Immersive Technologies

In 1931 Edward Link created the Link Trainer, the first commercial flight simulator which helped pilots train during World War II. Several years later, Sawyers ViewMaster debuted at world’s fair in New York. Following this, cinematographer Morton Heilig developed the Sensorama. The machine allowed viewers to experience fully immersive films by sitting in an arcade-style theatre that simulated all the senses.
Several versions of the headsets were out in the 60’s and 70’s, but it wasn’t until the ’80 that people started using the name virtual reality. Jaron Lanier in 1987 coined the term, ‘Virtual Reality’. His Company VPL was the first to sell VR googles and gloves. Over the next decade, VR found its way into mainstream entertainment as users interacted with it in arcades and gaming consoles. In the 1990’s VR was so popular the Hollywood blockbuster – The Matrix was made.
Since the start of the 21 st century we have seen rapid advancements in virtual reality. Facebook, Google, Samsung and Microsoft have all started developing VR devices, and with the rise of smartphones, it has never been easier for users to have an immersive and an interactive experience.