7 Awesome (Non-Gaming) VR Apps

Mikayla Gowaty
Virtual Reality Pop
4 min readFeb 17, 2017

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We have it on good authority that there will be an affordable VR headset released in the US in the next few months. I’m talking less than $300 for a fully-loaded, visually stunning piece of hardware.

The current systems like Oculus Rift, HTV Vive, and Samsung Gear are a substantial investment and odds are your average Joe isn’t rushing out to purchase and be an early adopter.

At a lower price point, however, VR becomes a great Christmas gift or ‘treat yo self’ moment.

This is really going to change the industry and make virtual reality accessible for the average consumer. With that said, I wanted to highlight a few of the non-gaming uses of VR that everyone will want to try.

  1. Travel the World
Steam | Google Earth VR

The Google Earth App allows you to travel to breath-taking locations without even leaving home. The already popular web application has made an easy transition to the VR realm and is sure to be a favorite for all users. Most of us can’t afford to jet set off to Europe or the Galapagos after a stressful day at work, but with the help of virtual reality you can pick a new destination when ever you want.

Check out this link from Steam to download:

2. Get a Fur-baby

Steam | Konrad the Kitten

The days of the Tamagotchi may be long gone, but the plight of ever allergy sufferer isn’t going anywhere. While those things may have been annoying and unsatisfying, VR has made it possible to own a virtual pet… for real this time. This application gives you the pleasure and companionship of playing with and taking care of an animal, without the wheezing and the responsibility. Its a win-win!

3. Learn Through Experiences

Steam | The Body VR

VR is not just about enjoyment, either. Most of us spend a large portion of our lives learning, and virtual reality can help with that too. We found one really cool app that is helping medical students, and anyone else, learn more about the human body.

4. Breathe Deeply

Steam | House of Meditation

You all know the feeling of putting on a VR headset for the first time. It instantly takes you to a new world and makes you forget about your surroundings. Its incredible how quickly the brain adjusts and adapts to the new information, which is why we think this app is so effective. It puts you into a world of relaxation and blocks out everything else.

5. Get Superman Vision 👀

Steam | Vision Therapy VR

We found this one to be very interesting and frankly, inventive. The verdict is still out on the effectiveness, but why not try GTL… eye training?

6. Travel Through Time

Steam | Hindenburg VR

Time travel has always been the ultimate sign of scientific achievement, but maybe we’ve achieved it? VR can take you back, forward, and feel very very real. This app shows you the events of the Hindenburg disaster and truly brings history to life.

7. Unleash your Creativity

Steam | Happy Drummer VR

The last one to make our list may technically be a game… we know, we know🙈! But gaming really is one of the great uses of VR technology and will only continue to improve. This one was particularly special because it can be appealing to everyone.

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