In an era of rapid digital advancement, two terms— VR (Virtual Reality) and Metaverse —are taking center stage in the digital revolution. With heavy investments from tech giants like Meta, Apple, HTC, and more, the world is gradually entering a virtual space where the boundaries of reality can be expanded. So how does VR work? What role does it play in shaping the Metaverse? And are its applications in real life truly “virtual”?
1. What is the Metaverse and what role does VR play in it?
The Metaverse is a virtual space that connects multiple platforms, where people can live, learn, work, play, and interact through digital avatars. It’s more than just a game or an upgraded social network—it’s a comprehensive digital environment with the potential to redefine how we engage with technology.
To bring the Metaverse from concept to reality, one crucial element is needed: presence —the feeling of truly “being there” in the virtual world. This is exactly where VR shows its strength.
Key roles of VR in the Metaverse:
- Creating deep immersion:
VR allows users to fully immerse themselves in a 3D space, seeing and sensing objects, characters, and surroundings in a vivid, lifelike manner.
- Enhancing interaction:
Through VR devices, users can shake hands, wave, dance, collaborate—interact with others in the Metaverse in real behavior, albeit in a virtual setting.
- Building limitless worlds::
VR, combined with technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud computing, enables the creation of flexible, expansive, and creatively rich environments.
2. How does VR work?
Virtual Reality (VR) uses computer-generated 3D environments that users can explore and engage with as though they are physically present. To achieve this, a specialized system of hardware and software is required, including:
Key components of a VR system:
- Kính VR (Head-mounted display – HMD)Displays 3D visuals from the user’s perspective. Often includes motion sensors and gyroscopes to track head orientation.
- Controllers and sensors:Detect hand and body movements, allowing users to interact through actions like touching, grabbing, pulling, or releasing.
- Spatial audio:Reproduces sound based on position and direction, providing a more realistic audio experience in virtual environments.
- Simulation software and algorithms:Generate the virtual environment, physics rules, character interactions, and 3D models.
When users put on a VR headset, they feel as though they’ve been “transported” into a completely new space, where they can see, hear, and respond in real time. This forms the core of the immersive experience—a fundamental element of the Metaverse.
3. Major Platforms Developing the Metaverse Using VR
Meta (Facebook) – Người dẫn đầu
After rebranding from Facebook to MetaMark Zuckerberg revealed his vision of transitioning the world into a virtual space. The company has invested tens of billions of dollars into VR and Metaverse technologies, with notable developments such as:
- Meta Quest 2 and 3 headsets:Affordable wireless VR headsets with strong performance.
- Horizon Worlds & Workrooms platforms:Allow users to game, socialize, meet, and work in the Metaverse using 3D avatars.
Meta places VR at the heart of its Metaverse strategy, spanning education, entertainment, and virtual workspaces.
Apple – A Cautious Yet Groundbreaking Entry
While Apple doesn’t use the term “Metaverse” directly, Apple Vision Pro marked a turning point in AR/VR experiences. Released in 2024, the device features:
- Ultra-high-resolution displays and intuitive control through eye-tracking and hand gestures.
- The visionOS operating system, deeply integrated with Apple’s ecosystem.
- A fusion of AR and VR in what Apple calls spatial computing – máy tính không gian.
Vision Pro signals Apple’s intention to bring VR/Metaverse experiences into everyday life—work, entertainment, learning—without excessive gamification.
HTC – Shaping the Enterprise Metaverse
Unlike Meta or Apple, HTC targets the professional VR market through its VIVERSE ecosystem:
- HTC VIVE XR Elite A high-end VR/XR headset with eye and hand tracking, and ultra-low latency.
- HTC focuses on practical VR applications in education, training, healthcare, virtual exhibitions, and conferences—where the Metaverse is more about real productivity than just fun.
4. Real-World Applications of VR Beyond the Metaverse
Though often associated with entertainment and virtual worlds, VR is already being applied across a wide range of real-world industries.
Practical applications of VR include:
- Education & Simulation Training:Medical students can perform virtual surgeries; students can “visit” ancient Egypt from their classroom.
- Healthcare & Psychological Therapy:VR is used to treat PTSD, anxiety, and phobias by simulating scenarios in a controlled setting.
- Virtual Tourism:Users can travel the world through VR headsets, exploring museums, landmarks, or taking interactive tours.
- Architecture & Design:Architects present 3D models that clients can explore in immersive detail, enhancing understanding of spatial layouts.
- Remote Work:VR enables immersive virtual meeting spaces, enhancing presence and collaboration across distances.
5. Conclusion
- VR is no longer just “virtual” in the imaginary sense—it is becoming a real part of our digital world. In the journey toward building the Metaverse—a virtual living space where people connect and create—VR plays a pivotal role in making immersive, lifelike experiences possible.
From Meta’s Horizon Worlds to Apple’s Vision Pro and HTC’s VIVERSE, tech giants are steadily integrating VR into daily life. So, is virtual reality truly “virtual”? The answer: No. It’s becoming part of a new reality that we are all about to enter.
More at “What Is Virtual Reality All About?”
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