Virtual reality (VR) technology has come a long way since its inception, with various types of VR headsets being developed over the years to enhance and immersive the user experience.

History of Virtual Reality Headsets

The first known attempt at creating a VR headset can be traced back to 1960, when computer scientist Ivan Sutherland developed a device called the Sketchpad. The Sketchpad was essentially a pair of goggles that projected stereoscopic images onto two screens, allowing users to view a 3D image in front of them.

Although this device was not considered a true VR headset, it marked the beginning of VR technology.

In the 1980s, researchers at the University of Maryland developed the first wearable VR headset called the “Cyberscope”. This device used liquid crystals to display stereoscopic images and allowed users to move their heads to track the position of their eyes. The Cyberscope was bulky and uncomfortable to wear, but it marked a significant step forward in VR technology.

In 1989, a team at Silicon Graphics created a prototype of what would become the first commercial VR headset, called the “Sword of Damocles”. This device used cables attached to a head-mounted display (HMD) to track the position of the user’s eyes and allow them to look around in virtual space. The Sword of Damocles was expensive and cumbersome, but it paved the way for future VR headsets.

The Modern Era of Virtual Reality Headsets

In 2010, a company called Oculus VR released the first commercially successful VR headset, called the Oculus Rift. The Rift used sensors to track the position of the user’s head and provide a more immersive experience than previous VR headsets. It was followed by several other high-end VR headsets, such as the HTC Vive and the PlayStation VR.

In recent years, VR technology has become more accessible and affordable, with many smartphone manufacturers releasing VR-compatible devices that allow users to experience virtual reality on their mobile devices. These devices include the Samsung Gear VR, the Oculus Quest, and the Google Cardboard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the first virtual reality headset was created in 1960 by Ivan Sutherland with the Sketchpad. Since then, several other wearable VR headsets have been developed, such as the Cyberscope, Sword of Damocles, and Oculus Rift. Today, VR technology has become more accessible and affordable, with many smartphone manufacturers releasing VR-compatible devices that allow users to experience virtual reality on their mobile devices.