
Virtual Reality
Samuel Greengard(Author)
MIT Press
Published on 10. September 2019
Book
Paperback/Softback
264 pages
978-0-262-53752-0 (ISBN)
Description
A comprehensive overview of developments in augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality-and how they could affect every part of our lives.
After years of hype, extended reality-augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR)-has entered the mainstream. Commercially available, relatively inexpensive VR headsets transport wearers to other realities-fantasy worlds, faraway countries, sporting events-in ways that even the most ultra-high-definition screen cannot. AR glasses receive data in visual and auditory forms that are more useful than any laptop or smartphone can deliver. Immersive MR environments blend physical and virtual reality to create a new reality. In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, technology writer Samuel Greengard offers an accessible overview of developments in extended reality, explaining the technology, considering the social and psychological ramifications, and discussing possible future directions.
Greengard describes the history and technological development of augmented and virtual realities, including the latest research in the field, and surveys the various shapes and forms of VR, AR, and MR, including head-mounted displays, mobile systems, and goggles. He examines the way these technologies are shaping and reshaping some professions and industries, and explores how extended reality affects psychology, morality, law, and social constructs. It's not a question of whether extended reality will become a standard part of our world, he argues, but how, when, and where these technologies will take hold. Will extended reality help create a better world? Will it benefit society as a whole? Or will it merely provide financial windfalls for a select few? Greengard's account equips us to ask the right questions about a transformative technology.
After years of hype, extended reality-augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR)-has entered the mainstream. Commercially available, relatively inexpensive VR headsets transport wearers to other realities-fantasy worlds, faraway countries, sporting events-in ways that even the most ultra-high-definition screen cannot. AR glasses receive data in visual and auditory forms that are more useful than any laptop or smartphone can deliver. Immersive MR environments blend physical and virtual reality to create a new reality. In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, technology writer Samuel Greengard offers an accessible overview of developments in extended reality, explaining the technology, considering the social and psychological ramifications, and discussing possible future directions.
Greengard describes the history and technological development of augmented and virtual realities, including the latest research in the field, and surveys the various shapes and forms of VR, AR, and MR, including head-mounted displays, mobile systems, and goggles. He examines the way these technologies are shaping and reshaping some professions and industries, and explores how extended reality affects psychology, morality, law, and social constructs. It's not a question of whether extended reality will become a standard part of our world, he argues, but how, when, and where these technologies will take hold. Will extended reality help create a better world? Will it benefit society as a whole? Or will it merely provide financial windfalls for a select few? Greengard's account equips us to ask the right questions about a transformative technology.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United States
Publishing group
MIT Press Ltd
Target group
US School Grade: College Graduate Student and over
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
9 b&w illus.; 18 Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 177 mm
Width: 126 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
243 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-262-53752-0 (9780262537520)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Person
Samuel Greengard is a business and technology writer whose work has appeared in Wired, Entrepreneur, CIO Insight, and other publications. He is the author of Finding the Work You Love and The Internet of Things (also in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series).