It would be hard to argue against the idea that virtual reality and electric cars represent two of the most exciting tech developments of the current decade. Neither is actually new this decade, mind you, but they’ve certainly emerged in new and significant ways these last few years. And perhaps inevitably, they’ve started to cross paths.
This probably shouldn’t surprise us, not just because they’re two prominent technologies but because virtual reality in particular has branched out in some unexpected ways. It started out with some fairly rapid expansion through the video game ranks. While VR started with demos and app-like games, it’s now embracing new versions of major franchises that were already very popular on Xbox, PlayStation, etc. And internet casino games, which have become thoroughly integrated with mobile devices, are also starting to dip their toes into virtual reality.
If people were surprised to see virtual reality editions of Skyrim and popular online slot games though, it’s nothing to how odd it was to see other applications for VR. There are virtual fitting rooms popping up in some retail stores; there are virtual treatments for migraines and anxiety; there’s VR storytelling to take you through everything from mysterious crime scenes to Biblical tales. VR is just about everywhere – which, again, is why we shouldn’t really be surprised that it’s apparently in electric cars, in more ways than one.
The course certainly didn’t represent “real world” conditions with speeds below par for normal roads (20-30MPH) but we’re still rather impressed with Tesla’s “budget” EV.
