What is Virtual Reality?
Complete guide on everything you need to know
April 25, 2025
Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that simulates three-dimensional environments that seem to be features of a science fiction film, but that today are a reality within everyone’s reach.
A virtual world is constructed from the ground up using devices such as virtual reality headsets. Users can interact with this environment by entering and navigating through it, fully detaching from the real world in an immersive way, as if they were truly there.
At INVELON, we specialize in creating technological solutions that transform sectors such as education, industry, and medicine through virtual reality.
How does virtual reality work?
To understand how virtual reality works, it is important to know that this technology combines hardware and software to generate a completely immersive and realistic experience.
Main components of hardware:
- Virtual reality glasses: It is the first step towards immersion. VR glasses are equipped with screens and sensors that adjust the image according to the movement of the head, creating the feeling of being physically within this virtual environment.
- Motion controllers: To interact with what surrounds you, controllers are essential. These portable controls detect hand movements and translate them into actions within the digital world, such as grasping an object, throwing a ball, or activating a mechanism.
- Sensors and cameras: They are responsible for recording the user's position in the real space. This allows you to move within the virtual environment without losing the physical reference, ensuring that the VR experience is fluid and natural.
- Spatial sound: VR systems usually incorporate three-dimensional surround sound, which varies according to the user's position or the origin of auditory stimuli within the virtual world. This type of sound reinforces the feeling of realism.
Software as a central part of the experience:
The generation of virtual environments would not be possible without the software. The software is responsible for creating and managing the virtual world you see, coordinating the user's movements with actions within the environment, and establishing the rules of interaction.
Depending on the objective, the software can be oriented to different purposes, adapting it to each specific need. From educational applications and professional simulators, to hyper-realistic games, the software allows:
- Generate images and animations in real time, adapted to the movements and decisions of the user.
- Translate physical actions (such as moving the head or pressing a button) into responses within the virtual environment.
- Synchronize all the devices in the system, ensuring that the experience is fluid, coherent, and safe.
What do I need to use virtual reality?
Appropriate equipment/hardware
The first step is to have a device compatible with the applications you want to use. This can range from autonomous viewers, such as Meta Quest, to more advanced systems connected to powerful computers that allow greater graphical fidelity and processing capacity.
Quality content
Having the right hardware is not very useful if you do not have relevant and well-developed content. The real value of virtual reality is in the environments and experiences it can offer. Whether it is a VR simulator, an educational tool, or a professional training environment, it is essential that the software is well optimized, functional, and meets the user's objectives.
Connectivity and physical space
Most virtual reality experiences require a stable internet connection, especially when it comes to cloud content or multiplayer platforms. In addition, it is essential to have a physical space free of obstacles, which allows the user to move safely and comfortably while immersed in the virtual environment.
Training and technical assistance
It is not enough to install a viewer and start using it. The correct implementation of virtual reality requires minimal training to know its possibilities, limitations, and best practices. Likewise, having technical support ensures that any difficulty or incident can be resolved quickly, avoiding interruptions and improving the general experience.
At INVELON we offer a comprehensive service accompanying you in each process phase. From expert advice to technology implementation, our goal is to guarantee an effective, simple, and centralized technological transition.
Virtual reality main applications
One of the greatest advantages of virtual reality is its versatility. Far from being an exclusive technology, its applications cover sectors as varied as education, medicine, industry, and business.
Education
Virtual reality is transforming the education sector. Thanks to these immersive and interactive environments, students can understand complex concepts visually and practically. In addition, it allows them to face real scenarios without risks, develop skills, and improve the students' motivation.
Types of virtual reality devices
The variety of virtual reality devices available on the market allows this technology to be adapted to different needs. Here are some of the most commonly used today:
Autonomous virtual reality headsets
These all-in-one headsets represent one of the most accessible and popular options. The Meta Quest 3S, is an example, since it integrates all the necessary hardware into a single device: screen, motion sensors, audio, and operating system. In addition, although they can be connected, they do not require connection to a computer or external sensors, which allows a more comfortable and portable experience of use.
VR headsets connected to PC
This kind of device is designed to offer more advanced experiences with superior graphic quality. Although today most VR headsets are autonomous, some models also work connected to a powerful computer that handles data processing and graphics rendering. It requires more installation and space, but they are ideal for technical simulations, professional 3D design, or high-fidelity video games.
VR simulators
Beyond headsets, there are virtual reality platforms or simulators that offer highly realistic training capsules. They can include mobile structures, haptic response commands, or even mixed reality systems that combine physical environment elements with the virtual world.
At INVELON we have a wide variety of VR simulators adapted to each professional family, such as automotive, mechanics, medicine, safety and risk prevention, hospitality, and new technologies, among others.
Virtual realitie's future
Far from being a passing fashion, virtual reality is consolidating itself as a transformative tool. Its impact is already perceived in multiple industries, and forecasts point to continuous growth, both in technological capacity and in several users and use cases. Some key trends in its evolution include:
Visual quality and interactivity improvements
It is hoped that the resolution of the screens will continue to increase, offering clearer and more realistic images. In turn, new, more natural forms of interaction will be integrated, such as eye tracking, gesture recognition, or voice control, which allows more intuitive and accessible experiences.
Lighter, more comfortable, and affordable devices
Every time virtual reality headsets will be lighter, ergonomic, and economical. This will facilitate their adoption, both in homes and in companies of different sizes.
Application expansion in key sectors
VR will continue to expand its presence in sectors such as education, health, engineering, tourism, and architecture. For example, an increase in the use of clinical simulations for medical students, among others, is expected.
Integration with other emerging technologies
Virtual reality does not advance alone. In the coming years, it will increasingly be integrated with technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality (AR), and the metaverse. This convergence allows us to create even more dynamic, personalized, and connected experiences.
Virtual reality benefits and advantages
The benefits of virtual reality are countless, and many of them have the potential to transform the way we work, learn, and have fun. Among the highlights are:
Total immersion
The feeling of being within a digital world is incomparable, making the experience much more intense and attractive
Interactivity
You can interact with the virtual environment in a completely natural way, which improves the experience and the connection with what you are doing
Learning improvement
Information retention increases thanks to an interactive and enveloping experience
Accessibility without physical barriers
The possibility of accessing virtual environments from anywhere removes physical barriers, allowing learning and distance collaboration
Boosting innovation
Virtual reality is opening up new forms of learning, entertainment and collaboration
Environment personalization
Virtual scenarios can be adapted to each user or specific situation, increasing the relevance and effectiveness of the experience
Our goal as a strategic partner in virtual reality integration
At INVELON we are a leading company in extended reality technologies (XR), with a comprehensive approach in the development, implementation, and customization of advanced solutions.
We specialize in offering a comprehensive service, positioning ourselves as a unique partner that guides you throughout the XR integration process, from initial consulting to final execution.
Our goal is to ensure that each technology is implemented effectively and that each solution is fully adapted to the specific needs of our customers and their sector.