Virtual reality
Virtual reality is a computer-generated experience that immerses you in a completely different world using a virtual reality headset. These headsets, such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive or PlayStation VR, are significantly more advanced than previous attempts to create virtual reality systems for the public and are now bringing VR gaming to the masses. The virtual world can also be enhanced with sound and haptic touch technology, and VR has also been applied to movies, health, sport and science.
Meta Quest 3 review: The best VR headset yet?
Blending virtual and mixed reality, the Meta Quest 3 opens a new VR experience without breaking the bank.
The Apple Vision Pro has finally made virtual reality worth it
Apple's first venture into the world of virtual reality has shown an exciting future for virtual reality, complete with a host of ground-breaking features.
Meta Quest Pro review: A VR headset for a market that doesn’t exist yet
The Meta Quest Pro is one of the most powerful VR headsets available. But with a huge price tag, and a niche set of features, it won’t be for most.
A beginner's guide to the metaverse: What it is, how you can access it and more
Facebook recently changed its name to ‘Meta’ in order to position itself at the forefront of a new digital frontier called the metaverse. But what the heck is the metaverse, and what can it offer us mere mortals who do not inhabit the shiny Silicon Valley bubble?
Researchers develop VR device that gives users the sensation of having an additional pair of robot arms
The robot arms are operated by controllers fitted to the user's feet.
HTC Vive Flow Review: Can a VR headset bring me peace and tranquillity?
HTC’s Vive Flow is feature-filled and portable, but struggles to immerse the user fully.
17 of the best AR and VR apps and games for iOS and Android
Virtual reality and augmented reality have hit the mainstream - here are our picks for the best games and apps you can download for iPhone and Android.
Instant Genius Podcast | The metaverse, with Prof David Reid
Virtual reality expert Prof David Reid joins us on our podcasts, Instant Genius and Instant Genius Extra.
Addiction, crime and data breaches: The metaverse could become a wild west if we’re not careful
David Reid, a professor of AI and spatial computing at Liverpool Hope University, explains the future of the metaverse and its risks.
VR may strengthen your brain waves – and be an effective Alzheimer’s treatment
A new study on rats demonstrated how virtual reality strengthened crucial 'theta waves' in the hippocampus.
Science’s cutting-edge: seven ideas you should know about in 2021
From life-saving viruses to spaceship swarms to virtual reality therapy, here's our pick of the scientific research to look out for in the year ahead.
Phobias, paranoia and PTSD | Why virtual reality therapy is the frontier of mental health treatment
Virtual reality is being used to treat a wide range of mental health problems. Meet some of the scientists who are pioneering VR therapy and the people who are benefitting from it.
Podcast | How virtual reality is helping patients with phobias, anxiety disorders and more
Professor Daniel Freeman explains how VR can be used to treat a variety of mental health problems.
Oculus Quest | VR goes wireless, now with hand-tracking
We get hands-on with the latest VR headset from Oculus and find out whether six degrees of freedom is enough to justify a decent slab of cash.
Discovered: the brain’s map pins
New finding sheds new light on how the brain processes spatial memory.
Mental health | Can we stop male suicide?
Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 - we want to know if current research could help us find a solution.
Virtual reality shows potential as drug-free alternative to medication
Reluctant to pop a paracetamol for that headache? Virtual reality might offer an alternative solution.
Confronting trauma with virtual reality therapy
Post-traumatic stress disorder is sadly all too common in returning service personnel. Thankfully, there’s growing evidence that VR can provide an effective treatment for PTSD.
Futureproofing | Are you ready for the world of 2030?
With a new series of the BBC science podcast Futureproofing on air this month, presenter Timandra Harkness explains how to get ready for the world of the future.
How virtual reality helps spot suicidal tendencies
Virtual reality and machine learning are being used to spot the signs that someone might want to end their life
Remote-controlled robot cuddles are here
Development of the robotic arms controlled remotely using VR could be used for instruction or physical therapy.
Are VR headsets bad for your health?
Virtual Reality is hitting the headlines, but is it hurting your head?
How virtual reality is used in treating anxiety disorders
Psychologists led by Prof Daniel Freeman of Oxford University are using VR to help people overcome their fear of heights.
Jeremy Bailenson | Changing our behaviour with virtual reality
Jeremy Bailenson tells us how he is using VR to change the way we perceive racism, highlight the impact of climate change, and help us step into the shoes of our sporting heroes.