How to create virtual/augmented reality using Unity and related SDKs?
VR and AR are the abbreviations behind the words “virtual reality” and “augmented reality”. In both cases, it is about creating an imitation of the real world with the help of computer technologies.
Virtual reality is a space where the user is completely immersed in the created computer world, using a VR headset and controllers that allow them to control objects in this world.
In augmented reality, computer graphics are added to the real world, which the user can interact with using AR applications on a mobile phone or AR helmet.
The application of VR/AR technologies is very wide: from games and entertainment to education and use in medicine and industry.
Virtual Reality: How Does It Work?
The work of VR and AR technologies is based on the use of computer graphics and sensors. A special VR headset is used to create a VR world. Which consists of two screens located in front of the user’s eyes and sensors that record head and body movements. When the user puts on the headset, he is completely immersed in the virtual world. Which is developed using special programs and game engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine, etc.
AR technologies use a camera on a mobile device or a special AR helmet that transmits images of the real world to the screen, adding computer graphics to it. AR applications can use marker recognition or visual tracking technologies to determine the location and orientation of the added graphics.
Special development platforms and tools are used to develop VR/AR applications. Such as Unity or Unreal Engine, which provide a convenient interface for creating, editing, and testing VR/AR applications. Different programming languages are used to program VR/AR applications. Specifically C#, which is the programming language for Unity.
As VR/AR technology continues to evolve, new tools and capabilities are emerging to create even more amazing and innovative VR/AR applications.
To prepare a step-by-step guide on how to create virtual/augmented reality using Unity and related SDKs, you first need to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts, technologies, and tools used in developing VR/AR applications.
Virtual reality uses Unity for development. Unity is a powerful game and application development platform that supports work with VR/AR. Unity provides a convenient environment for creating an application’s visual interface, includes several built-in tools for developing motion and sound graphics, and allows easy integration of external resources.
To work with VR/AR in Unity, you need to install the appropriate SDK (Software Development Kit), which allows you to interact with VR/AR devices and process the relevant data. The most popular SDKs for VR are Oculus SDK and SteamVR SDK, and for AR, Vuforia SDK, and ARKit (for iOS) / ARCore (for Android).
So, the main steps for developing a VR/AR application in Unity include the following steps:
1. Download and install Unity and related SDKs.
2. Create a new project in Unity.
3. Choose a VR/AR development platform.
4. Add models and objects to your project.
5. Add interaction and movement components for objects in the VR/AR world.
6. Adjust the lighting and textures for your project.
7. Develop scripts and code to interact with objects in the VR/AR world.
8. Publish your VR/AR project for the platform you plan to launch it on.
Of course, this is not a complete list of actions that may be required during the development of virtual or augmented reality, but these steps are considered basic.
As a beginner, you may need additional research and experimentation to gain deep knowledge and skills in VR/AR programming. However, the GoMother school has a Unity programming course that can help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills quickly and efficiently. And it will also help you understand the concepts of programming, virtual and augmented reality development. During the training, each student will be able to build their first VR/AR application in Unity.
So, if you want to get into Unity programming for kids and learn virtual and augmented reality development, then the Unity programming course at GoMother School could be a great choice for you.