Virtual reality (VR) technology has come a long way since its inception. The first virtual reality device was released back in 1960, and since then, we’ve seen incredible advancements in this field. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of VR and how it has evolved over time.
1960: The Birth of Virtual Reality
The first virtual reality device was developed by Ivan Sutherland in 1960. He created a head-mounted display (HMD) called the “Sword of Damocles,” which allowed users to experience a virtual environment for the first time. Unfortunately, the technology was very limited and could only track the movement of a user’s head, but it paved the way for what was to come.
1968: The First VR Headset
In 1968, William Higinbotham developed the first virtual reality headset. It was called the “Head Mounted Display” and allowed users to view a virtual environment through two screens mounted on either side of the head. This device was used for research purposes only, but it marked a significant step forward in the development of VR technology.
1970s: The Birth of Computer Graphics
The 1970s saw the birth of computer graphics, which would play a crucial role in the development of virtual reality. The first computer with a graphics processor was the Xerox PARC, developed by Xerox Corporation in 1973. This device allowed for the creation of high-quality images and laid the foundation for modern VR technology.
1980s: The First Commercial VR Headset
In 1982, the first commercial virtual reality headset was developed by Ed Catmull and Jerry Brevik. It was called the “Virtual Reality Theater System” (VRTS) and allowed users to experience a virtual environment while sitting in a chair. This device was used primarily for training purposes, such as simulating surgical procedures or teaching drivers how to navigate through traffic.
1990s: The Emergence of VR Gaming
The 1990s saw the emergence of virtual reality gaming. In 1992, the first commercial VR game was released, called “Doom” by id Software. This game allowed players to experience a virtual world filled with monsters and other challenges. Since then, many more VR games have been developed, including classics like “Quake,” “Tomb Raider,” and “Half-Life.”
2000s: The Rise of Mobile VR
In the early 2000s, mobile virtual reality began to gain popularity. In 2003, Sharp released the first handheld VR device, called the “Sharp J-SH04,” which allowed users to view 3D images through a pair of glasses. This marked the beginning of a new era for virtual reality, as mobile devices became more powerful and capable of running complex applications.
2010s: The Consumer Market Booms
The 2010s saw the consumer market for VR technology boom. In 2016, Oculus VR released their flagship device, the Oculus Rift, which quickly gained popularity among early adopters. Other companies, such as HTC and Samsung, also entered the market with their own VR devices. This led to a surge in interest from consumers and businesses alike, as they began to see the potential of virtual reality for gaming, education, and training.
