This year is going to be the most significant as far as Virtual Reality (VR) technology is concerned. VR has been around for many years but in various forms. I remember the Virtual Boy released by Nintendo back in 1995. Although, admittedly I have never had the privilege of playing on one. Mobile phone technology and VR have improved so quickly. There are now many affordable VR headsets available to by at reasonable prices.
I had first clapped eyes on the Oculus Rift and Samsung VR headsets last year on the Gadget Show TV programme aired on Channel 5. I was impressed but looked strange and at the time were more of a tool for app developers. Much has happened since then. Cheaper VR headsets / experiences such as Google Cardboard started popping up in retail and gadget stores throughout the UK. The Google Cardboard product can be purchased for £9.99. There are however, many other cheaper alternatives.
Let’s not beat around the bush here, the cardboard goggles aren’t exactly easy on the eye. On the gimmicky scale without trying them out I would put them alongside “selfie sticks” when they were first made available.
Never the less, I bit the bullet and purchased a cheaper version of VR goggles from the Gearbest website in February 2016. The goggles were just £0.95 including delivery. They took around a fortnight to arrive and in all honesty, I had forgotten I had purchased them until they arrived.
The goggles come with some velcro, elastic band and two lenses but no instructions. After around 30 minutes of watching YouTube videos and getting the lenses inserted correctly so they could stop falling out – I was good to go!
You can download VR apps from Google Play. The first I downloaded was Insidious Chapter 3 VR.
The experience from the cheap cardboard goggles was unbelievable. The experience has to be seen to be believed. The app itself is amazing and it is as if you’re there in the room with the characters. I have just ordered a Samsung VR headset which was £80.00 including free delivery direct from Samsung.
I was so impressed that at first I had to scare my wife with it, showed it to the rest of my family and then asked some police colleagues to try it out. They were all amazed too and some of them have since purchased the cardboard VR goggles. Most of the people who have tried out the VR goggles are highly impressed.
Watching police officers and other members of the public peering through the VR goggles with amazement has inspired an idea for a new VR project.
What is the new project idea?
Without giving too much away, the VR poject would be of huge benefit to victims of crime throughout the United Kingdom.
What assistance is required?
At present, there is limited funding for the project. I am seeking talented individuals in cinematography and app development in the first instance to commit time on a voluntary basis to discuss the plans for the project. I too am willing to commit as much of my free time as necessary to the project.
I am also interested in hearing from individuals and organisations would would be interested in donating towards such a project.
What are the rewards for getting involved?
According to the Office of National Statistics there was an estimated 6.6 million incidents of crime covered by the survey in the year ending September 2015.
Volunteering your services will have a meaningful, positive impact on millions of people. Being part of such a project will also help you as an individual and organisation become an established part of your community. Volunteering is ultimately about helping others and having an impact on people’s wellbeing
Accompliment of being part of such a project will provide motivation along with a great sense of achievement. Do you have a desire and the required enthusiasm to help others? If so, you could give your time, energy and skills to be a part of it. You will also meet a diverse range of people along the way.
Once the project becomes established and a success, you and your organisation will be recognised throughout the technology world. I have been fortunate enough to be invited along to various awards ceremonies to recognise Pocket Sergeant’s achievement.
How do I know all of my time, effort and skills will be worth it?
Just over two years ago, I set out on a venture to develop a mobile app for police officers and staff. Now, around 20,000 people are using it regularly. This new project will be no different. I have the same feeling about the new project as what I did two years ago about Pocket Sergeant.
If you would like to express an interest in getting involved with the new VR project to help victims of crime please email: support@pocketsergeant.co.uk
Pocket Sergeant 