National Virtual Day

Young woman wearing virtual reality headset, surrounded by floating digital elements, futuristic fashion, virtual city scene.. — National virtual day illustration

Welcome to the delightful world of National Virtual Day! Prepare to be transported into a realm where reality blends seamlessly with the virtual, where pixels come alive with a touch of magic, and where you can experience the wonders of the online universe without leaving the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a seasoned gamer, a digital explorer, or a social media guru, National Virtual Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate everything that is virtual and internet-related.

When is Virtual Day?

It's national virtual day on the 9th September.

What is National Virtual Day?

On this special day, we embrace the virtual realm and acknowledge the incredible impact it has had on our lives. From the early days of dial-up internet to the sleek and powerful technology of today, the virtual world has become an integral part of our daily existence. National Virtual Day is a time to reflect on the fascinating evolution of the internet, the virtual communities we've built, and the countless opportunities it has created.

The Internet: A Brief History

The internet, that magical web that connects us all, traces its roots back to the 1960s when a group of researchers began exploring the concept of a networked communication system. Fast forward a few decades, and the World Wide Web was born, revolutionizing the way we access and share information.

The early days of the internet were marked by slow connections, ear-piercing dial-up tones, and the mesmerizing dance of pixelated graphics. Yet, despite these humble beginnings, the internet quickly grew in scope and influence, morphing into a virtual wonderland where dreams can come true and cat videos reign supreme.

Celebrating the Virtual World

On National Virtual Day, there are countless ways to revel in the wonders of the online universe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Host a virtual gathering with loved ones near and far.
Indulge in your favorite online games or explore new virtual realms.
Take a virtual tour of famous landmarks, museums, or even outer space.
Join virtual events, webinars, or workshops to expand your knowledge.
Engage with your online community, share positive messages, and spread joy.

Remember, the possibilities are limitless when it comes to celebrating the virtual world. Just make sure to take occasional breaks to stretch, blink, and remind yourself that the real world is still out there.

History behind the term 'Virtual'

1929

The birth of the term

The term 'virtual' was first used in 1929 by the pioneer British scientist and engineer, Sir Oliver Lodge. He coined the term to describe an electrical circuit or system that was artificially created, simulated or imitated. At that time, it mainly referred to the concept of virtual or imaginary components within a physical system.

1949

The birth of the term 'virtual'

In 1949, the term 'virtual' was first introduced by J.C.R. Licklider, an American psychologist and computer scientist. He used the term to describe the concept of a virtual reality, where a user could interact with a generated environment using computer technology. This marked the beginning of a new era in technology and the birth of the term 'virtual' as we know it today.

1959

Birth of Virtual Reality

The term 'virtual' was first coined by computer scientist Ivan Sutherland in 1959. Sutherland developed the concept of 'virtual reality' while working on his Ph.D. thesis at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He envisioned a computer-generated environment that could be visually explored and interacted with in real time.

1700

Early Concept of Virtual Reality

The term 'virtual' finds its roots in the Latin word 'virtus', meaning 'virtue' or 'power'. However, the idea of experiencing a virtual world has been contemplated for centuries. In the 1700s, English philosopher Bishop Berkeley explored the concept in his work 'A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge', suggesting that the physical world was a collection of perceived ideas and the mind constructed its own reality.

1959

The Birth of Virtual Reality

Virtual, derived from the Latin word 'virtus', meaning 'virtue' or 'excellence', was first used in the context of technology in 1959. Scientist and computer graphics pioneer Ivan Sutherland introduced the concept of 'virtual reality' in his Ph.D. thesis at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Sutherland defined virtual reality as a computer-generated environment that enables users to interact with artificial three-dimensional objects.

1950

Origin of the term 'virtual'

The term 'virtual' originated in the 1950s and it comes from the Latin word 'virtus', meaning 'excellence' or 'efficacy'. Initially, it was used to describe something that possesses the essence or effect of something without actually being that thing. This idea of a simulation or imitation laid the foundation for the term's future applications.

1982

Introduction of the term 'Virtual'

The term 'virtual' gained wider recognition in 1982 when computer scientist Jaron Lanier founded VPL Research. Lanier's company developed some of the earliest virtual reality hardware and software, including the DataGlove and the EyePhone headset. The introduction of these products brought the concept of virtual reality to the public's attention and popularized the term 'virtual.'

1968

The Sword of Damocles

In 1968, Ivan Sutherland and his student Bob Sproull developed an advanced virtual reality headset called 'The Sword of Damocles.' The device was connected to a computer and had a head-mounted display that positioned a small black and white screen in front of the wearer's eyes. Although bulky and uncomfortable, it was the first step towards creating an immersive virtual reality experience.

1956

Virtual memory revolutionizes computer systems

In 1956, IBM introduced the concept of virtual memory, which allowed computer systems to use secondary storage as an extension of the primary memory. This breakthrough revolutionized the field of computer systems by allowing more efficient usage of memory resources. The term 'virtual' was adopted to describe this virtualization of memory, further popularizing the term and solidifying its usage in the technology domain.

1958

Virtual reality enters the stage

In 1958, the first steps towards the modern concept of 'virtual' were taken by Morton Heilig, an American cinematographer and inventor. Heilig introduced an immersive multi-sensory experience called the Sensorama. This device provided a virtual reality experience by combining 3D visuals, stereo sound, vibrating seat, and even scents, aiming to simulate real-life experiences.

1960

Virtual reality and simulation

In the 1960s, the concept of virtual reality started to develop. Ivan Sutherland, a computer scientist, created the first head-mounted display system known as 'Sword of Damocles'. This breakthrough allowed users to experience a computer-generated virtual world. This period saw the term 'virtual' being associated with computer simulations and digital environments.

1938

The First Flight Simulator

In 1938, Edwin Link, an American inventor, developed the 'Link Trainer' - the world's first flight simulator. The concept behind the simulator involved combining mechanical devices and visualization to create a virtual environment that mimicked the experience of flying an aircraft. This marked an important milestone in the advancement of virtual experiences.

1962

Virtual reality takes shape

In 1962, Morton Heilig, an American cinematographer, invented the Sensorama, a machine that offered a multi-sensory experience to users. This device presented moving images, stereo sound, and even emitted scents to create an immersive environment. Heilig called this concept 'virtual reality,' combining the term 'virtual' and 'reality' to describe the experience of being transported to a different environment. This marked a significant step in the development of virtual reality technology and the popularization of the term 'virtual' in relation to immersive experiences.

1980

Virtual communities and social interactions

During the 1980s, the rise of the internet and computer networking led to the emergence of virtual communities. People began interacting and forming relationships in digital spaces. This gave a new dimension to the term 'virtual', as it encompassed not only simulated environments but also the social connections established within them.

1990

Evolution of Virtual Environments

Throughout the 1990s, virtual reality technology continued to advance, leading to the creation of more immersive and interactive virtual environments. Researchers and developers explored various applications of virtual reality, including gaming, training simulations, and architectural design. The term 'virtual' became synonymous with this emerging technology and its ability to transport users to digital realms.

1987

Virtual Reality Gloves

In 1987, Jaron Lanier, a computer scientist and founder of the Visual Programming Lab (VPL), introduced the DataGlove. It was a glove equipped with sensors that tracked hand movements and transmitted them to a computer to interact with the virtual environment. The DataGlove marked a significant development in the field of virtual reality, allowing users to manipulate objects within the virtual world.

1987

Introduction of the Term 'Virtual Reality'

The term 'virtual reality' was coined by Jaron Lanier, an American computer scientist, in 1987. Lanier founded VPL Research, the first company focused on commercializing virtual reality technology. Lanier's coined term became widely used to describe the immersive and interactive nature of computer-generated environments that made users feel as if they were in a different world.

1987

The birth of virtualization

The term 'virtual' gained significance in computer science with the development of virtualization. In 1987, IBM introduced the concept of virtual machines, allowing multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single physical machine. This breakthrough in virtualization laid the foundation for the creation of virtualized environments, leading to more efficient resource utilization and cost savings in the IT industry.

2012

Mainstream Adoption and Diversification

In recent years, virtual reality has experienced a surge in popularity and accessibility. The launch of consumer-grade virtual reality headsets such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR has opened up new possibilities for immersive gaming, virtual tourism, medical training, and more. The term 'virtual' now encompasses a wide range of experiences, from virtual reality to augmented reality and mixed reality.

1984

Virtual tours and simulations enter the mainstream

In 1984, Apple introduced the Macintosh computer, which featured a graphical user interface. This development made it possible for users to interact with a virtual desktop environment, opening up a range of new possibilities. Around the same time, virtual tours and simulations started gaining popularity, enabling users to explore virtual environments that resembled real-world locations. These advancements brought the term 'virtual' closer to everyday use and contributed to its growing cultural impact.

1995

The VRML Revolution

Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) was introduced in 1995 as a standard file format for describing 3D models and scenes in virtual reality applications. VRML enabled the creation of interactive virtual worlds that could be accessed through the internet. This marked a turning point in making virtual reality more accessible to the general public, as it paved the way for VRML-based websites and online virtual communities.

1995

Virtual communities emerge

With the rise of the internet in the mid-1990s, the term 'virtual' expanded its meaning to encompass online communities and interactions. The notion of 'virtual communities' emerged, referring to groups of people connected through computer networks, sharing common interests, and engaging in virtual social activities. The concept of virtual communities played a significant role in shaping online culture and social dynamics.

1995

Mainstream Exposure through 'Virtual Reality' Systems

In 1995, Virtuality Group PLC introduced arcade-style 'Virtual Reality' systems, offering the general public their first taste of immersive VR experiences. These systems encompassed headsets, gloves with motion tracking, and even multiplayer capabilities. Although the technology was still relatively expensive, it paved the way for future developments in VR.

1990

Virtual reality goes mainstream

By the 1990s, virtual reality started to gain popularity and began making its way into mainstream culture. Video games and entertainment industries utilized virtual reality technology to provide immersive experiences for users. The term 'virtual' became synonymous with a simulated reality that people could actively engage with, blurring the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds.

2007

Virtual assistants enter our lives

In 2007, with the launch of Apple's iPhone and the introduction of Siri in 2011, virtual assistants became a prominent part of our everyday lives. Virtual assistants are AI-powered software agents that can perform tasks, answer questions, and assist users in various ways. The popularity of virtual assistants has skyrocketed, with companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft developing their own versions, further integrating virtual assistants into our homes and smartphones.

2000

Virtual experiences beyond gaming

In the 2000s, virtual experiences expanded beyond gaming. Various industries began adopting virtual reality and augmented reality technologies. Medical professionals used virtual simulations for training and practice, architects created virtual walkthroughs of buildings, and virtual travel experiences provided a glimpse into faraway destinations. The term 'virtual' evolved to encompass a wide range of digital experiences.

2010

Oculus Rift: A Game-Changer

In 2010, Palmer Luckey, with the support of a successful Kickstarter campaign, unveiled the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset. The Oculus Rift featured a wide field of view, high resolution, and low latency, offering a more immersive experience than its predecessors. Its release sparked a renewed interest in virtual reality and became a catalyst for the development of VR games and applications.

2010

Consumer-Ready VR Headsets

The year 2010 saw a significant advancement in the availability and affordability of virtual reality with the introduction of consumer-ready VR headsets. Companies like Oculus, HTC, and Sony developed head-mounted displays that granted users a more immersive experience. This accessibility sparked interest and led to the growth of VR applications in various fields, including gaming, education, and healthcare.

1990

The World Wide Web goes virtual

In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web, a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessible via the internet. This invention revolutionized the way people accessed and shared information, effectively creating a virtual world of interconnected websites. As the web rapidly expanded, the term 'virtual' became synonymous with the online realm, highlighting the transformative impact of the internet on society and communication.

2010

Virtual reality in education and beyond

In recent years, virtual reality has found applications in education, therapy, and numerous other fields. Virtual classrooms allow students to engage in immersive learning experiences. Virtual reality therapies help treat phobias, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. The term 'virtual' continues to evolve as technology advances, shaping how we interact and experience the world.

2010

Virtual reality renaissance

In 2010, a new wave of virtual reality technology emerged with the introduction of the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality headset designed for immersive gaming. This marked the beginning of a virtual reality renaissance, with numerous companies investing in the development of virtual reality hardware and software. The term 'virtual' once again gained prominence as virtual reality experiences became more accessible and widespread, captivating the imagination of both consumers and researchers alike.

Did you know?

Did you know that the term 'avatar' was popularized in the virtual realm? It originally referred to the embodiment of a Hindu deity on Earth but has since been adopted to represent digital personas in virtual worlds. So, the next time you create an avatar for your online adventures, you can proudly say you're channeling your inner deity!