Virtual reality (VR) technology has come a long way since its early days. In 1980, VR devices were still in their infancy and were primarily used for research and military applications.
One of the earliest VR devices was the Sword of Damocles, which was developed by Ivan Sutherland in 1968. The device consisted of a head-mounted display (HMD) and two tracking systems that allowed users to look around in a virtual environment. The price of the Sword of Damocles was $20,000, which was equivalent to around $125,000 today.
Another early VR device was the VPL Vortex, which was developed by New York University’s Computer Science and Engineering Department in 1983. The VPL Vortex used a stereoscopic display and two cameras to create a 3D virtual environment. The price of the VPL Vortex was around $50,000, which was equivalent to around $275,000 today.
One of the most famous VR devices from the 1980s was the DataGlove, which was developed by researchers at the University of California, San Diego. The DataGlove was a wearable device that allowed users to interact with virtual objects using their hands. The price of the DataGlove was around $5,000, which was equivalent to around $31,000 today.
Despite the high prices of these early VR devices, they paved the way for future developments in VR technology. Today, VR devices are much more affordable and accessible to consumers, with prices starting at around $299 for a basic Oculus Quest 2 headset. As VR technology continues to evolve, we can expect prices to continue to decrease, making it even more accessible to the average consumer.
The Early Days of Virtual Reality
Virtual reality technology has its roots in the early days of computing. Ivan Sutherland, who developed the first VR device, was also responsible for creating the first graphical user interface (GUI) in 1963. Sutherland’s Sketchpad program allowed users to create and manipulate shapes and objects using a mouse, which was a revolutionary concept at the time.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, researchers began exploring the potential of VR for military and scientific applications. One of the earliest examples of this was the development of the Head-Mounted Display (HMD) by researchers at the University of Utah in 1968. The HMD was used to simulate flight training for pilots and provided a realistic visual experience that could not be achieved through traditional training methods.
In the 1980s, VR technology began to expand beyond military and scientific applications and started to become more accessible to consumers. Researchers at New York University’s Computer Science and Engineering Department developed the first stereoscopic display in 1972, which allowed users to see objects in 3D. In 1980, the first consumer-grade VR device was introduced, the Sword of Damocles, which cost around $20,000.
The Future of Virtual Reality
Today, virtual reality technology has come a long way since its early days. With advancements in hardware and software, VR devices are now much more affordable and accessible to consumers. The Oculus Quest 2 headset, which costs around $299, is one of the most popular VR devices on the market.
As VR technology continues to evolve, we can expect prices to continue to decrease, making it even more accessible to the average consumer. We are already seeing the development of standalone VR headsets that do not require a separate computer, which further reduces the cost and complexity of setting up a VR system.
In addition to becoming more affordable, VR technology is also becoming more immersive and interactive. Developers are now using advanced motion tracking and haptic feedback technologies to create more realistic and engaging virtual experiences. We are also seeing the development of new applications for VR in areas such as education, healthcare, and entertainment.
