Ever fancied kayaking in the breath-taking environment of Antarctica? Well with the latest virtual reality technology you can do just that without having to leave the safety of your living room. As part of the council’s ongoing commitment to innovation and technology, the South Taranaki Libraries recently purchased 3 of the latest Virtual Reality headsets to use across the district.
The devices represent the latest in VR technology says STDC Libraries and Cultural Services Manager Cath Sheard. “These headsets which have only been available in New Zealand for a couple of months do ‘full-body-tracking’ which makes the virtual reality experience so much more lifelike,” say Cath. “There is a huge range of experiences and scenarios that people can choose - from manoeuvring in zero gravity on the International Space Station, swimming with sharks & dolphins, taking a hot air balloon ride, surfing, diving or even experience a ride in a Star Wars rebel fighter. People can even walk through Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam which is a fully interactive app,” she says.
“90% of jobs that our young people will work in don’t even exist yet so it’s really important they are familiar and comfortable with technology. People with physical limitations can get a lot out of the VR goggles. Three of NZ’s greatest walks are just one of the programmes available so anyone can now explore and enjoy these new experiences. There are just so many things you can do with the devices. We can make our own 3D video experience, they are great for low impact, high intensity, fitness too.”
As well as being available for community plus school groups to use it, the Virtual Reality devices will be rotated around the district’s LibraryPlus centres. Keep an eye out and ask your local LibraryPlus when they will be in your area, because once you’ve tried them once you will become hooked.
