The sky is the limit. Throughout each VR experience my innovative juices flowed excitedly. I kept thinking about the futuristic opportunities; I kept thinking, “the sky is the limit.”

My journey began with the Vive. I placed the headset on, tightened three straps, and immediately transported into Solitary Confinement. I witnessed the story of an ex-con, through the eyes on an ex-con. As we stood in his cell, his small space became my small space. I felt like I was able to turn the sink on my right on and like I was able to sit on his cot. This very real atmosphere became even more real as a man in a red spoke to me. As I heard outcries from other cells, a little bit of innocence was lost while watching “After Solitary.” The sounds sounded real and hearing his story, in his place, made me nervous, scared, and angry at our justice system.

My past virtual reality experience placed me in a more animated world; I had previous experience with devices like the Google Cardboard. I used the Google Cardboard next, and while it was incredibly impressive how rudimentary it was. A smart phone is the driving VR element. The Cardboard is no comparison to the Vive. One could tell the fox walking along a wintery landscape was not real, however the aforementioned cell felt real. In addition, I watched a One Republic music video, “Kids.” I am only used to seeing a music video from my YouTubed flat computer screen. Hence, witnessing this in VR with 360 views was life changing. I noticed more; I was more involved, emotionally and physically.

Next, I tried the Samsung Gear Viewer. I decided to download the SNL 40 Jeopardy skit. It was my first live show from the audience. It felt real. Although the screen resolution was low, the 360 view of the studio was miraculous. I could see the Page turning the cue cards while Will Farrell read them, and then also see Aidy Bryant below me as she sat giggling in the first row. The sky is the limit- live events can experienced again in VR like sports games, award shows, etc. The smoothness on this device was not to perfection, however it didn't bother me because I was in the SNL audience!

Consequently, my VR journey brought me around the world in one hour twenty minute period. Through the Oculus Rift, I visited Australia, Argentina, and India. The Oculus Rift gave me a little headache. Various scenes kept changing, and where I looked I automatically went. I also felt as if I was levitating above the scene like a bird. I was less in the scene and more looking down at it. On the other hand, I visited the golden beaches of Buenos Aires and the bright greenish blue water of the Great Barrier Reef. The sky is the limit. Travel is now innovated- one does not even have to get on a plane. The fact that this application was created from a Syracuse grad is even greater!

My experiences were enhanced because my classmates were there with me. We were able to help one another. Whether it was 3D scanning busts of one another, helping with the functions of a headset, or getting so excited about a video she recommends it to another member in the class.

Lastly, thank you Dan Pacheco. This is the future. Virtual reality is going to change entertainment, news, gaming, and more. These systems may be flawed, but imagine five, even ten years from now. As technology advances, the clarity and options will only increase in quality. As the systems become cheaper, become integrated into society further, and the imperfections are perfected the world as we know it will be changed. The sky is the limit.