Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, is set to launch its latest virtual reality (VR) headset, the Quest 3. This new headset aims to address the issue of motion sickness that many people experience when using VR technology. The Quest 3 features cameras that allow users to see the real world in full color while playing games virtually. This “mixed reality” experience can help reduce the disconnect between what the eyes see and what the body feels, making the VR experience more comfortable and less nauseating.

During a test of the Quest 3, the author tried different games and found that the mixed reality feature helped prevent motion sickness. In one game, the virtual world was revealed as the walls of the room crumbled, and the author could see both the virtual and real surroundings. Another game, based on the Netflix series Stranger Things, also did not induce any sickness. Chris Cox, the chief product officer at Meta, explained that mixed reality significantly improves the comfort of the VR experience. However, the author questions whether avoiding full VR is a true solution to motion sickness.

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, believes that motion sickness can be reduced with better graphics and less latency in VR headsets. He hopes that as the technology improves, fewer people will experience problems. However, the author points out that part of feeling ill in VR is due to the disconnect between what the eyes see and what the rest of the body experiences. The author tried a completely virtual reality boxing game and, although the graphics were impressive, they still experienced dizziness and discomfort.

It is important to note that people experience motion sickness differently, and some may not be affected at all. While mixed reality is still a new concept with limited game options, it may be a suitable solution for those who want to enjoy virtual gaming but struggle with motion sickness. As VR technology continues to evolve, it is hoped that advancements in graphics and latency will further reduce the occurrence of motion sickness and make the VR experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Original news source: Meta: Can the firm’s new headset stop virtual reality sickness? (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Have students read the article individually and then write a summary of the main points. They should focus on capturing the key information and condensing it into a concise paragraph.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Have them discuss their opinions on the topic of virtual reality and motion sickness. Then, have them create a poll with a few questions related to the article. Each group should survey the rest of the class and collect data. Finally, they can present their findings and discuss the results as a class.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Prepare a list of vocabulary words from the article. Divide the class into teams and give each team a word. Teams must take turns drawing the word on the board while their teammates try to guess what it is. The first team to guess the word correctly gets a point. Repeat with different words from the article.

– Headline Creation
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, have students create catchy headlines for the article. They should aim to capture the main idea and intrigue the reader. After the groups have finished, have them share their headlines and discuss the different approaches they took.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to imagine what virtual reality technology will be like in the future. In pairs or small groups, have them discuss and write down their predictions. They should consider advancements in graphics, motion sickness prevention, and overall user experience. Afterward, have them present their predictions to the class and engage in a discussion about the possibilities.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the purpose of the Quest 3 virtual reality headset?
2. How does the mixed reality feature of the Quest 3 help prevent motion sickness?
3. What game did the author play where the virtual world was revealed as the walls of the room crumbled?
4. Did the author experience any motion sickness while playing the Stranger Things game?
5. According to Chris Cox, how does mixed reality improve the comfort of the VR experience?
6. What does Mark Zuckerberg believe can reduce motion sickness in VR headsets?
7. Why did the author still feel dizziness and discomfort while playing a completely virtual reality boxing game?
8. Who may find mixed reality to be a suitable solution for motion sickness in VR gaming?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, is set to launch its latest virtual reality (VR) headset, the Quest 3. This new headset aims to address the (1)______ of motion sickness that many people experience when using VR technology. The Quest 3 features cameras that allow (2)______ to see the real world in full color while (3)______ games virtually. This “mixed reality” experience can help reduce the disconnect between what the eyes see and what the body (4)______, making the VR experience more comfortable and less nauseating.

During a test of the Quest 3, the author tried different games and found that the (5)______ (6)______ feature helped prevent motion sickness. In one game, the virtual world was revealed as the walls of the room (7)______, and the author could see both the virtual and real surroundings. Another game, based on the Netflix series Stranger Things, also did not induce any sickness. Chris Cox, the (8)______ product officer at Meta, explained that mixed reality significantly improves the comfort of the VR experience. However, the author questions whether avoiding full VR is a true solution to motion sickness.

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, believes that motion sickness can be reduced with better graphics and less latency in VR (9)______. He hopes that as the technology improves, (10)______ people will experience (11)______. However, the author points out that part of feeling ill in VR is due to the disconnect between what the eyes see and what the rest of the body (12)______. The author tried a completely virtual reality boxing game and, although the graphics were impressive, they still experienced dizziness and discomfort.

It is important to note that (13)______ experience motion sickness differently, and some may not be affected at all. While mixed reality is still a new concept with limited game options, it may be a suitable solution for those who want to enjoy (14)______ gaming but struggle with motion sickness. As VR technology continues to evolve, it is hoped that advancements in graphics and latency will further (15)______ the occurrence of motion sickness and make the VR experience more (16)______ for everyone.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is motion sickness and have you ever experienced it?
2. How would you feel if you could play virtual reality games without getting motion sickness?
3. Do you think mixed reality is a good solution for reducing motion sickness in VR? Why or why not?
4. What do you think are the main factors that contribute to motion sickness in VR?
5. Have you ever tried a virtual reality headset? If so, did you experience motion sickness?
6. Do you think better graphics and less latency in VR headsets will eliminate motion sickness? Why or why not?
7. How important is it for you to have a comfortable and enjoyable VR experience?
8. What are some other potential solutions for reducing motion sickness in VR?
9. Would you be willing to try a mixed reality headset to see if it reduces motion sickness? Why or why not?
10. How do you think advancements in VR technology will impact the gaming industry?
11. Do you think VR technology will become more popular in the future? Why or why not?
12. What are some potential drawbacks or concerns about using VR technology?
13. How do you think mixed reality could be used in other areas besides gaming?
14. Do you think VR technology has the potential to replace traditional forms of entertainment, such as movies or video games? Why or why not?
15. How do you think VR technology could be used in education or professional settings?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. Meta
2. Quest 3
3. motion sickness
4. virtual reality
5. mixed reality
6. graphics
7. latency
8. VR technology

Meanings:
(a) The latest virtual reality headset by Meta
(b) An experience that combines virtual and real worlds
(c) Visual elements and images in a virtual environment
(d) A technology that creates a simulated environment
(e) The company that owns Facebook and Instagram
(f) The overall advancements and innovations in VR
(g) The delay between an action and its response in VR
(h) The feeling of nausea and discomfort when using VR
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the company that owns Facebook and Instagram?
(a) Google
(b) Apple
(c) Microsoft
(d) Meta

2. What is the name of the latest virtual reality headset from Meta?
(a) Oculus Rift
(b) PlayStation VR
(c) HTC Vive
(d) Quest 3

3. What issue does the Quest 3 aim to address?
(a) Low graphics quality
(b) Motion sickness
(c) Limited game options
(d) High latency

4. What feature of the Quest 3 helps reduce motion sickness?
(a) Better graphics
(b) Less latency
(c) Mixed reality
(d) Improved cameras

5. How did the author feel when using the mixed reality feature in the Quest 3?
(a) Dizzy and uncomfortable
(b) Comfortable and less nauseated
(c) Indifferent
(d) Excited and thrilled

6. According to Mark Zuckerberg, how can motion sickness be reduced in VR headsets?
(a) More game options
(b) Improved cameras
(c) Better graphics and less latency
(d) Mixed reality feature

7. What did the author try in the virtual reality boxing game?
(a) Completely virtual reality
(b) Mixed reality
(c) Better graphics
(d) Less latency

8. What is the hope for advancements in VR technology?
(a) Reduce motion sickness and make the experience more enjoyable
(b) Increase motion sickness and discomfort
(c) Limit game options
(d) Improve graphics and latency

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. The “mixed reality” experience provided by the Quest 3 can help reduce the disconnect between what the eyes see and what the body feels.
2. Meta, the company that owns Snapchat and TikTok, is set to launch the Quest 3, its latest VR headset.
3. Mark Zuckerberg believes that motion sickness can be reduced with better graphics and less latency in VR headsets.
4. The Quest 3 features cameras that only allow users to see the real world in black and white while playing games virtually.
5. The author questions whether avoiding full VR is a true solution to motion sickness.
6. As VR technology continues to evolve, advancements in graphics and latency are expected to increase the occurrence of motion sickness.
7. During a test, the mixed reality feature of the Quest 3 worsened motion sickness in the author.
8. The Quest 3 aims to address the issue of motion sickness that many people experience when using VR technology.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How does the Quest 3 address the issue of motion sickness in virtual reality?
2. What is the “mixed reality” experience and how does it help reduce motion sickness?
3. According to the author, is avoiding full VR the true solution to motion sickness? Why or why not?
4. What does Mark Zuckerberg believe is the key to reducing motion sickness in VR headsets?
5. How does the author suggest that advancements in VR technology can further reduce motion sickness?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The purpose of the Quest 3 virtual reality headset is to address the issue of motion sickness that many people experience when using VR technology.
2. The mixed reality feature of the Quest 3 allows users to see the real world in full color while playing games virtually. This helps reduce the disconnect between what the eyes see and what the body feels, making the VR experience more comfortable and less nauseating.
3. The author played a game where the virtual world was revealed as the walls of the room crumbled.
4. No, the author did not experience any motion sickness while playing the Stranger Things game.
5. According to Chris Cox, mixed reality significantly improves the comfort of the VR experience by reducing the disconnect between what the eyes see and what the body feels.
6. Mark Zuckerberg believes that motion sickness can be reduced with better graphics and less latency in VR headsets.
7. The author still felt dizziness and discomfort while playing a completely virtual reality boxing game because there is still a disconnect between what the eyes see and what the rest of the body experiences.
8. Those who struggle with motion sickness in VR gaming may find mixed reality to be a suitable solution.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) issue
(2) users
(3) playing
(4) feels
(5) mixed
(6) reality
(7) crumbled
(8) chief
(9) headsets
(10) fewer
(11) problems
(12) experiences
(13) people
(14) virtual
(15) reduce
(16) enjoyable
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. Meta
Answer: (e) The company that owns Facebook and Instagram

2. Quest 3
Answer: (a) The latest virtual reality headset by Meta

3. motion sickness
Answer: (h) The feeling of nausea and discomfort when using VR

4. virtual reality
Answer: (d) A technology that creates a simulated environment

5. mixed reality
Answer: (b) An experience that combines virtual and real worlds

6. graphics
Answer: (c) Visual elements and images in a virtual environment

7. latency
Answer: (g) The delay between an action and its response in VR

8. VR technology
Answer: (f) The overall advancements and innovations in VR
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the company that owns Facebook and Instagram?
Answer: (d) Meta

2. What is the name of the latest virtual reality headset from Meta?
Answer: (d) Quest 3

3. What issue does the Quest 3 aim to address?
Answer: (b) Motion sickness

4. What feature of the Quest 3 helps reduce motion sickness?
Answer: (c) Mixed reality

5. How did the author feel when using the mixed reality feature in the Quest 3?
Answer: (b) Comfortable and less nauseated

6. According to Mark Zuckerberg, how can motion sickness be reduced in VR headsets?
Answer: (c) Better graphics and less latency

7. What did the author try in the virtual reality boxing game?
Answer: (a) Completely virtual reality

8. What is the hope for advancements in VR technology?
Answer: (a) Reduce motion sickness and make the experience more enjoyable
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. The “mixed reality” experience provided by the Quest 3 can help reduce the disconnect between what the eyes see and what the body feels. (Answer: True)
2. Meta, the company that owns Snapchat and TikTok, is set to launch the Quest 3, its latest VR headset. (Answer: False)
3. Mark Zuckerberg believes that motion sickness can be reduced with better graphics and less latency in VR headsets. (Answer: True)
4. The Quest 3 features cameras that only allow users to see the real world in black and white while playing games virtually. (Answer: False)
5. The author questions whether avoiding full VR is a true solution to motion sickness. (Answer: True)
6. As VR technology continues to evolve, advancements in graphics and latency are expected to increase the occurrence of motion sickness. (Answer: False)
7. During a test, the mixed reality feature of the Quest 3 worsened motion sickness in the author. (Answer: False)
8. The Quest 3 aims to address the issue of motion sickness that many people experience when using VR technology. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧