VR

Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive, electronically-simulated environment that people can physically interact with. VR is most often used as part of video games and educational programs.

To enter VR, gamers and others don a special headset, gloves or hand-held joysticks, and other gear. The headset shows users a VR world, and the other gear allows users to interact with that world.

In this way, users can physically engage with the simulated world they see in their VR headset. For example, a gamer might battle another gamer in a virtual sword duel, in which each gamer swings a VR sword, or a firefighter might perform a virtual training rescue.

Some VR gear is so specialized that users can hear and feel the simulated world they inhabit. Earbuds and speakers can add auditory components to a VR world, and haptic technology can add physical feedback.