As the world’s population ages, the demand for innovative, effective, and engaging cognitive health tools is growing rapidly. One of the most promising breakthroughs in this field combines virtual reality (VR) with olfactory stimulation, offering a new and exciting way to combat age-related memory loss and cognitive decline. Why this technology matters By 2070, more than 2.2 billion people will be 65 years of age or older. Cognitive decline, including conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, poses a huge health challenge. Scientists now believe that memory and emotional processing centers in the brain can be stimulated by smell, thanks to a direct neural pathway for olfactory signals. This discovery led researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Science, along with colleagues in the UK and Japan, to develop the world’s first olfactory VR training system for the elderly. Their study, published in Scientific Reports (2025), shows that virtual reality gaming environments enhanced w...

Extended reality (XR), which includes augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), is experiencing rapid growth. With increasing adoption in gaming, healthcare, education, and enterprise applications, the XR hardware market is emerging as a lucrative industry. This article examines the market trends, key players, pricing, and the most popular XR devices available today. Market Growth and Trends The XR hardware market is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030, driven by technological advancements and growing consumer and enterprise adoption. According to market research, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to exceed 35% from 2024 to 2030. Factors driving growth: Increased demand in gaming and entertainment: VR headsets are revolutionizing gaming. Enterprise adoption: Companies are integrating XR for training, collaboration, and product development. Healthcare applications: Surgeons and medical students are using VR for simulation and learning. Hardware improvements: L...

The UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) has updated its Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect changing consumer trends. Virtual reality (VR) headsets have been added for the first time and newspaper advertising has been removed. The changes highlight the growing adoption of the technology and the decline of traditional media. Why VR headsets are now in the inflation basket Virtual reality technology has become more accessible and affordable, which is helping to boost its popularity among consumers. The inclusion of VR headsets means: ✔ Increased consumer demand for immersive experiences ✔ Expanding metaverse and gaming industries ✔ Growing adoption of VR in education, healthcare and business 💬 Stephen Burgess, ONS deputy director of prices, said: “The addition of virtual reality headsets demonstrates for the first time our appetite for new technology.” 📌 Popular VR headsets on the market: Meta Quest 3 (€550) Sony PlayStation VR2 (€599) HTC Vive Pro 2 (€849) What’s being removed...

The Future of Extended Reality (XR) Extended reality (XR), which encompasses virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), is rapidly transforming industries such as gaming, education, healthcare, and business. However, for XR to reach its full potential, it must be accessible, social, and user-driven. In this article, we explore what the ideal XR ecosystem looks like and how it can become a mainstream technology that will improve our daily lives. 1. Accessibility: XR for Everyone Affordable Hardware and Software One of the biggest barriers to XR adoption is cost. High-end VR headsets like the Meta Quest Pro or Apple Vision Pro offer cutting-edge features, but remain expensive for most users. To make XR accessible, companies must: Develop budget-friendly headsets without compromising on quality. Offer subscription-based services for XR apps, reducing upfront costs. Optimize the XR experience for mobile devices so users can access AR and VR through their smartpho...

 Virtual reality (VR) is quickly becoming a powerful tool in business education, radically changing the way we learn and develop professional skills. This technology allows for interactive and immersive learning environments that enhance learning and practical skills. Real-world examples of VR in business education Fortune 500 companies are actively integrating VR into their training programs. For example, Walmart recently trained more than a million employees in VR to learn new devices, reducing training time from eight hours to 15 minutes. Verizon is using VR to train call center employees to work with difficult customers, reducing training time from 10 hours to 30 minutes. Sprouts Farmers Market used VR to communicate corporate values to new employees, increasing understanding of key ideas from 3% to 50%. Statistics and research Studies show that VR training can be as effective as traditional methods, while reducing time spent. For example, in the medical field, VR is used to tr...

Virtual reality (VR) is no longer just a futuristic dream—it’s a cutting-edge technology that’s revolutionizing industries around the world. From gaming and education to healthcare and business, VR is changing the way we interact with our digital environments. Thanks to significant advances in artificial intelligence, 5G, and haptic technologies, VR is becoming more immersive, accessible, and transformative than ever before. What is virtual reality? Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated digital environment that allows users to immerse themselves in a 3D interactive world using VR headsets such as Meta Quest, PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, and Valve Index. Through motion tracking and real-time interaction, users can explore virtual spaces, manipulate objects, and even communicate with others in realistic simulations. How VR is Changing Industries 1. VR in Gaming and Entertainment Immersive Gaming Experiences with Realistic Graphics and Sensitive Motion Tracking VR Arcades and Multiplayer Virtu...

Free Online Virtual Reality Tool Helps People Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety Cambridge scientist behind the VR platform says it can assist those deterred by the high cost of speech anxiety treatment. Breaking Barriers in Speech Therapy Public speaking anxiety affects millions worldwide. Traditional treatment, including therapy and coaching, can be expensive. However, a free online VR tool is changing the game by offering immersive, interactive training for individuals struggling with stage fright. How Virtual Reality Provides Real Treatment Simulated audiences: Practice speeches in front of virtual crowds of varying sizes. Real-time feedback: AI-driven analysis detects nervousness and suggests improvements. Gradual exposure therapy: Users can progress from small, friendly settings to large, challenging environments. Who Can Benefit? This tool is designed for: S...

The integration of virtual reality (VR) into maritime education is transforming traditional teaching methods, offering immersive and interactive experiences that closely mimic real-life scenarios. French universities have been at the forefront of implementing VR technology to enhance the training of future ship navigators, ensuring that they acquire essential skills in a controlled and safe environment. Leading institutions implementing VR in maritime training Several French universities have adopted VR to enhance their maritime programs: ENSM (National Higher Maritime School): As France’s premier maritime institution, ENSM has integrated virtual reality simulators to provide students with hands-on experience in ship maneuvering and emergency response. Université de Bretagne Occidentale (UBO): UBO’s Faculty of Marine Studies uses VR to simulate various navigation scenarios, improving students’ decision-making skills and situational awareness. Key features of VR-based ship management tr...

Virtual reality is taking horror gaming to a whole new level, immersing players in terrifying worlds where every shadow hides a new nightmare. Here are some of the best VR horror games that will get your adrenaline pumping. 1. Resident Evil 4 VR Who’s playing? Horror and survival fans, especially those who loved the original RE4. What makes it special? A fully immersive remake of the classic Resident Evil 4 with exclusive VR mechanics that enhance combat and exploration. What players and developers say: Players praise the intense action and atmosphere. Capcom highlights the efforts to optimize the controls for VR. Price: ~$40 Pro tip: Use spatial audio to detect enemy movements for a tactical advantage. 2. Phasmophobia VR Who’s playing? Ghost hunters and co-op horror enthusiasts. What makes it special? A multiplayer ghost hunting experience where communication and teamwork are crucial. Player and developer reviews: Players love its realism and unpredictable scares. The developers are c...

The healthcare technology industry is rapidly evolving, with virtual reality (VR) emerging as a powerful tool for treatment. XRHealth, a leading provider of virtual reality therapy solutions, recently acquired RealizedCare, its third acquisition in recent years. The strategic move aims to solidify XRHealth’s position as a leading virtual healthcare provider. Transforming Healthcare with VR The integration of RealizedCare into the XRHealth platform enhances its ability to deliver immersive therapeutic experiences for patients dealing with chronic pain, mental illness, and other medical conditions. With a portfolio of VR headsets designed for therapy, the combined company strengthens its position against competitors such as Omada, Sword, and Hinge Health. AppliedVR, another key player in the industry, has already received FDA approval for the treatment of low back pain, highlighting the growing acceptance of VR-based healthcare solutions. XRHealth’s latest acquisition further demonstrate...

VR Vision, a leading provider of turnkey XR solutions, has introduced Vision Portal, a virtual reality training platform that promises to change the way corporate learning and skills development are approached. What is Vision Portal? Vision Portal is a comprehensive solution for enterprises that allows employees to learn in a realistic VR environment. The platform offers interactive courses, simulations and performance analytics. Who uses Vision Portal? The solution is already being implemented by large corporations in the following areas: ✅ Healthcare - training medical personnel without risk to the family. ✅ Manufacturing and construction - modeling dangerous situations to improve safety. ✅ Technology companies - training specialists to work with complex equipment. Pricing and availability VR Vision has not yet disclosed the exact cost, but the company offers flexible rates depending on the scale of the business and the specifics of the training. What developers and businesses say? D...

Smart glasses and virtual reality (VR) headsets are changing the way we interact with digital content. Whether you need them for gaming, productivity, or entertainment, choosing the right pair can enhance your experience. Here’s a look at the best smart glasses and VR headsets available today. 1. Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Features: AI assistant, HD camera, open-ear speakers Price: $299+ Consumer review: “Sleek design, great for hands-free calls and music.” 2. XREAL Air AR Glasses Features: Portable screen mirroring, 130-inch virtual display Price: $379 Consumer review: “Perfect for watching movies and games on the go.” 3. Apple Vision Pro Features: Spatial computing, eye tracking, 4K micro-OLED displays Price: $3,499 Consumer Review: “A game-changer in mixed reality, but expensive.” 4. Metaquest 3 Features: Mixed reality, improved resolution, fast processor Price: $499 Consumer Review: “Best standalone VR headset for the price.” 5. PlayStation VR2 Features: 4K HDR, eye tracking, adapt...

 Virtual reality (VR) has revolutionized the gaming industry by offering immersive experiences that transport players into digital realms. However, Microsoft’s journey to VR, particularly on the Xbox platform, has been fraught with challenges and strategic decisions that have prevented a dedicated Xbox VR headset from becoming a reality. Xbox VR Development Status Despite the growing popularity of VR, Microsoft has not released a dedicated VR headset for the Xbox series. While the company has ventured into mixed reality with devices like HoloLens, these efforts have not extended to the Xbox console lineup. In a 2024 interview, Phil Spencer, Microsoft’s executive vice president of gaming, stated that VR is not a priority for the company’s next-generation console, emphasizing that their customers are not demanding it and that VR does not fit their vision for a shared gaming experience. Challenges and Limitations A number of factors have contributed to Microsoft's cautious approach to...

India is embracing virtual reality (VR) like never before. With cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling and next-level interactions, VR hubs across the country are transforming entertainment, education and even healthcare. Let’s explore the most exciting VR experiences in India and find out why you should visit them. 1. VR Park, Mumbai Key Features: Hyper-reality gaming, interactive simulations and multi-sensory VR rides. Why Visit? Experience an incredible adrenaline rush in an immersive world. 2. Smaaash, Multiple Cities Key Features: VR Cricket, Zombie Survival, Roller Coaster Simulators. Why Visit? Blends real-life sports with virtual worlds for a unique thrill. 3. Zero Latency, Bangalore Key Features: Free-to-play VR games, multiplayer adventures, wireless hardware. Why visit? Immerse yourself in an alternate universe with friends in the boundless expanse of VR. 4. KidZania VR Zone, Noida Key Features: VR educational experiences, space exploration, medical simulations. Why...

Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing healthcare, offering innovative solutions for pain management, rehabilitation and mental health care. In the UK, clinics are integrating VR technology to improve patient care, improve outcomes and reduce medication dependency. Leading VR devices and companies in healthcare Several companies are driving the adoption of VR in UK clinics: Oculus (Meta Quest 3, Quest Pro) – used for immersive therapy and pain management. HTC Vive Pro 2 – helps patients with physical rehabilitation and cognitive therapy. Samsung Gear VR – provides distraction-based therapy for anxiety and phobias. MindMaze – specializes in neurorehabilitation for stroke and brain injury recovery. XRHealth – develops virtual clinics and therapeutic solutions. UK clinics use VR to care for patients 1. King’s College Hospital, London. Uses virtual reality for pain relief and anxiety reduction. 2. Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital – introduces VR to post-operative rehabilitation. 3. Moo...

Virtual Reality (VR) is revolutionizing entertainment, offering immersive experiences for games, movies, and even music and dance. But is VR-based music and dance just a passing fad, or is it the future of digital performance? The Best VR Apps for Music and Dance Several apps are bringing music and dance to VR, providing interactive and immersive experiences: Beat Saber is a rhythm game where players smash virtual blocks to the beat. Synth Riders combines freestyle dancing with rhythm mechanics. Tribe XR DJ School is a virtual DJ rig for training and performing. Wave XR hosts virtual concerts with dynamic visuals. Immersive Visualization: More Than Just Sound VR transforms music and dance into a multi-sensory experience. Visual effects are synchronized with the beats, creating a dazzling environment that responds to movement. Performers and audiences can interact in real time, making virtual concerts as immersive as live shows. The Role of Haptic Sensation: Can You Feel the Beat? Senso...

 In a groundbreaking advancement in virtual reality (VR), scientists have developed a device called “TasteVR” that allows users to experience the flavors of distant cuisines from the comfort of their own homes. This innovative technology is the result of a collaboration between researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), in partnership with the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). Device Overview TasteVR integrates multi-sensory feedback mechanisms to simulate the sensation of taste. It combines olfactory stimuli with micro-dosing systems that release flavor compounds, simulating the real sensation of eating. The device is lightweight, comfortable, and compatible with existing VR platforms. Sample Dishes During the trials, participants virtually tasted a variety of dishes, including: Sushi from Japan Tacos from Mexico Pasta Carbonara from Italy Butter Chicken from India Pricing and Availabilit...

Virtual reality (VR) has become a powerful tool in healthcare, particularly in the education of caregivers of patients with dementia in long-term care facilities. In Japan, where the population is rapidly aging, virtual reality-based dementia training aims to enhance caregivers’ empathy, skills, and decision-making abilities. This article explores the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of VR dementia education, its effectiveness, cost, key industry players, and expert opinions from developers, clinicians, and patients. Facilitators of VR Dementia Training 1. Immersive Learning – VR creates realistic scenarios that help caregivers understand the cognitive and emotional challenges of patients with dementia. 2. Repetition and safe environment – Unlike traditional training, VR allows caregivers to practice responses multiple times without risk to real patients. 3. Government and institutional support – The Japanese government supports VR initiatives aimed at improving the qual...

PlayStation VR (PSVR) is designed for Sony's gaming consoles, but with the right software and settings, you can connect it to a PC for virtual reality at no extra cost. In this guide, you'll learn how to set up PSVR on PC, compatible computers, and what to expect in terms of performance and experience. Compatible computers To run PSVR on PC, you'll need a computer with: CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 / AMD FX 8350 or better Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 480 or better RAM: At least 8 GB OS: Windows 10 or later Ports: HDMI, USB 3.0 These specifications ensure a smooth VR experience and compatibility with mainstream software. What to Expect (Effects and Experiences) Connecting your PSVR to your PC allows you to: Play VR games: Use SteamVR for supported games. Watch immersive videos: Enjoy 360° VR videos and movies. Explore VR apps: Use creative and social VR apps. However, motion controllers and tracking may have limitations compared to native PC VR headsets. Step-by-step guide ...

 Streaming VR games to your TV allows you to share the immersive virtual reality experience with friends and family, turning individual immersion into shared entertainment. In this article, we’ll look at how to stream VR games to your TV, which headsets and TVs are suitable for this, as well as provide step-by-step setup instructions and share opinions from users and developers. Streaming VR games to your TV? Streaming VR games to your TV allows you to watch what’s happening in the virtual world, creating an interactive experience for everyone present. Most modern VR headsets support the casting function, which allows you to transmit images to the TV screen without a wired connection. Compatible Headsets and TVs Virtual Reality Headsets Meta Quest 2: A standalone headset that supports wireless streaming to TVs via Chromecast technology. Sony PlayStation VR2: Works on par with PlayStation 5 and allows you to output images to your TV without additional devices. TVs TVs with Chromecas...