VR Or AR?
Virtual Reality is a computer generated simulation of real life, while Augmented Reality layers enhancements on top of the real world. While Virtual Reality is often talked about as being the future of gaming, it is becoming increasingly apparent that Augmented Reality is more likely to be the future. For business and development uses, however, both Virtual and Augmented Reality have already proven a popular choice.Possible Uses And Applications
Gaming is the most obvious use of Virtual Reality, and it is this industry that will push the development of consumer VR headsets forward. There are already a limited number of options available to the consumer, including Valve and HTC’s Vive as well as the announced launch of the Playstation VR set, which was previously called Project Morpheus. Retail businesses, including those in the fashion, interior and exterior design, and home refurbishment and decoration industries, can also benefit. Manufacturing, design, and development roles may also require or benefit from virtual and augmented reality design skills. The Different Elements Required For Augmented Reality There are different elements required in the production of augmented reality, so if your skills do not necessarily lie in the use of the Unity development platform, you could still be involved in augmented reality development:- Visual – For virtual reality, it is necessary to capture and utilise panoramic 3D footage. Videographers, as well as 3D animators and 3D designers can create image files for use in the creation of augmented reality worlds.
- Audio – Virtual reality is less likely to require audio files, because it will usually rely on genuine and live audio, but the overlaying of enhanced audio will be a major component in augmented reality. Audio producers are required for the development of this type of software and platform, therefore.
- Coding – Once the video, audio, and enhanced layers have been created, coding is required to combine these files and also to determine how users interact with the augmented reality world.
- Hardware – There is an increasing number of VR headsets available, while mobile phones and other mobile devices can be capable of offering Augmented Reality, or combined with mobile units like Google Cardboard, to create mobile VR headsets. Development of these and other items of hardware for use with alternative reality platforms will continue, and it will require developers and engineers to advance these devices.
Unity And Other Software
Whatever element of alternate reality development you want to get into, you will need access to the right tools and the best platforms. Full platforms include the likes of Cryengine and Unity 3D, while specific image creation tools like Gimp and audio tools like Audacity can be used to create the individual elements. You should determine the type of development you intend to get into, buy or download the software, and start getting to grips with it.Tips
Start Small But Think Big
All developers have to start somewhere, so rather than throwing yourself into trying to develop the next Pokemon Go or building the next Oculus Rift, start with something smaller. Try to ensure that you have the basic skills necessary for whichever element you intend to first tackle, and then expand from there so that you can incorporate more elements as you learn. Don’t be afraid to think big in the long term, but know that you are unlikely to be able to fully develop a working reality entirely on your own so start small.Take Advantage Of Existing Tools And Technologies
There really is no need to reinvent the wheel, especially thanks to the range of free 3D development tools and applications that are available. What’s more, sites like Best3DModel.com enable you to download existing 3D image files and use these for the development of your VR worlds and platforms. Using existing assets means that you can reduce the skills that you need to master and can cut down development time considerably, too.Get Google Cardboard
The best developers are those that have a genuine interest in what they are developing, and that actually use the end products that they design. At the very least, you will need to test your development, and while some VR headsets can cost upward of $500, the Google Cardboard costs less than $20 and works with a wide range of Android handsets. Buy a Cardboard headset, download some of the VR apps that are available, and see what others are up to and how you can improve them.
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Google Cardboard certainly has its limits, but it also has its benefits and you should take advantage of these when possible.
