In her Aging With Geekitude series, self-professed “recovering technophobe” Erica Manfred writes about her adventures with technology and shares what she’s learned as she navigates the not-so-scary waters.
When a new technology starts being called by its acronym, you know its time has come. Such is the case for virtual reality, or VR. If you haven’t heard how it’s going to change our lives yet, you will soon.
Curious, I decided to see what all the fuss is about by trying Google’s cheapskate route to a VR experience. More on that in a few. First….
What is VR?
Virtual reality is a really cool concept that dates back decades to the early days of computer graphics, when it caught the imagination of sci-fi writers and filmmakers. Movies like “The Matrix” imagined virtual worlds that are so convincing, the characters don’t know if they’re real or not.
That’s the dream of virtual reality – to create computer-simulated, three-dimensional interactive worlds that make you feel as if you are actually living in them. Here’s how it works:
I have no doubt that watching TV in the future will involve having dinner with the virtual Kardashians or competing in the virtual Hunger Games.
The buzz about VR started to grow louder last year when developers of the first publicly available mobile virtual reality device, Oculus Rift, raised money on Kickstarter. Facebook bought the Oculus Rift technology, and the first consumer device – a VR headset – will be available in early 2016 for somewhere between $200 and $400.
My $25 Virtual Reality Experience
In case you don’t want to wait or spend upward of $200 to experience VR, Google has come up with a bargain version, Google Cardboard, which pairs a smartphone app with goggles. Yes, you read that right, cardboard virtual reality goggles available for $25 that you can assemble yourself. Google Cardboard goggles come with lenses and work with a smartphone app that projects a virtual reality video. The lenses translate that to a 3D image.
I decided to try them and find out what all this VR fuss is about.
Several companies make goggles for Google Cardboard; they range in price from about $20 to $35. I picked the classic I Am Cardboard goggles for $24.99. They arrived flatpacked, with perforations and really lame instructions.
My default reaction to having to assemble anything is panic. YouTube to the rescue! A girl with purple nail polish has taped a how-to video that makes assembly crystal clear. Watch it here.
So what does VR look like? Well, so far it’s not close to “The Matrix,” but it’s pretty cool. With a little poking and shaking because the magnet that attached to my Carboard viewer fell off, I was able to watch a VR video tour of the interior of the Palace at Versailles. As I turned my head, I could see the paintings and other detail on all four walls. When I looked up I saw the chandelier and when I looked down I saw the rugs. When I finally found and attached the magnet, I could click from one room to another. The images were grainy, but that was due to the crude Cardboard lenses. Rumor has it the Oculus Rift goggles will be visually a lot more impressive. You get what you pay for.
The biggest problem with virtual reality is that it makes some people dizzy and nauseous, a problem that developers are working on. Because I suffer from vertigo, I used my goggles while in a swivel chair, which helped. Instead of moving my head, I moved my entire body.
Besides the tour of Versailles, the Google Cardboard app includes other VR demos: a crude animated aerial tour of what looks like a Greek city, a badly drawn 3D cartoon and lots of kids’ games that require a controller. Here’s a roundup of the best according to PC Advisor.
One of the app’s selections is definitely worth watching: VRSE, or “Evolution of Verse” has some gorgeous scenery, with a simulation of birds whirling in the sky and a baby in the womb; the second, “New Wave,” displays a really innovative use of the technology – a dramatization of a boy and girl having a fight on a beach. Move your head to follow the characters as the girl gets angry, walks away from the boy into the water and then back to him for a kiss. In the near future, a virtual reality movie might look like this, making Oculus Rift interesting to grownups.
Meanwhile, if you if you want an adventure without actually going anywhere, get some Google Goggles and give VR a whirl.
If You Plan to Try This…
- You need a high end smartphone to actually use Google Cardboard. Without a fast processor, plenty of memory and a good display you won’t see anything much.
- If you have an iPhone here is some guidance.
- Don’t bother with the pre-assembled foam version of Google Cardboard – the lenses fell out
- Order the right size of Google Cardboard for your phone. I ordered the large size so that my large phone would fit inside the goggles; most are made for smaller phones.
To learn more about Google Cardboard, see apps and buy goggles, click here.
Update October 21, 2015: The New York Times and Google have announced a partnership that will distribute Google Cardboard VR sets to more than a million New York Times subscribers, allowing them to experience virtual reality news stories on a special NYT app launching November 5.
See more Aging With Geekitude articles.
Erica Manfred is a journalist, essayist and humorist who writes about everything from dentistry to divorce to fantasy fiction. Friend her on Facebook.
COMMENTS
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Galway, Ireland!
Songwriting Night
Songwriting Night
Join Senior Planet and singer/songwriter Maggie Rothwell to discuss the art of songwriting.
0 events,
5
0 events,
6
0 events,
7
0 events,
8
12 events,
9
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
10
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
#AgeFriendly
#AgeFriendly
In this lecture, you’ll learn about the World Health Organization's eight elements of an age-friendly city and what makes a business age friendly.
11 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Social Media
Introduction to Social Media
Learn about some of the more popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
擔心病毒和惡意軟體嗎?參加這門講座,了解如何保護您的裝置安全!
15 events,
12
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Understanding Bluetooth
Understanding Bluetooth
We’ll explain Bluetooth technology, how it works, and the way it impacts everyday life.
7 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to TikTok
Introduction to TikTok
This presentation will introduce you to TikTok, its rise to global popularity, and most common features, including privacy settings.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
14
0 events,
15
12 events,
16
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Learn about tools to help you be a part of the movement and support racial justice!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
17
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Learn about devices and apps that can help you get more Zzz's
12 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
物聯網:智慧城市
物聯網:智慧城市
快來了解物聯網 (IoT) 技術如何被整合到全球城市的最基本功能中。
14 events,
19
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Don't worry about formatting your resume. Let the templates do the work for you!
9 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Travel Sites
Online Travel Sites
Learn the basics of using online travel sites to find the best fares and rates for just about any destination.
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
*REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
0 events,
21
0 events,
22
13 events,
23
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
24
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online.
12 events,
25
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Startup!
Startup!
This lecture gives an overview of some important digital tools to help you get your online business up and running.
線上購物
線上購物
本講座將提供有關使用流行網站 Amazon.com 在線購買從洗碗精到日用雜貨等所有商品的一般介紹。
15 events,
26
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Nextdoor
Introduction to Nextdoor
This presentation will introduce you to the most common uses for the Nextdoor app and its main features, along with some best practices for using it safely.
8 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
0 events,
28
0 events,
29
13 events,
30
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
13 events,
31
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
In this lecture you’ll learn about popular smartphones on the market and some of their pros and cons.
11 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
語音助理
語音助理
快來了解 Alexa、Siri 和其他語音助理可以為您做什麼!
15 events,
2
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mindfulness Apps
Mindfulness Apps
This lecture introduces mindfulness and its physical and mental benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving memory, and lowering blood pressure.
7 events,
3
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Learn how online tools can help you stay informed and get your voice heard.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
0 events,
4
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Songwriting Night
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Songwriting Night
Morning Stretch
Affordable Home Internet
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
#AgeFriendly
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Social Media
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Understanding Bluetooth
Morning Stretch
Introduction to TikTok
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Morning Stretch
Money Matters
物聯網:智慧城市
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Morning Stretch
Online Travel Sites
Mobile Health Apps
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Morning Stretch
Startup!
線上購物
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Nextdoor
Morning Stretch
eBay & PayPal
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Morning Stretch
Fit Fusion Workout
語音助理
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Mindfulness Apps
Morning Stretch
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Tai Chi
Recent Articles
Recent Comments