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Technology

What is Virtual reality?

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated, immersive 3D environment you experience through a headset, making you feel present inside a simulated world. It tracks your head and hands so the view responds as you move.

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Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains virtual reality.
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Key things to understand

  • 1A headset shows a slightly different image to each eye for 3D depth.
  • 2Sensors track your head (and often hands) so the view updates as you move.
  • 3It creates 'presence' — the feeling of really being there.
  • 4Used in gaming, training, design, therapy, and education.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between VR and AR?
VR replaces your view with a fully virtual world; AR (augmented reality) overlays digital things onto the real world.
How does VR feel 3D?
Each eye sees a slightly different image, and motion tracking updates the view instantly, mimicking real depth and movement.
What is VR used for?
Gaming, training simulations, architecture, therapy, and immersive education.

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