What are the 3 types of virtual reality? — VoltronAI

Author Adidas Wilson
4 min readMar 25

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that enables users to experience immersive digital environments that can simulate the physical world or create entirely new ones. There are several types of VR, each with its unique characteristics and applications. In this essay, we will explore the three main types of virtual reality: non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully immersive.

Non-Immersive Virtual Reality
Non-immersive virtual reality is the simplest form of VR, and it typically involves the use of a desktop computer, mobile device, or other screen-based display. Non-immersive VR often relies on 3D graphics and other visual elements to create the illusion of a digital environment, but it does not provide a fully immersive experience. This type of VR is often used for training, education, and entertainment purposes, such as virtual tours or 3D modeling.

One example of non-immersive VR is Google Earth, which allows users to explore the world in 3D using satellite imagery and other data sources. Another example is Microsoft’s HoloLens, which enables users to interact with holographic objects in the physical world using a headset and hand-held controller. Non-immersive VR can also be used for simulating real-world scenarios, such as surgical procedures or military training exercises.

Non-immersive VR is typically less expensive and more accessible than other types of VR, as it does not require specialized hardware like head-mounted displays or motion-tracking sensors. However, it also provides a less immersive experience than other forms of VR, and it may not be suitable for all applications.

Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality
Semi-immersive virtual reality is a form of VR that provides a more immersive experience than non-immersive VR, but it still does not fully replicate the physical world. Semi-immersive VR typically involves the use of a head-mounted display (HMD) or other specialized hardware that enables users to interact with the digital environment in a more intuitive and natural way.

Semi-immersive VR often includes motion tracking sensors that enable users to move around within the digital environment and interact with virtual objects. This type of VR can also include haptic…

Author Adidas Wilson

Adidas Wilson was born in Chicago, surviving a near death experience driving off a bridge in an 18 wheeler and getting hit by a train. Author and Motivator