Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that creates a simulated environment that allows the user to interact with it as if it were real. The use of VR has grown rapidly in recent years, making its way into various industries such as gaming, education, and even healthcare. While the term “virtual reality” is widely recognized, there are several other words used to describe this technology. Some other terms include “artificial reality,” “immersive technology,” “simulated reality,” and “computer-generated reality.” These terms all serve to describe the experience of being transported into a world that is not physically real, but instead, a creation of technology. Regardless of the term used, virtual reality is changing the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.
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Immersive Technology
“Immersive Technology” is a term that is often used as a synonym for “Virtual Reality.” Immersive technology refers to the use of computer-generated simulations and interactive environments that allow individuals to experience a sense of presence and involvement in the digital world.
The goal of immersive technology is to create a highly interactive and realistic experience that mimics real life as closely as possible. This is achieved through the use of various technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and haptic feedback, among others.
In immersive technology, the user is surrounded by a digital environment that they can interact with in real time. This creates a feeling of being physically present in the virtual world, which can be incredibly engaging and provide a unique experience.
Some examples of immersive technology include VR gaming, 360-degree videos, interactive museum exhibits, and simulation training in various fields such as medicine, aviation, and the military.
Overall, “immersive technology” encompasses a range of technologies that aim to provide a highly immersive experience by blurring the line between the real and virtual worlds. It is a term that is often used interchangeably with “Virtual Reality” and is a growing area of technology with numerous practical applications.
Artificial Reality
Artificial Reality is another term used to describe virtual reality. This term is used to describe a computer-generated environment that simulates reality and allows the user to interact with it. In other words, it refers to the creation of a virtual world that is designed to mimic the real world.
The concept of Artificial Reality is closely related to that of Virtual Reality, as both terms refer to the use of technology to create a simulated environment. However, there are some differences between the two terms. Virtual Reality is typically used to describe a fully immersive experience, where the user is surrounded by a computer-generated environment, while Artificial Reality is used to describe a simulated environment that is less immersive but still allows for some degree of interaction.
Artificial Reality can be created using a variety of technologies, including VR headsets, computers, and other forms of digital media. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, including entertainment, education, training, and more. For example, artificial reality can be used to simulate a virtual environment for a video game, allowing the player to experience a simulated world in a way that feels more realistic.
Artificial Reality is a term that is used to describe a computer-generated environment that simulates reality and allows the user to interact with it. This term is often used as a synonym for Virtual Reality, but it is less immersive and more focused on allowing the user to interact with a simulated environment.
Synthetic Reality
“Synthetic Reality” is indeed one of the synonyms for “Virtual Reality.” Virtual reality refers to a computer-generated environment that is designed to simulate a real-life experience. It typically involves the use of a headset and/or other forms of sensory input, such as haptic feedback, to create an immersive, interactive experience for the user.
A synthetic reality, on the other hand, refers to a type of artificial environment that is created using computer technology. It is essentially a digital representation of reality that can be interacted with and experienced in a way that is similar to the real world.
The terms “Virtual Reality” and “Synthetic Reality” are often used interchangeably, as they refer to similar concepts and technologies. However, the term “Virtual Reality” is more commonly used and is widely recognized, while “Synthetic Reality” is a less frequently used term.
Overall, both terms refer to computer-generated environments that are designed to simulate reality and provide a realistic and immersive experience for the user.
Simulation
Virtual Reality (VR) refers to the technology that creates an immersive and interactive environment where users can engage with digital objects and activities in a seemingly real way. Virtual Reality creates a sensory experience that feels like being in a different world.
Simulation is another word that can be used to describe Virtual Reality. Simulation refers to a re-creation of a real-world environment, process, or event using a model, software, or other tools. The simulation is intended to imitate the behavior of the real-world system, allowing users to experience and interact with the system in a controlled and safe environment.
In the case of Virtual Reality, the simulation creates an immersive and interactive digital environment that mimics the real world, allowing users to experience and interact with digital objects and activities in a seemingly real way. The simulation creates a sensory experience that feels like being in a different world, providing an experience that is similar to the real world but does not physically exist.
Therefore, simulation is another word that can be used to describe Virtual Reality, as it refers to the creation of an immersive and interactive environment that mimics the real world, allowing users to experience and interact with digital objects and activities in a seemingly real way.
Cyberspace
Cyberspace refers to a digital world that exists within computers and the internet. It is a space that has no physical form and is created by computers, but it has a virtual reality that allows users to interact with the digital environment as if they were in a physical world.
Cyberspace is often used to describe a digital environment where people can connect, engage in online activities, or access information and entertainment. In this sense, cyberspace is a synonym for virtual reality, as it is a simulated world that exists within the digital realm.
Cyberspace can also refer to the collective networks and digital information that exist within the internet. It is a term used to describe the interconnected digital space that encompasses the internet, websites, social media platforms, and other online services. In this sense, cyberspace is a term that refers to the vast digital landscape that exists online and can be seen as a synonym for virtual reality, as it creates a virtual world for users to explore and interact with.
Mirrored World
A mirrored world can be considered another word for virtual reality. Both terms describe an alternate universe that exists within a computer-generated environment. In a mirrored world, the reality is reflected or duplicated, providing an experience that is similar to the physical world but not entirely real. This simulated reality is created using advanced computer graphics, sound, and other sensory inputs to create a believable and immersive environment.
Virtual reality offers users a chance to enter a digital world that is separate from their physical reality. In this mirrored world, users can interact with objects and engage in activities that are similar to what they might do in the real world. The goal of virtual reality is to create a realistic experience that is both enjoyable and educational. This allows users to explore new worlds, experience new sensations, and gain new insights into their reality.
A mirrored world is a synonym for virtual reality because it describes an alternate universe that is created within a computer-generated environment. Both terms offer users an opportunity to experience a different reality, one that is separate from their physical reality and provides a unique and engaging experience.
Haptic Reality
Haptic Reality is a term used to describe the tactile experience of virtual reality. Unlike traditional virtual reality, which is limited to visual and auditory stimulation, haptic reality offers a sense of touch, allowing users to feel and interact with virtual objects and environments. This is achieved through the use of special gloves, suits, or other wearable devices that provide physical feedback, such as vibration or pressure, to the user’s skin. Haptic reality is often used in gaming, training simulations, and medical applications where it is important to create a realistic and immersive experience. In essence, the haptic reality is another word for virtual reality that emphasizes the importance of touch in the virtual experience.
Augmented Reality
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two related, yet distinct, concepts in the field of computer-generated simulations. VR refers to a completely immersive, computer-generated environment that replaces the real world and often requires specialized hardware, such as a VR headset, to interact with it. On the other hand, AR refers to the overlay of digital information in the real world. AR is usually experienced through a smartphone or tablet camera and the digital information is displayed as if it is part of the real world.
In simple terms, VR creates a new world to experience while AR enhances the real world with digital information. AR is often considered a subset of VR, as it shares many of the same technologies and ideas. Both VR and AR aim to create more immersive, interactive, and engaging experiences for users.
In conclusion, other words for virtual reality can be “artificial reality”, “immersive technology”, “cyberspace”, “computer-generated simulation” or “mirrored world”. These terms all refer to the creation of a simulated environment through the use of computer technology, which can be experienced and interacted with by users. The exact choice of terminology often depends on the context in which the term is being used and the level of detail or accuracy being sought. Regardless of the terminology used, virtual reality is a rapidly growing field with tremendous potential for a wide range of applications, from gaming and entertainment to education and training, and beyond.
FAQs
What is virtual reality in simple words? ›
Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel they are immersed in their surroundings. This environment is perceived through a device known as a Virtual Reality headset or helmet.
What are the 3 types of virtual reality? ›There are 3 primary categories of virtual reality simulations used today: non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully-immersive simulations.
What is the new virtual reality called? ›The metaverse is a computing experience where users share an immersive environment on computers. Zuckerberg has spent billions of dollars on the project. Reality Labs, the Meta division responsible for building the metaverse, lost $10.2 billion in 2021 and has lost nearly $6 billion so far this year.
What is the synonym of virtual? ›computer-generated. adjectiveproduced by a computer program. computerized. digital. programmed.
What is another term for a virtual machine? ›The physical machines, equipped with a hypervisor such as Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM), is called the host machine, host computer, host operating system, or simply host. The many VMs that use its resources are guest machines, guest computers, guest operating systems, or simply guests.
Why is it called virtual reality? ›The use of the term “virtual reality,” however, was first used in the mid-1980s when Jaron Lanier, founder of VPL Research, began to develop the gear, including goggles and gloves, needed to experience what he called “virtual reality.”
What the heck is virtual reality? ›Virtual reality uses technology to “transport” you to a digital space where you can move through and interact with a simulated environment. It's just one type of extended reality, an umbrella term that also encompasses augmented reality and mixed reality.
Which definition best fits virtual reality? ›Virtual reality or VR is a technology that creates a virtual environment. People interact in those environments using, for example, VR goggles or other mobile devices. It is a computer-generated simulation of an environment or 3-dimensional image where people can interact in a seemingly real or physical way.
What are the 4 elements of virtual reality? ›Furthermore, Sherman and Craig introduced four key elements of a virtual reality experience, namely: virtual world or medium, immersion, sensory feedback, and interactivity (Sherman and Craig, 2003).
What technology is used in virtual reality? ›Wireless HMDs, such as HTC Focus and Oculus Go, provide users with this comfort and make the display of VR content possible during big events. Building apps for standalone headsets are most effective using Unity, Unreal.
What comes after virtual reality? ›
But from the perspective of the human experience, one development stands out above all others: extended reality (XR) technologies. These include virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and brain-computer interfaces (BCI), which together position themselves as the next computing platforms in their own right.
What is an example of the metaverse? ›Fortnite. The popular online video game from Epic Games offers an immersive digital gaming and social space that is an example of a real-life metaverse-like environment.
What metaverse means? ›The Metaverse is defined as a spatial computing platform that provides digital experiences as an alternative to or a replica of the real world, along with key civilizational aspects like social interactions, currency, trade, economy, and property ownership – founded on a bedrock of blockchain technology.
Does virtual mean digital? ›Digital and InternetToday, the term virtual means "online" and, loosely, anything related to computers. It is a substitute for "online," "digital" and "Internet." Also "not physical," for example, "The company's product will be virtual for another year."
What is the opposite of virtual reality? ›Augmented Reality is the opposite of Virtual Reality within the spectrum. Whereas VR can transport you to any virtual environment, AR can bring any virtual item into your real environment.
Is virtual and online the same thing? ›Put simply, a virtual meeting is a meeting done online without a physical location.
What is virtual machine in simple words? ›A virtual machine (VM) is a digital version of a physical computer. Virtual machine software can run programs and operating systems, store data, connect to networks, and do other computing functions, and requires maintenance such as updates and system monitoring.
What is opposite of virtual? ›We have listed all the opposite words for virtual alphabetically. actual. absolute. authentic. categorical.
What is another name for robots? ›| android | automaton |
|---|---|
| machine | bot |
| automation | computer |
| cyborg | droid |
| mechanical | bionic person |
The first records of the word virtual come from around 1400. It comes from the Medieval Latin virtuālis, meaning “effective” (in the sense of having the effect of something without the form or appearance of it).
Is virtual reality an illusion? ›
Optical illusions, like virtual reality, rely on visual trickery to challenge human perception. For example, in the Ebbinghaus Illusion the relative size of the gray circles influences your brain's perception of the red circles. The Checker Shadow illusion also illustrates how we don't always see what we think we see.
Why is virtual reality called metaverse? ›The term "metaverse" originated in the 1992 science fiction novel Snow Crash as a portmanteau of "meta" and "universe". Metaverse development is often linked to advancing virtual reality technology due to the increasing demands for immersion.
How harmful is virtual reality? ›Exposure to virtual reality can disrupt the sensory system and lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sweating, pallor, loss of balance, etc., which are grouped together under the term "virtual reality sickness". In sensitive individuals, these symptoms may appear within the first few minutes of use.
What does virtual reality do to your brain? ›Just like with any other technology, overexposure to VR can lead to increased alterations in the brain, resulting in headaches and nausea.
Why do people not like virtual reality? ›Technological Reasons
The headsets are quite uncomfortable. They are not meant to be worn constantly. It is possible for a person passionate about video games to get lost in a VR game, but the feeling after each session might not be pleasant. Little can be done for the mental uneasiness.
What's the Difference Between the Two? The distinctions between VR and AR come down to the devices they require and the experience itself: AR uses a real-world setting while VR is completely virtual. AR users can control their presence in the real world; VR users are controlled by the system.
Where is virtual reality used today? ›We all know virtual reality (VR) is being used for gaming but VR and XR are going to shape our future in so many more ways than gaming. From healthcare to real estate, recruitment, and education, this article covers 23 industries using VR - and this is just the start.
What industry uses VR the most? ›- Healthcare. In the healthcare sector, VR presents huge opportunities. ...
- Retail. In such a competitive sector it's key to use all digital technologies to your advantage. ...
- Manufacturing. ...
- Law enforcement.
VR is an immersive technology that builds out a simulated environment and effectively tricks your brain into believing you're somewhere you're not. It typically features both hardware and software to increase the user's suspension of disbelief.
Which 2 features are most important for virtual reality? ›Answer: Frame rate and latency are most important for Virtual Reality to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience for the user.
What are the 2 virtual reality components? ›
Components of Virtual Reality Systems
A VR system is made up of 2 major subsystems, the hardware and software. The hardware can be further divided into computer or VR engine and I/O devices, while the software can be divided into application software and database as illustrated below.
Virtual reality is a broad term for a multi-sensory computer-generated experience that allows users to explore as well interact with a virtual world. VR is majorly used for creating video games and 3D movies. However, apart from games and entertainment, VR is also used in other sectors like training and education.
What are examples of virtual reality in everyday life? ›The easiest augmented reality example to land on is Instagram or Snapchat filters, where users can modify their faces and environments on their screens thanks to mapping. Another popular AR app is Pokemon Go, where users have the possibility to “hunt” pokemon in the real world thanks to their smartphones.
What is virtual reality kid definition? ›Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology that brings children into a 3D imaginary world that looks and feels real. Children put on a VR headset, known as a head-mounted display, and use controllers to interact with the imaginary world.
How does virtual reality work for dummies? ›VR headsets have embedded stereoscopic lenses positioned between a built-in LED screen and eyes, distorting the image so it looks 3-D and real. The headset passes two images through these lenses, one for each eye, similar to our vision.
What is virtual reality explained for kids? ›Virtual reality (often just called VR) is the name for computer technology that makes a person feel like they are somewhere else. It uses software to produce images, sounds, and other sensations to create a different place so that a user feels like he or she is really part of this other place.
What is virtual reality used for today? ›We all know virtual reality (VR) is being used for gaming but VR and XR are going to shape our future in so many more ways than gaming. From healthcare to real estate, recruitment, and education, this article covers 23 industries using VR - and this is just the start.