Beforehand, it should not be confused with the typical experimental games that exist to test virtual reality, but rather they are applications that fulfill a specific utility. That is, it does not have to be all leisure, so it is clear that they are not games.
Differences between virtual reality and augmented reality
They are technologies that have words in common and that both are focused on changing the real environment for a virtual one. However, it is easy for many people to confuse them and think that it is practically the same, but it is not really the case. Entering fully into the explanation of each one, virtual reality generates an immersive multimedia environment or simulated reality, where everything we see is generated by 3D technology. This means that we do not see anything of the real environment where we are and we completely immerse ourselves in a virtual world. For this you usually need both glasses and headphones, so the immersion is complete.
Augmented reality, on the other hand, has the main difference is that we see the real environment where we are as well as the objects that surround us, and this is added through the integrated computer of the equipment that we wear animations, data, objects and any type of information that is superimposed on what we are seeing from the real environment. This type of reality, real medium and digital medium can be used through different devices, such as our smartphone through the ARCore app offered by Android.
Are virtual reality glasses necessary in these apps?
We already know that virtual reality is a technology reserved to be exploited in the glasses that bear the same name. There are several exponents that launch products to this market sector, such as Google’s Daydream VR, HTC’s Vive and the popular Oculus Rift. Therefore, it is normal to think that these apps can only be used if you have one of these glasses, something that is not achievable for everyone.
But no, the truth is that no need to buy virtual reality glasses. Android has the necessary compatibility to create this immersive effect of virtual reality on the screen, whether to view images or videos. Obviously we are not going to reach the level of glasses, but to experience and savor virtual reality, just download these applications.
Download the best virtual reality apps for Android
Once we know a little more about this technology, let’s go with the virtual reality applications that we can use on our Android by just pressing the link button to download them. We have done an extensive analysis, so choose the one that catches your attention the most.
Cardboard
This app also works as Google Earth, so we can see impressions of places as if we were in front of them. Just for this function it is worth downloading and knowing it, but if we add the many museum pieces to which we have access or take a guided tour of the most impressive places, the app becomes even more necessary to test.
Ocean rift
Thanks to this application we will be able swim among sharks and diving with whales, an app that takes us where we could never imagine we would go. Its operation makes it simple and suitable for anyone to enjoy with virtual reality glasses.
From the smallest to the oldest they will have the ability to explore the underwater world and meet the most surprising marine animals. One of the virtual reality glasses is that, if at some point the shark gets very close to us, we do not have to fear, no matter how real it may seem, it is a digital simulation.
VR Sites
In a different way to how we do it in the Google Cardboard app, this app allows us to enjoy impressive monuments, all organized in a simple menu that we can access with the buttons housed in our virtual reality glasses. With this app we can be right next to the Eiffel tower in Paris, know every detail of the Plaza Mayor in Madrid or experience Christmas in Berlin. All this for free and without leaving home.
Google Spotlight Stories
Living a story has never been so real as with this application developed by Google that has received numerous awards and has even been nominated at the Oscars or EMMY. With it you can live the narrative experience that you have never seen and you will have the possibility to enjoy it together with young and old.
Fulldive VR – Virtual Reality
If we want to test a lot of content and enter a platform totally dedicated to 360 degrees, we have to download Fulldive VR. From this platform we will have access to navigate in virtual reality for any website, a somewhat curious experience that is exported to images, videos and a multitude of content.
YouTube VR
Within the YouTube platform, we find content focused on viewing 360-degree videos. And within its options, we have access to exclusive virtual reality videos, but it will also convert any video into this format so that we can enjoy it in a different way. Ultimately, all the videos on the platform become virtual reality content.
VeeR VR – Oculus, Daydream, Vive
An app that allows you to show the largest VR exposure even without any VR accessories. Watch 360-degree panoramic videos by simply turning your smartphone. This content is available on the main virtual reality devices, such as Oculus, Daydream or HTC Vive. However, they can be seen without the need for these glasses, just a mobile phone and headphones are enough.
MelodyVR
The app belongs to a company dedicated to doing virtual reality concerts and immersive performances. It was born in 2018 and its application, available in the Oculus store, Google Play and in the App Store, allows you to attend live concerts broadcast in 360º. In this way, it has live event content and videos on demand, all in the 360-degree format.
WITHIN – Documentaries and concerts in virtual reality
This application includes very good examples of virtual reality where entertainment and information are mixed to bring short but intense experiences in which we can enjoy a new way of consuming relevant content. Within brings together the work of professional creators internationally, with pieces from Apple, Vice or NBC.
LIFE VR
Reports, trips, long articles, infographics … some of the best recent stories published in this group of North American media with international significance are presented before the eyes of any user eager to information treated with excellence both in his narrative structure as in its visual aspect.
