What are VR technologies and how are they developing in Kazakhstan?

VR is a virtual world created using technical and software tools, transmitted to a person through touch, hearing, as well as vision and, in some cases, smell. It is the combination of all these sensory impacts that is collectively referred to as an interactive world.

What makes it unique?

▫️Realism – the user believes in the reality of what is happening around them

▫️Interactivity – there is the ability to interact with objects

▫️Explorability – the virtual world is vast and detailed enough for exploration

▫️High-quality hardware – ensures smooth operation without interruptions

▫️Sense of presence – the person feels immersed in the events, and the environment influences their senses

Back in time

▪️The first prototype of VR glasses appeared as early as 1837. This device was called a stereoscope. It worked exclusively with static images.

▪️In 1956, Morton Heilig invented the "Sensorama" device. Its innovations included a movable seat with vibration, wind and smell simulation, and support for color images with stereo sound.

▪️In 1961, Philco Company presented the first helmet project, "Headsight." With this system, a person could look around by turning their head.

In 1989, VPL Research introduced its new system to the market — EyePhone. The device consisted of virtual reality glasses and special gloves.

▪️In 1995, a successful product was released — VFX1 Headgear. This helmet was already more similar to modern devices. It consisted of an LCD display with a resolution of 263x230, displayed 256 colors, and had a built-in microphone and stereo headphones.

Main areas of application for virtual reality

▫️Military personnel undergo training using simulators and prepare for unexpected situations in combat conditions

▫️Students – learning has become more engaging, as students could reinforce the material through practical experience

▫️Games account for 43% of the entire VR industry sector, attracting an increasing number of players

▫️Advertising – creators collaborate with major brands and advertise them within specific game elements

▫️Tourism – users now have the chance to be anywhere on Earth without leaving home

VR startups in Kazakhstan

? "Singularity Lab" is a unique product that, over 8 years of active development, transitioned from a startup to a full-fledged company. The main scope of work involves interactive technologies, offering a wide range of services such as game development, virtual reality, and augmented reality. Currently, the main focus is on educational training.

? A large-scale project of the company is the interactive museum of the history of JSC "Embamunaygaz" and the oil industry of Kazakhstan. At the time of its opening, it was the most innovative and technologically advanced museum in Kazakhstan. It featured elements of virtual and augmented reality, as well as multi-meter interactive projections.

Practical services were also provided, where employees underwent training using virtual reality to work at oil bases and learn how to prevent dangers in emergency situations.

? There are also VR game developments for YOTA ARENA, one of the largest esports complexes in Russia and Europe. The games are essentially VR analogs of the super popular cyber disciplines Dota and Counter-Strike. Naturally, the team significantly changed the game mechanics, adapting them for virtual reality. For example, you now actually need to hold a pistol, aim, and shoot from it, as well as take cover behind real obstacles. As a result, a genre that has long been familiar is completely transformed, and the sensations cannot be compared to standard games.