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Virtual Reality

This is a guide to orient readers to the uses of virtual reality in education.

Repositories

While a lot of commonly available software for xR experiences in this generation of technology are gaming- and entertainment-focused, there are a lot of great and useful educational applications available. Software repositories like those listed below host the software and make installing, updating, and maintaining software less of a hassle:

Listing of software repositories for xR applications
Service Cost Notes Access
Steam Free to join, free and paid apps available Largest VR app repository; supports Vive, Rift, and other open source VR headsets (OSVR); while mainly focused on gaming, has expanded its offerings to productivity, educational, and other VR and non-VR apps Within VR environment and website
Viveport Free to join, free and paid apps available; subscription available, but not required HTC Vive's official app store; software works with Vive products only Within VR environment and website
Oculus Store Free to join, free and paid apps available A very loose storefront of apps that work on the Rift products only Within VR environment and website
Google Play Free to join, free and paid apps available VR, AR, and MR apps available, use depends on device connected; supports Android phones, tablets, standalone headsets, Gear VR, and others; includes the Google Cardboard and Daydream apps Within the Play Store app on the Android device and website
Apple App Store Free to join, free and paid apps available VR, AR, and MR apps available, use depends on device connected; supports iPhones and iPads Within the App Store app on the Apple device and website