Virtual Reality during Lockdown
I’ve been isolated in the house, like so many others, during this Covid-19 lockdown. Besides the walls of the house, I also see a view from the walking path in the neighborhood, but eventually habituation takes over and I hardly notice it. I needed additional scenic views, but we’ve not been able to do so.
![](https://www.rhamill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/de.muchoviento.vr_.astronaut.gear-20200619-222952-1024x1024.jpg)
Oculus Go
For several years, I’ve been hearing about Virtual Reality devices. Until now, I didn’t have the need for them. I bought an entry-level device, Oculus Go, from NewEgg, to investigate.
YouTube gave me some beginner’s tips, esp. setup. I don’t expect to use the viewer for hours at a time. Also, I didn’t tie my logon to FaceBook, while I’m learning.
VR Features
![Sliver of Disney VR offerings](https://www.rhamill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/com.disney.dmvr-20200616-175111-1024x1024.jpg)
- There are free apps and there are paid apps.
- I started with free apps.
- A 360 degree view at a Germany waterfall and lake.
- In Disney VR, there’s a delightful VR dance by Lumiere on the dining room tabletop. Also be on stage during an ambush of a Star Wars tank.
- National Geographic took me, canoe-level, to elephants towering above in a Botswana adventure. Six minutes of 360 degree exploring
- A visit to Hogwarts took me to Florida Universal Studio’s exhibit. It gave the feel that I got two years ago when we went there with my daughter and her family. In fact, I kept looking for us in the crowds surging through the streets and shops leading to Hogwarts.
- I bought Astronaut VR for $1.99. Six edutainment activities from training to ISS to being on the moon.
- Some other important free viewing apps
- YouTube. You can watch your regular favorites as well as VR content
- NetFlix and Hulu. The apps are free. Of course, you need a subscription to the service to view content.
- Oculus Browser, to roam the internet.
Lockdown Inside
All in all, VR provides an escape when lockdown has deadened my senses.