DIDSBURY – A number of Didsbury residents recently got the chance to try out a virtual reality experience at the local library.
The library was able to borrow an Oculus Rift device from the Parkland Regional Library (PRL) system. Didsbury is a member PRL.
"Our first session (of several) with the Oculus Rift program kit was well attended. About 40 people showed up and about half of them tried it on," said library manager Inez Kosinski.
Oculus Rift is a high-end virtual reality device that connects to a personal computer. The user then straps the device to his or her head, like goggles, and can enjoy a number of virtual reality experiences.
Although virtual reality (VR) has not become mainstream, the devices have become a little cheaper and more accessible.
However, with most coming in at over $500 it's still cost prohibitive.
VR allows a person to not only play immersive games, but also to watch TV and movies as well as travel virtually to almost anywhere in the world from the comfort of their living room -- or local library.
A person in Didsbury could virtually climb Mount Everest, visit beaches in Hawaii, or tour the Mayan ruins of Peru without taking a step outside.
Kosinski said although the recent demonstration at the library went very well, there were a few hiccups.
"Of course there were some tech issues, and the software to visit under the sea and to tour the Grand Canyon were not available," she said.
Other sessions were planned for the library on Jan. 18 and 20.
Kosinski said they will be taking the VR kit to share with residents of Aspen Ridge Lodge during the next loan session in February, once staff members have had more time to master the device.
