What are the 3 types of virtual reality?

There are 3 Types of virtual reality

There are three main types of virtual reality used today to transform the world around us, including non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully-immersive simulations. 

To get a better understanding of how the technology is used, let’s break down the different types of VR and see examples of each.

Fully-immersive simulations

Chances are when you think of VR, you’re picturing a fully-immersive experience – complete with head-mounted displays, headphones, gloves, and maybe a treadmill or some kind of suspension apparatus. 

This type of VR is commonly used for gaming and other entertainment purposes in VR arcades or even in your home (empty, non-fragile room advised.) 

Fully-immersive simulations give users the most realistic experience possible, complete with sight and sound. The VR headsets provide high-resolution content with a wide field of view. Whether you’re flying or fighting the bad guys, you’ll feel like you’re really there.

Semi-immersive simulations

Semi-immersive experiences provide users with a partially virtual environment to interact with. This type of VR is mainly used for educational and training purposes and the experience is made possible with graphical computing and large projector systems.

In this example, the instruments in front of the pilot are real and the windows are screens displaying virtual content. 

It’s important to keep in mind that semi-immersive VR simulations still give users the perception of being in a different reality. This type of virtual reality is not always possible to experience wherever. Instead, physical environments are created to supplement the virtual reality. 

Non-immersive simulations

Non-immersive simulations are often forgotten as an actual type of VR, honestly because it’s very common in our everyday lives.

The average video game is technically considered a non-immersive virtual reality experience. Think about it, you’re sitting in a physical space, interacting with a virtual one. 

These types of experiences have become more advanced in recent years with video games like Wii Sports, where the system actually detects your motion and translates it on screen. 

Back to reality

People consume more content across more mediums today than ever before. As brands begin to leverage emerging technology like virtual reality, these experiences will start to take hold in our daily lives.