What is VR (Virtual Reality)?
April 17th 2023 - 10am
Technological innovations now have a prominent place in society. Virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, are now terms regularly heard everywhere. Their use is increasing as well, whether for professional interviews, for the promotion of a new car or even for simulations, virtual reality will be used whatever the sector and the need. Telephony is no exception to this phenomenon, and Orange, one of the leaders in innovation, is making its contribution through our various initiatives.
How to define virtual reality?
Jason Jerald describes it briefly as the manifestation of a world existing only within our computers. The more technical definition would be that it is a simulated experience that uses motion tracking and near-eye 3D screens to give the user a sense of immersion in a virtual world. Today, many industries are using it to stay ahead of the game, to showcase their products, to push the customer experience and to be seen as a pioneer in the use of VR in their market.
Thanks to connected headsets, an invention that is becoming more and more industrialised. Samsung Gear VR, Oculus, Cardboard Homido, HTC Vive etc... these headsets are either connected to a computer, if they have a wire, or not if they are autonomous. The wired headsets have sensors to track all movements, while the standalone headsets have built-in sensors to track our movements without a computer.
There is also a mobile version, designed to be used with a smartphone at a cheaper price but with lower quality.
How far will it go?
One of the latest trend is the metaverse, a shared collective and virtual universe. This space includes the combination of virtual worlds, augmented reality and the Internet. This environment pushes the limits of the screen by immersing users in a new world.
When VR leads to Metaverse
Luxembourg also has its own virtual environment in The Luxembourg Megaverse, launched in the summer of 2022 with the collaboration between Virtual Rangers and The Dots. In July 2022 Orange Luxembourg opened the Orange Digital Center (ODC), which focuses on digital innovation and digital literacy, as well as a commercial pavilion where visitors can learn about current offers. Through these virtual places, Orange encourages Luxembourg's economic players, citizens and start-ups to discover the many possibilities offered by the metaverse, an environment that not everyone has yet managed to grasp.
From the 1st to the 19th of March, the 6th edition of the VR Pavilion took place, which is dedicated to different works in virtual reality, highlighting emotional, immersive and breathtaking experiences. For the occasion Orange proposed to the visitors the Eternal Notre Dame experience, a short adventure immersing us in the history of the construction of the Parisian monument. Still in repair today, this technology has allowed hundreds of Luxembourgers to discover the history behind this mythical cathedral.
"Beyond the entertainment that virtual reality experiences in 5G represent, our desire is also to show the educational interest of these experiences as well as the democratisation of access to culture that these technologies promote" - Barbara FANGILLE, Head of Communication of Orange Luxembourg.
Protecting yourself from digital abuse
VR, like any other social phenomenon, also has its limits, particularly on the subject of security and the fight against cyberbullying. 83% of parents say they do not know what their children are doing on the Internet and social networks, and another 20% of children admit to having been cyberbullied. These alarming findings have led Orange to commit to preventing the abuses of this new digital world. This is why Orange Luxembourg has launched a Safe Zone within the game Fortnite, in order to promote a more responsible use of digital technology.
