ー英会話講師の英語日記ー　札幌英会話スクールSTEP UP（札幌駅、大通駅徒歩５分）

VR

2017年11月24日 (金)

This week I have decided to stray away from movies as I haven’t had time to watch any and focus on another form of entertainment, VR or virtual reality. This is something I hold a passing interest in having bought a cheap headset to try with my smartphone. I picked it up on Amazon six months ago for about \1000 just to see what it was like to be `immersed` and I have to say I was somewhat underwhelmed. VR allows the viewer to see around, above, and below themselves in a 360 degree visual environment. To a certain extent that was true but it was like having a TV screen directly in front of you and peering through a gap between a pair of curtains with a mesh screen in the way. Far from an `immersive ` experience and very tiring on the eyes. So three months ago I was fortunate enough to try the HTC Vive, a top of the range VR headset and, although far more comfortable and having a sense of depth, it was heavy, strapped tightly to my face and still tiring on the eyes. That, and prohibitively expensive at around \80,000 and needing a powerful computer to run it..

However I recently saw that Oculus, now owned by Facebook, are releasing a new \20,000 headset which is comfortable, has much higher quality lenses and screen, and will not need to be tethered to a PC or need a smartphone to work. I have to say I am somewhat skeptical, however I look forward to giving it a whirl and maybe splashing the cash if it finally brings the true experience of VR to life.

Immersive – to pull you in, to surround you

To pick up – to buy

To be underwhelmed – to be unimpressed

To a certain extent – somewhat, to some degree

To be fortunate – to be lucky

To prohibit – to prevent from doing something

To be tethered – to be attached

Splash the cash – decide to buy something