TECH CHAT: EXPLORE THE EXPANDING WORLD OF VR

WITH GEELONG REGIONAL LIBRARIES

Experience the world of virtual reality and explore the ever increasing possibilities for its application in the real world with Geelong Regional Libraries.

The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are some of the newest virtual reality (VR) headsets available to buy and at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre you have the opportunity to try out both.

VR works by providing a screen for each eye and a lens to focus the screen, achieving a 3D effect. However, VR is more than just about the 3D experience. Through head-tracking technology, the user’s head movement is matched to the virtual environment, giving the illusion of being able to look around in that environment. Similar technology is also used to track the hand-held controllers, which provides the user with virtual hands that can interact with the virtual world.

Alone, each aspect that makes up a VR experience is interesting, but when combined, they create an immersive experience; giving you the feeling of actually being in that virtual world.

The technology is improving and adapting to new uses rapidly. While video games are the obvious industry to benefit from this technology, it is being utilised to great effect in numerous industries. Real estate agencies and architects use the technology for virtual tours.

Similarly, engineers use the technology to examine virtual designs. One of the biggest gains however, has been in the medical field where new tools for dealing with rehabilitation and treatment for mental illness have been developed. There are also early prototypes for medical training to be performed in VR.

Geelong Regional Libraries provides free access to try out different VR experiences.

Virtual reality sessions are open to ages 13 and over without parental permission. For children ages 10-12 wanting to try VR, a parent or guardian should be in attendance.

To find out more about any of the eKnow How sessions offered by the Geelong Regional Libraries, head to grlc.vic.gov.au.