Enter the world of VR
Most have become aware that “VR” stands for virtual reality. Many think of VR in relationship to gaming only. But a growing list of practical benefits is beginning to surface. The list grows as VR becomes mainstreamed into general consideration by researchers and developers. Take, for example, software that ages the participant in VR.
Stanford, Microsoft and UCLA have developed a VR program which allows the viewer to “see the future self.” This experience is evidently so unsettling, that after seeing their future self, participants allocated twice as much toward their retirement savings. Virtually. Those participating in the study felt that their future self provided greater motivation than simply knowing currently “who I am.”
Retirement Investment with WSJ
The WSJ ran an article on the retirement benefit application of VR to highlight the retirement savings crisis in America. WSJ believes that moving ahead 40 years might be the tool needed to encourage individuals to save more now. Of course, part of retirement savings entails greater investment, which the WSJ encourages. But the main thrust was to actually help those who tend to be shortsighted in planning for their future. Perhaps when the individual enters the VR scenario there is a strange feeling of sympathy upon seeing that old person, and realizing, “That’s me!”
Peter Diamandis of Abundance Insider notes that such a shift in perspective is very significant. “In this example, engaging with an “Older Me,” created a connection between our present and future at such a level that it actually altered present-day decisionmaking. Other suggested uses include psychiatric treatment, physical therapy, nutritional counseling, financial services and travel.”
Augmented Reality (AR)
VR is giving way to AR – Augmented Reality. While VR replaces the real world with a simulated one, AR supplements the real world by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. Non-gaming uses of VR include Media (Cinema), Social, Industrial, Professional, Television & Sports.
Samsung Gear VR claimed to have over one million users within six months of its November 2015 worldwide launch. However, there are no current figures for those who still use the headset. The Oculus powered headset can use a smartphones up to 5.5″ in width. Galaxy Note 7 owners are warned not to use their smartphone with the Oculus VR headset. A view of the “older me” might come sooner in actual reality.