Many virtual tour companies/websites often show a picture of someone using a VR headset when talking about virtual tours. While that’s where they start to explain, it is usually where the explanation ends. All the 360 virtual tours that Simply 360 creates are VR (virtual reality) enabled. Let’s explore what VR is, how it is used in a virtual tour and how to use them together effectively.
Our Virtual Tours Are VR Ready: Your Virtual Reality Experience Starts Here
What is VR (virtual reality)?
Virtual reality is a simulated experience through the use of computers. Through a VR headset, it allows a person to experience any imaginable environment (real or fantasy). The range and scope of VR can include entertainment (such as video games), educational, military applications, business and more. In addition, a headset allows a person to give the user a first-person perspective as though they are actually in the simulated environment. These can include what they see and hear when they move about the tour. Soon we will be able also to simulate smell to simulate what an environment smells like.
How does VR work with virtual tours?
Virtual reality (VR) enhances the virtual tour experience by providing a more immersive and realistic way to explore virtual environments. Using specialised VR headsets, users are transported into a virtual world where they can navigate and interact with their surroundings. These headsets create a sense of presence by blocking out the user’s physical surroundings and displaying a high-resolution, 360-degree view of the virtual environment. This creates a captivating and lifelike experience, allowing users to feel truly present in the virtual space.
With VR, users can explore and engage with the virtual tour using natural movements, making the experience more intuitive and interactive. Whether they are walking through a virtual room or exploring a virtual landscape, VR technology adds an extra layer of immersion, making virtual tours incredibly engaging and unforgettable.
Step into our Virtual Tours with a VR Headset
At Simply 360, we specialise in capturing highly detailed environments, including 360-degree photos, 360-degree videos, and immersive 3D sound. Utilising advanced editing techniques, we combine these elements seamlessly to create our high-end virtual tours that faithfully recreate real-world environments. Traditionally, these virtual tours can be experienced on various devices such as computers, tablets, iPads, or smartphones, enabling users to explore the virtual space, access additional content through hotspots, and more. However, for the ultimate immersive experience, we recommend using a VR headset to experience the below virtual tour firsthand. With a VR headset, users are transported into the virtual environment, allowing for a more realistic and engaging exploration of the digital space.
Double-click on the virtual tour to make it go fullscreen, or click here
How do I view a VR-enabled virtual tour?
The process is seamless and exciting when viewing a VR-enabled virtual tour. As you navigate the tour using a VR-enabled device or smartphone, you’ll notice a captivating VR icon that signals a whole new level of immersion. This small yet powerful icon holds the key to unlocking a mesmerising experience. With a simple click, you can embark on a thrilling journey into the virtual realm using a VR headset or a humble Google Cardboard device in conjunction with your smartphone. By embracing this technology, you’ll be transported to a world where your senses are heightened, and your surroundings come to life with astonishing detail and realism.
The VR experience allows you to explore the virtual tour in a way that feels like stepping into a new reality, providing an unparalleled level of engagement and leaving you awe-struck by the limitless possibilities. So, indulge your curiosity and curiosity and dive into the VR world as you embark on an unforgettable adventure through the virtual tour.
Example of a VR Headset icon: colour and style will vary depending on clients branding, style and UI
The Benefits of 360 Virtual Tours and VR
While you can experience a virtual tour without a headset, it does add to the experience. Having a headset on hand to view the tour, you can feel like you are on location in person. This allows people to see and experience the location as they are onsite firsthand. People can explore at their own pace from the comfort of their own homes/workplaces. We also developed virtual reality training experiences for some of our 360 virtual tours and experiences to help people learn and experience such encounters with ease.
Additionally, for expos/tradeshows, this provides the most ideal solution of all. Many venues, hotels or businesses want to promote their space while at these events. By bringing a VR-enabled headset, a person can effectively promote their space while at another. Our virtual tours have VR integration with specific strategies to maximise the experience. Check out our portfolio section to see a wide variety of examples you can experience.
Industries Embracing VR in Virtual Tours
VR technology has revolutionised various industries by providing immersive and interactive experiences through virtual tours. Numerous sectors have embraced VR to enhance their offerings and engage their target audience. Let’s explore some key industries making the most of VR in virtual tours.
Education
The education sector, including schools, colleges, and universities, has embraced virtual reality (VR) technology to revolutionise how they showcase their institutions. By leveraging VR-enabled virtual tours, educational institutions can create immersive experiences that attract prospective students and enhance student and teacher engagement. These virtual tours allow prospective students and their families to explore campuses, view classrooms, and experience campus life, regardless of geographical limitations.
This helps students gain a better understanding of the institution and increases enrollment by creating a strong connection between the students and the institution. In addition, within the learning environment, VR technology enhances student and teacher engagement by allowing virtual exploration of educational facilities and offering interactive and memorable ways of delivering the curriculum.
Museums and Art Galleries
Museums and art galleries have harnessed the power of VR to bring their exhibits to life. Through virtual tours, visitors can explore museums and galleries from their homes, immersing themselves in the world of art and culture. VR technology lets users view artworks closely, examine intricate details, and gain insights through interactive annotations and multimedia content.
Virtual tours also extend accessibility, reaching audiences facing physical limitations or geographical constraints. Coupled with augmented reality (AR) features, museums and art galleries can offer unique experiences, such as virtually overlaying historical artifacts onto their current physical spaces. VR integration in the museum and art world bridges the gap between physical and digital, expanding engagement and fostering a deeper appreciation for art and history.
Government and Councils
Councils and government bodies play a crucial role in providing various facilities to the community, such as community centres/venues, childcare centres, and other amenities. By embracing virtual reality (VR) technology and creating virtual tours of these facilities, they can enhance community engagement and offer a more immersive experience for residents.
Through VR-enabled virtual tours, individuals can explore and experience these facilities from the comfort of their own homes. This provides convenience and accessibility to community members who may face physical limitations or geographical constraints. By virtually visiting community centres, daycare centres, and other facilities, residents can familiarise themselves with the available resources and services and better understand the amenities provided for their benefit.
Hospitality and Tourism
The hospitality and tourism industry has significantly transformed by integrating virtual reality (VR) technology into virtual tours. VR-enabled virtual tours allow potential guests to explore hotel rooms, resorts, and vacation destinations from the comfort of their own homes. This immersive experience provides a realistic preview of accommodations and amenities, helping travellers make informed decisions and enticing them to book their stay.
Visitors can experience a property’s ambience, layout, and overall atmosphere by virtually visiting hotels and resorts before making a reservation. VR tours can showcase various room types, from standard accommodations to luxurious suites, highlighting the features, decor, and views. Additionally, amenities like pools, gyms, and restaurants can be virtually explored, giving travellers a comprehensive understanding of the facilities available.
Historical Preservation
VR plays a crucial role in historical preservation, allowing for digitising and conserving cultural heritage. Through VR-enabled virtual tours, historical sites, monuments, and landmarks can be virtually recreated and preserved for future generations. VR technology provides an immersive experience that transports users back in time, enabling them to explore ancient civilisations, architectural wonders, and storied locations. This digital preservation safeguards historical artifacts from deterioration and ensures accessibility and educational opportunities for a global audience.
VR-based historical preservation projects can involve meticulous 360 photographic reconstructions, interactive storytelling, and multimedia elements, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for our collective heritage. By leveraging virtual reality, historical preservation bridges the gap between the past and the present, allowing people to connect with history in a more interactive and meaningful way. Through VR, individuals can virtually step into the shoes of our ancestors, gaining valuable insights and preserving cultural knowledge for generations to come.
Conclusion – Your Virtual Reality Experience Starts Here
Harnessing the power of a VR headset while experiencing a virtual tour brings many benefits. While it’s not essential to use a headset to explore virtual tours, it undeniably enhances the immersive nature of the experience, surpassing any other tools available. If you’re interested in creating your own captivating virtual tour or seeking a remarkable virtual experience, we invite you to contact us today. Dial 02 9674 9090 or fill out the form on this page to take the first step.
Did you wonder how a virtual tour can have a virtual reality element? Have you ever experienced a virtual tour using a VR headset? Are you curious about the transformative power of virtual reality in enhancing your virtual tour experience? Let us know in the comments section, and share your thoughts!
Dimitri is the founder of Simply 360, which specialises in creating immersive, interactive and engaging 360 / VR virtual tours, AR integration and marketing consultancy. He has worked in the digital marketing industry for over 15 years and has a passion for creating virtual tours with a key focus in strategic implementation.
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