Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that has been around for several decades. It has gone through many stages of development and evolution, but it all started with one man’s vision.

The Early Beginnings of Virtual Reality

In the 1960s, a scientist named Ivan Sutherland developed a system called “Sketchpad,” which allowed users to draw and manipulate objects in a computer-generated environment. This was one of the first attempts at creating a virtual reality experience. However, Sketchpad was limited and required specialized equipment to use.

The Next Generation of Virtual Reality

In the 1980s, a company called “Mattel” developed a VR headset called “Virtual Boy.” It was the first consumer-grade VR system and had limited success due to its high price and lack of content. However, it paved the way for future developments in the field.

The Modern Era of Virtual Reality

In 1992, a company called “Sega” released a VR headset called “Genesis,” which was later followed by the “3DO” in 1994. These systems had more advanced features and hardware than their predecessors, but still lacked the content and support needed to become mainstream.

The Turning Point: Oculus VR

In 2012, a company called “Oculus” released a Kickstarter campaign for a new VR headset called the “Oculus Rift.” It quickly became one of the most successful crowdfunding campaigns in history and raised over $2.4 million. The Oculus Rift was finally released in 2016 and has since become one of the most popular VR systems on the market.

The Creator of Virtual Reality: A Tribute

The creator of virtual reality is often credited to be Ivan Sutherland, who developed Sketchpad in the 1960s. However, it was actually Jaron Lanier, the founder of Oculus, who brought VR into the mainstream and made it accessible to the masses. He has since become a pioneer in the field and has been instrumental in shaping its current state.

Conclusion

Virtual reality has come a long way since its early beginnings, thanks to the contributions of visionaries like Ivan Sutherland and Jaron Lanier. Today, VR technology is used in various industries, including gaming, education, and medicine.