Week 9: Multimedia and Hypermedia on the Internet

In today’s world, media has become as essential as our daily needs. The word was first used in respect of books and newspapers i.e. print media and with the advent of technology, media now encompasses television, movies, radio and internet. The internet has undoubtedly been the largest driving force in media development and advancement, giving rise to concepts like multimedia and hypermedia, which can be found readily around us — be it the devices we carry with us or digital billboards on the side of buildings.

But what exactly do both of those terms mean?

Multimedia refers to digital content that can be represented in various forms such as text, audio, images, animations, video and interactive content. Multimedia can be recorded and played, displayed, interacted with or accessed by information content processing devices, such as computerized and electronic devices. 

Hypermedia is one application of multimedia. It is a computer-based information retrieval system that enables a user to gain or provide access to texts, audio and video recordings, and graphics related to a particular subject. 

Multimedia can be found in many different areas: advertising, education, entertainment, engineering, medicine, mathematics, business — just to name a few. Applications and delivery platforms of multimedia are virtually limitless. In this post, we will delve into one of today's most popular applications: virtual reality.

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer technology that uses virtual reality headsets or multi-projected environments, sometimes with physical environments or props, to generate realistic images, sounds and other sensations that simulate a user's physical presence in a virtual environment. A person using virtual reality equipment is able to "look around" the artificial world, and with high quality VR move around in it and interact with virtual features or items. The effect is commonly created by VR headsets consisting of a head-mounted display with a small screen in front of the eyes, but can also be created through specially designed rooms with multiple large screens.

The most prominent use of VR has been in video gaming. Video games have always been a form of escape from reality, and from the earliest days have been all about creating believable alternative worlds to explore, discover, create or destroy. While that’s mostly achieved with a conventional monitor, VR instead allows users to don a headset and use a PC, a PlayStation 4 Pro console or even a mobile phone to head along on magical journeys through time and space that take “immersive” to a whole new level. The immersive environment created by VR produces a lifelike experience similar to the real world, which can then be advantageously used by game developer to enhance the gaming experience. Additionally, the VR experience has gone beyond the headset — VR systems now include transmission of vibrations and other sensations to the user through a game controller or other devices. This haptic technology only further elevates one's enjoyment of gaming. 

A person wearing haptic feedback devices, which enable him to feel elements in the virtual world

Some examples of Virtual Reality headsets available in the market today

Currently, the most popular commercial VR headsets designed specially for VR gaming include the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. This has led to several popular video games to be remade to include VR and developers to start releasing VR-specific games. Since 2013, there have been several virtual reality devices that seek to enter the market to complement current VR headsets to enhance the game experience. One, Virtuix Omni, is based on the ability to move in a three dimensional environment through an omnidirectional treadmill.

One cannot talk about VR gaming and not mention VR horror games. Horror games on their own are already terrifying enough, but virtual reality takes the horror to a whole new level. Its immersive nature takes the atmosphere, sounds, and jump scares found in traditional games and magnifies them. To play these games, you'll have to shut out the real world, including your desk, monitor, lights, and family members, and be injected straight into a horrifying world.

Paranormal Activity VR

An honorable mention is a game based on the hit horror movie series, Paranormal Activity. The series has brought shock, awe and horror unto the mainstream population ever since its original title film hit the big screen back in 2007. Pulling together concepts that made the franchise popular, Paranormal Activity is one of this year's most visually impressive VR horror games. If you’re not scared off or intimidated by the possibility of being locked inside your house, while the presence of a ghost looms the atmosphere and haunts your step, look no further. Strap on your headset and prepare to scream.

Still don't think this is scary? Watch these people play and react to the game.