Virtual Reality is taking the world by storm as it expands into new industries. VR is no longer restricted to the gaming and entertainment industry but sparks interest within tourism, education, healthcare and real-estate among others.
Virtual reality allows the user to interact and control with a digital world using realistic images, sounds and other sensations via computer technologies such as virtual reality headset.
These three startups explore the diverse potential of VR to entertain, educate, and transport users through a range of activities.
Gaming
Traditionally, VR was focused on the gaming industry and entertainment business. Game development studios such as Warducks could build high quality, fun games and experiences for Virtual Reality devices.
Warduck’s Sneaky Bears gaming franchise keeps players on their toes as not-so-cuddly bears attack from all directions, forcing the player to keep their eyes peeled and head turning 360 degrees. The newest addition to the Sneaky Bear franchise is their Sneaky Bears Rollercoaster taking players on a fun roller coaster trip through the Sneaky Bears Toy Factory.
Education
As VR technology matures, it is moving into the classroom and offering students a more immersive learning experience.
Learning platform, Unimersiv creates VR educational experiences providing visual and interactive knowledge about history, space and the human anatomy. Using Oculus Rift or Samsung Gear Headsets, students can wander through the Roman Coliseum or explore the solar system as a passenger on a spaceship. Unimersiv is also open to developers to publish and sell their own educational experiences to expand the platform’s lineup and cover more topics.
Travel
VR applications are endless and can serve as a convincing marketing strategy to sell a new product or even a holiday destination to a potential customer.
Sygic is a navigational startup connecting smartphones with cars, helping families stay in touch and navigating company fleets all over the world. Their travel VR component, powered by Oculus, allows the user to experience travelling directly from their sofa. Users can visit a range of places from Trafalgar Square in London to Times Square in New York City to Louvre in Paris, which might be the visual tipping point to convince them to visit the place themselves.
