virtual reality - get in the game
TRANSCRIPT
GET IN THE GAME
Virtual Reality
Why VR at the Library?
• We are often the technology “petting zoo” for the public.
• Can offer interactive exploration of topics.• Engages even reluctant users.• Can be physically as well as mentally active.
How does it all work?
The headset uses 3D split screen to trick your eyes. Images fill your field of vision to immerse you in the environment.
Various sensors and controllers track movements and allow you to interact with the scene and move through the images.
360 degree images allow you to turn around, so that you are surrounded by the scene, tricking your brain even further into believing the illusion.
What do you need?
• A headset• Either a cell phone with an internal gyro or• A computer that fits the specs for your
headset and• Whatever sensors go with your headset and• Whatever handheld controller(s) works with
your headset or a bluetooth controller for your cell phone
Cell Phone VR Samsung Gear
• App Based, works with Android and Apple phones
• Inexpensive• Don’t need a PC or
Gaming Console• Can get cardboard
headsets super cheap and even printed with the library logo.
• Works with Samsung phones
• Powered by Oculus, so there are lots of popular games, like Minecraft
• More expensive• Can play Google
Cardboard apps
Headset Options
Daydream Oculus Rift
• Only works with Google phones like the Pixel
• Very comfortable• Works with Cardboard
apps• Limited Daydream
exclusive content—but you do get the Fantastic Beasts app!
• $$$• Great quality and
controls• Handheld “Touch”
controls and camera sensors
• Lots of content, but games can be pricey
• Need a decent gaming PC to run the software
Headset Options
HTC VIVE Playstation VR
• Has a ton on content available on STEAM platform
• Need a decent gaming PC
• $$$$• Handheld controls and
“lighthouse” sensors
• Works with PS4• Need hand held
controls and a camera• $$$• Not a ton of games yet,
but some great ones like Batman and Star Wars
Headset Options
Microsoft Win10 VR RAZR OSVR (open source)
• Late 2017• Will not need base
stations to track motion/space
• Less expensive models• Works with lowered PC
specs• Potential to be the Xbox
VR headset
• For software developers• Works for consumers as
well, but RAZR recommends the Vuzix iWear for casual users
• Works with STEAM, Vireio, Dolphin and can be unofficially used with Rift content
More Headset Options
Fove VR Don’t rule out Viewmaster
• Uses eye tracking, not head motions. This is it’s “big deal” feature.
• Excellent clarity• Works with STEAM as
well as it’s own platform
• Cheap and durable.• Works with most phones• Shows up on most of the
“best VR headsets” lists• New model has updated
optics
Even More Headset Options
What to do with your headset
• Watch videos in 360 degree 3D• Play immersive games• Walk through places, like Mars or the
human body!• For phone VR, use apps like Trinus VR and
Tridef 3D to allow your phone to play VR content from your PC. Yes, this is how you can play STEAM games and even Minecraft and other PC games
• There is conversion software for PC headsets, too
Programming
• A basic “introduction to VR”• Can hand out cardboard headsets• Demo apps, flying and roller coasters work well for
phones, Tilt brush or other art programs are great for PC linked headsets
• Fun to do at outreach events, can even create a VR tour of your library
Programming
Art and other creative programs can be enhanced with VR games that let you create in 3D, and museum and artist walkthroughs Explore a virtual artifact and its history and then re-
create it as a craft Listen to music, and then use a VR piano or drum Talk about architecture or building then take a VR
tour or use a sandbox program to create a structure
Programming
Virtual travel Use with book discussions and story times to visit the
setting of the story Have a VR tour as part of a “Night in…” program Enhance cultural programming with walkthroughs of
the places you are presenting Don’t limit just to earth, explore outer space, or inside
the body!
Programming
Science! Virtual safaris and nature walks, including dinosaurs Lots of anatomy software for all platforms Physics games like Bounce can be tied to real world
experiments Chemistry games like Sokobond or Molecule
introduce chemical bonds
Programming Tips
• Always test everything beforehand (I know you will)
• Determine time limits, as equipment will be limited
• Watch your group size• Have activities for attendees who are waiting • Always check for new software, items are
added frequently
Programming Tips
Programming Tips
HTCAmazing kid paintApollo 11Cooltour ItalyDiscovery VREdmersiveEye of the Owl Heironymous BoschFantastic ContraptionGo for Launch MercuryPaint LabRealitiesStanford Ocean Acidification ExperimentStarsThe Blu
Programming Tips
RiftBBC Earth Cat FlightDiscover Western AustraliaDiscovering SpaceFantastic ContraptionsNative American Virtual History MuseumNature TreksRapid Fire Brief History of FlightStar ChartsThe BluThrough the Ages President Obama Celebrates National ParksTilt Brush
Programming Tips