Surprise Delivery: My Client Unlocked a New World for Me

I remember the time when my client gave me the Meta Quest 3. It was like a dream come true.

Surprise Delivery: My Client Unlocked a New World for Me
Credit: VRBlush.com / How I got my first VR headset

Hey VR enthusiasts! Welcome to another VR vlog. I remember the time when my client gave me the Meta Quest 3. It was like a dream come true. A few months back from now, he mentioned buying five VR headsets for his team. Alright, let’s get started.

I work as a Software Engineer for a VR startup with a team of 7 since May 2023 (we were 5 at the beginning). Before joining the startup, I had heard about VR headsets and the Metaverse. The first time I saw pictures of Google Cardboard shared on social media with the caption "old is gold," I realized I didn't know much about it.

I was first introduced to VR during my A-levels (part 2), but back then it was limited to news. In university, while studying for my Dental degree (Am I a Dentist? Nah), I developed a keen interest in anatomy. I had only two cracked anatomy apps that I used, and they were incredibly enjoyable. Anatomy quickly became my favorite subject.

At one point, Sony Xperia phones were at their peak of popularity. They had an interesting AR feature where you could pick up your phone, open one of the anatomy apps, and start scanning parts of your body, like your knee. It would dissect that body part into bits and pieces, and I absolutely loved that feature.

Another thing that piqued my interest in VR was watching YouTube videos in 3D/VR mode. When I clicked on that option, the video split into two sections on the screen. Back then, there was a gadget where you could put your mobile phone into a cover and use it like a VR device, creating a VR-like video experience.

I lost interest in VR/AR for a while, leading to a significant gap as I explored different career paths before settling in the IT industry as a Software Engineer. Until May 2023, VR/AR wasn't on my radar. Perhaps I wouldn't have rediscovered my passion for the industry if it weren't for a stroke of luck.

Upon receiving some exciting news, my anticipation grew as I waited six to eight months for it to become reality. The moment finally arrived on March 13th, an unforgettable day:

How I got my first VR headset
Credit: VRBlush.com / How I got my first VR headset

Accompanied by my Dad on a trip for his work, I had already purchased some gifts and planned to buy more. After booking a taxi, we set off on our journey.

During the ride, we reached our destination city, where I made a few purchases including a hand carry. As I was about to pick up a client at the airport, a quick dinner led to a gift exchange. To my surprise, among the presents was not just one, but two boxes. Inside the second box was not another VR headset, but an extra strap for the Meta Quest 3. This experience is detailed in full in my account of my first onsite meeting with someone from a different culture.

My family members have been happier than me and have explored it more than I have. I'm not sure why, but I haven't used it much. I am acrophobic, but another reason is that when we get something we dreamed of, we may start to undervalue it. While this could be seen as a negative point, for VrBlush, I am willing to do everything, even conquer my fear of heights. The goal of VrBlush is to guide others on using VR and to make them more aware of the VR world.

That's all for this story. Stay tuned for the next one.