![Several applications have already been made for Google’s Cardboard. [Google]](http://www.jstudentboard.com/reporter/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/JSR_Oct04_Cardboard.jpg)
“We have reached a point in humanity where futuristic innovations we once thought could never be achieved have now been [achieved],” La Cañada High School junior Abe Cho stated in an interview with JSR.
Oculus Rift, a device that is helping introduce virtual reality to society, is a virtual reality simulator that is worn over the face and projects an image to the eyes, making it seem like the wearer is in the projected image. Using a gyrometer and an accelerometer, the device can “follow” the eyes, making it seem as if the wearer is moving within the image. The company has stoked interest in virtual reality, and Facebook recently bought the company for $2 billion.
However, Oculus Rift is still in a prototyping phase. Only developers can get the devices, which cost $350.
In the meantime, people eager to try virtual reality can go with Google Cardboard, a simple device which is constructed by cheap materials in order to deliver virtual reality to people across the globe for less. An “open source” device, Google Cardboard can be constructed for around $25 and used by people who have Android phones.
Using the device is also simple. All an Android user needs to do is buy a kit, construct it, and download the Google Cardboard application.
When interviewed by JSR, potential virtual reality users shared a variety of opinions.
“I always thought it would be cool if they could at one point make movies where you are the main character,” stated La Cañada junior Cameron Leewong. “You would experience [virtual reality] while wearing the Oculus Rift or the Google Cardboard.”
However, Abe Cho mentioned unnamed potential problems when discussing virtual reality, warning that, “We must correctly utilize these accessories for they bear detriments which can negatively affect [this] generation.”
More and more companies are investing in virtual reality, and huge technological advancements have been made. With an explorable alternate dimension, movies and games will have better visuals and viewers will be immersed within the action.
