THE FUTURE IS HERE: Virtual Reality

As a technophile, i have read about virtual reality and i have seen a lot videos of people experiencing it, but i had never experienced it. One particular video i saw was a man who had to be away while his wife went into labour and all he had to do was a VR call. He was able to walk around the room, he could stand by his wife, he could see and hear everything in the room, he could talk to her and she could reply with only physical touch missing. The video is one of the most amazing video’s i have seen and all i could think of after that was; where i can i experience this?

Recently, a friend of mine referred me to a VR Hub called Imisi 3D in Lagos to volunteer to push VR content in Nigeria. I immediately remembered that video and couldn't wait to experience it.

When i got there, i met someone i had worked with in the passed and i was really happy about that, because i wanted to feel free as it was a big deal to me.

We spoke and he pulled out the GearVR 1 attached to a Samsung phone, he showed me the instructions and put it on after asking me to clean up my makeup and even provided wipes.

The experience was amazing and different. It felt like i was in a Sci-fi movie. I had to navigate the cursor with the movement of my eyes and it was an infinity screen. I could turn 360 degree and see every part, it felt like i was literally standing there. I selected the “Square Push Experience” and had no idea what to expect. It had a sudden roller coaster drop at the beginning and anyone who knows me well, knows how bad my phobia for height is. I almost fell off my chair screaming. After that experience, i felt happy for that man, because he was lucky to know about this technology and use it efficiently.

Next, i put on the “In The Body Experience” and i was literally cruising in the blood vessel of humans. This was an educative content, teaching about the difference parts of the body with microscopic view of the thinnest cells. At that point, i got the initiative the Imisi 3D team is trying to push in Nigeria. This is exactly what we need in our educational system to enhance learning rapidly as a whole new and exciting form of practicals for pupils.

We are usually very late in accepting technology in Nigeria and by the time we realize it, we are already steps back in technology. VR is the future of output technology and the future in some parts of the world is already here. I am glad that Imisi 3D is bringing VR experience to the public and i can only imagine the endless possibilities from this initiative.

Vivian Ezinne Ubochi