What Are the Differences Between 3D Virtual Reality and 360 Video?
3D virtual reality (VR or VR3D), immersive 360 video (VR360), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (XR) are new terms that can often be confusing. 360 video and real-time 3D virtual reality are two technologies offering unprecedented immersive experiences for users.
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are in reality very different. In this article, we will examine the differences and similarities between these two solutions, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
What is 3D virtual reality?
3D virtual reality is a technology often considered recent, but its foundations date back to the mid-20th century. In 2016, the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR headsets (also used in our training modules) introduced the current form of this technology and established standards for manufacturers and developers.
It enables total immersion of the user, with the only limit being imagination and the technical characteristics of the VR devices used. It is often associated with gamification, with numerous "serious game" applications designed to address business challenges in a playful, active, and immersive way.
History of the VR headset
Since the 1960s, virtual reality (VR) has been a fascinating idea in technology circles. It was not until the 1990s that the first consumer VR headsets were commercialized. However, these early headsets were often bulky, expensive, and offered poor image quality.
SENSORAMA, the first virtual reality machine (1956) **It combined several technologies to stimulate the senses of its users: 3D color video, audio, vibrations, smell, and atmospheric effects (e.g., wind).
VIRTUAL BOY, by NINTENDO (1995) This was the first true VR headset. It created immersion through stereoscopic image projection but failed to find its audience.
OCULUS RIFT, by Palmer Luckey (2012) A young 18-year-old entrepreneur raised $2.4 million on Kickstarter to create OCULUS RIFT, the virtual reality headset that sparked the revival and democratization of the technology. In 2014, Facebook acquired OCULUS for $2 billion.
Numerous headsets were subsequently created by SONY, HTC, SAMSUNG, MICROSOFT...
Over the years, VR technology has improved, particularly thanks to advances in display, processing power, and connectivity. Today, VR headsets are much lighter, more comfortable, and offer significantly superior image quality.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let us now look at the general advantages and disadvantages of this technology.
Advantages of 3D virtual reality
This technology offers developers great creative freedom to create unique environments and experiences.
It provides a user experience very different from what is possible with other technologies, which can be very attractive to users.
3D virtual reality can be used to train participants in simulated environments without risking their safety (Fire VR).
Virtual reality enables total immersion in a virtual environment, making it very useful for simulations and training.
It allows the creation of experiences accessible to people with limited physical or mental abilities (Paralympic project).
Finally, this technology enables users to collaborate in shared virtual environments, even if they are in different locations around the world, particularly through the Metaverse.
Disadvantages of 3D virtual reality
The use of 3D technologies can be costly, which may limit accessibility to this technology.
Some people may experience nausea or dizziness when using this technology, if design guidelines are not followed, which can also limit its use.
VR can also pose safety risks, such as falls or collisions with real objects.
VR can sometimes be subject to technical failures, which can cause interruptions or disruptions in user experiences.
Additionally, some people may experience discomfort or fatigue when using virtual reality (VR) for extended periods, which can limit its use.
Excessive use of VR can lead to technology dependence, which may affect social life and real interactions with others.
It is important to note that these advantages and disadvantages may vary depending on how the solution is used and the specific technologies involved.
What is 360-degree video?
360-degree video is a technique that captures a scene from all angles using a special camera capable of capturing a complete spherical image. For an even more realistic result, multiple cameras can be used, with the images assembled using dedicated video editing software.
However, for a complete immersive experience, it is preferable to view the video through a VR headset. While 360 video is more realistic, it is less interactive than 3D VR because it is not digitally created. This is why it is particularly suited for virtual tour experiences, live events, virtual travel, and product visualization.
Nevertheless, it is possible to incorporate virtual elements or visual interfaces, as in augmented reality, to make the experience even more immersive and add a level of interaction to the video.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let us now look at the advantages and disadvantages of 360 video in its uses.
Advantages of 360 Video:
Complete immersion: 360 video allows users to fully immerse themselves in a scene, which can be particularly useful for marketing activities, virtual tours, or games.
Audience interaction: 360 video allows users to interact with the video by looking around and choosing the viewing angle.
Increased engagement: 360 video provides a more realistic and immersive experience than traditional video, leading to increased viewer engagement.
Exploration of inaccessible environments: 360 video allows viewing of hard-to-reach places, such as ocean floors, mountain peaks, or scenes in dangerous locations.
Creating a memorable experience: 360 video offers a unique experience that can help retain viewers' attention, very effective in a training context (SST VR).
Use across different sectors/industries: 360 video can be used in different sectors/industries, such as real estate, tourism, education, entertainment, etc.
Disadvantages of 360 Video:
Editing can be difficult, as it requires specific editing software and technical expertise.
Quality can be reduced due to visual distortion caused by image curvature depending on the recording equipment or software used.
Files can be large, which may cause storage and loading time issues.
When capturing video, adjusting exposure can be difficult, which may result in overexposed or underexposed areas.
Viewers may sometimes get lost while watching and have difficulty orienting themselves, which can lead to a frustrating experience.
Specific cameras and equipment are required.
Understanding the differences between 3D virtual reality and 360 video
3D virtual reality and 360 video are two immersive technologies that are similar but differ in their production, uses, and distribution.
3D virtual reality uses CGI-generated 3D images, while 360 video is an assembly of real images captured by cameras. Creating a VR experience is similar to creating a video game, while video production involves a director, actors, and technical crews.
3D virtual reality offers much more advanced interaction than 360-degree viewing. Wearing a VR headset and using dedicated controllers allows users to move through space and interact with virtual elements.
In contrast, the 360-degree experience is more contemplative and offers limited interactions, generally through "gaze interaction" (gaze persistence) or via the video player controls or VR headset.
However, it is possible to combine both formats, for example by creating a 3D animation film in VR360 format, by adding real images to a 3D VR experience, or by integrating 2D/3D interfaces and visuals into videos. It is therefore important to clearly determine the objectives of each project before choosing the technology to use.
360 Video vs. 3D Virtual Reality: when to use each technology?
360 video is particularly suited for creating an immersive experience for the viewer, especially in the field of realistic decision-making training (risks, best practices, organization...).
This technology is ideal for viewing real 360-degree environments, making it perfect for virtual tours of tourist locations, hotels, museums, etc. It is also used for live events, such as concerts or sporting events, as well as product presentations, as Apple did with its iPhone 14 in 360 degrees.
At IRWINO, we use this technology in our SST VR training module (workplace first aid training) where the trainee is immersed in an environment and must make decisions based on the situation they encounter.
3D virtual reality is well suited for creating virtual environments for training, video games, films, or virtual reality applications, where the viewer can interact with their environment. This technology is also widely used for serious gaming, virtual workspaces, and in architecture. In the context of our**** FIRE VR fire training module, for example, we immerse the trainee in a fire simulation where they must interact with their environment to best resolve a dangerous situation using virtualized extinguishers, specially designed in our FabLab.
How to choose between 360 video and 3D virtual reality?
Depending on your objectives, you should choose the technology that best suits your project. If you want to view real 360-degree environments, 360 video is the ideal solution. If you want to create virtual environments or 3D objects, 3D virtual reality is the best option. But if your objectives require an immersive experience combining both technologies, it is entirely possible to incorporate both for a better experience.
Do not hesitate to contact IRWINO to support you with your project!