such as mobile compatibility and more comfortable designs.
• 😀 VR is now used in a variety of fields including gaming, education, healthcare, and simulations, and has entered a new era with more interactive, user-friendly, and powerful devices.

Q & A

What is the origin of the concept of virtual reality?

The concept of virtual reality dates back to 1838 when British inventor Charles Wheatstone created stereoscopic glasses that used mirrors to create the illusion of volume and depth, marking an early attempt to transport people to a different world.

How did Stanley G. Weinbaum's 1935 science fiction story contribute to the idea of virtual reality?

Weinbaum's 1935 short story introduced the idea of glasses that could immerse users in a surreal, hologram-like world combining sight, sound, and even smell. This was one of the earliest descriptions of a virtual reality experience.

What was the 'Sword of Damocles' and why is it significant in the history of VR?

Created in 1968 by Ivan Sutherland, the Sword of Damocles is considered the first functional VR headset. It was a computer-generated virtual world that users could interact with, although it was very heavy and suspended from a ceiling.

What role did NASA play in the development of virtual reality in the 1980s?

NASA conducted significant research into virtual reality during the 1980s, using 3D graphics and VR systems to train astronauts for space missions. This work led to the development of virtual interfaces, including headsets and motion-tracking devices.

Why was the Virtual Boy considered a failure despite its innovative concept?

The Virtual Boy, released by Nintendo in 1995, was a commercial failure due to its limited game library, uncomfortable design, and the intense eye strain caused by its red-and-black 3D graphics.

What was the significance of the Oculus Rift in the modern VR revolution?

The Oculus Rift, which began as a Kickstarter project in 2012, played a crucial role in reigniting interest in virtual reality. By offering a more affordable, accessible, and advanced VR system, it helped pave the way for modern VR gaming and applications.

How did Sony's PlayStation VR differ from earlier VR efforts?

Sony's PlayStation VR, released in 2016, offered a more refined and accessible VR experience compared to earlier systems. Despite being expensive, it helped popularize VR for console gamers with a library of exclusive games.

What was unique about HTC's Vive headset compared to other VR systems?

The HTC Vive, developed in partnership with Valve, stood out for its high performance, comfortable design, and the ability to track user movement within a room using sensors and cameras. It offered one of the most immersive VR experiences at the time.

How did Google and Samsung contribute to the evolution of VR?

Google made VR accessible with affordable products like Cardboard, a simple cardboard headset for smartphones. Samsung introduced its Gear VR in 2015, which worked with its Galaxy smartphones to provide an entry-level VR experience.

What is mixed reality, and how does it differ from virtual reality?

Mixed reality (MR) combines elements of both virtual reality and augmented reality, blending real-world and virtual objects in real-time. Unlike VR, which immerses users in a completely virtual world, MR allows interaction with both real and virtual elements simultaneously.