(VR) Virtual Reality and (AR) Augmented Reality
【明報專訊】Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are becoming increasingly popular in the gaming industry. More and more games are adopting the technologies of VR and AR. These technologies are innovative. Nonetheless, besides gaming, can you name other applications of VR and AR?
◆What are VR and AR?
VR provides a completely immersive experience in a virtual world, while AR provides a partially virtual and interactive real-world experience.
◆How large is the VR industry?
US$24.5 billion (around
HK$190 billion). ABI Research estimates that the VR industry will exceed this value in revenue by 2024.
◆What are the practical uses of VR?
Retailing!
Customers can try on the clothes remotely, without practically going to the shop!
Surgery training!
In some hospitals, doctors and nurses are trained through VR simulations.
Live music!
Some musicians chose to stream their performances remotely through VR headsets.
Travelling!
The Hong Kong Tourism Board launched a VR tour ''360 Hong Kong Moments'' on 19 October to attract tourists. Watch the video here!◆
Amid the pandemic, online shopping and gaming are gaining popularity. This might be the golden opportunity for VR and AR industries to grow and develop.
■Glossary
innovative (adj) 創新的
immersive (adj) 身歷其境的
interactive (adj) 互動性高的
stream (v) 串流
[Smarties' Power English 第295期]