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the Universe in virtual reality

Navigate through space

Lift-off

About VRGalaxies

VR-Galaxies® is the first app to allow the public to navigate the space beyond the Milky Way.

the first

It is the first

The first app reproducing the Universe up to 85 million light-years!

navigate

Navigate

the space beyond the Milky Way and know the features of more than eight hundred galaxies.

explore

Explore

the Universe in virtual reality.

learn

Learn

Visualize the galaxies according to the information of the most important astronomic organizations.

Gear Up

and be prepared for this virtual journey


It is really difficult to grasp how immense the universe is. The distance to a star of our own galaxy, or the distance to another galaxy, those are spatial concepts that quickly melt in just an idea of “incredibly far away” and won´t allow us to fully assimilate certain daily notions about the most recent astronomic discoveries.

There is a vast amount of information available to the public that, due to the complexity of the data and, mostly, since there are not many visualization devices, is still out of reach of many people that feel the curiosity and interest in understanding it.

It seemed to us it would be a good idea to reunite our hobbies and professional skills in order to offer a new tool that will allow to complement, and even extend, their knowledge.

Features

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Educational

information to learn the primary characteristics of the galaxies.
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Perform searches

through the directory and navigate to the galaxies in auto pilot.
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Access to the most relevant data

of the galaxies contained in this app: their distance, size, and most importantly, how they are distributed in space.
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Interactive navigation

in a Universe of realistic scale up to 85 millionlight-years, represented according to the official data published by the main astronomic organizations.

APP requirements

VR-Galaxies is not just a simple app to passively stroll in a virtual world: it is an interactive software that allows you to perform searches, inspect features, change interface modes… All these operations are quite difficult to be handled with just one button or a few movements of your head.


We chose an XBox 360 compatible controller, due to its high popularity and its low price, as the best option for the user. Since the mobile devices allow a simple adaptation to it, we know the user will not have any problem while gaining one more step in Virtual Reality.

Android

mobile phone, operative system 5.0 (“Lollipop”) or higher.

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Google Cardboard

or similar VR headset.

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Controller

XBox 360 compatible.

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OTG cable

to adapt the controller to the mobile.

Why Google Cardboard, instead of another more powerful device?

Even though other devices, like Oculus and Vive, are really powerful and allow more functions and better graphics, we think those technologies are too expensive and too exclusive as yet to allow us the possibility of offering this app to a wider range of the public.

Despite the performance limitations of the mobile technology, we believe it is convenient to sacrifice the graphic in order to favor a longer, more divulgative reach, for a public of all ages and different economic means.

Additional information: OTG cables and USB Mass Storage

VRGalaxies requires a Xbox 360 compatible controller, and in order to plug it to your mobile you need an adapter; in this case an On The Go adapter. Your mobile needs, as well, to be able to detect this device, and that´s why it needs the USB Mass Storage feature available. Even though most of the modern mobiles have this feature integrated, you might want to check if yours is one of them.

The best way to find out is googling the name of your device + "usb mass storage", to find out whether if it has that feature or not and, if it is the case, how to activate it.

Additional information: Wireless controllers

Even though a wired controller is more suitable beacuse of its simplicity and price, you might as well already have a wireless one, so you´d probably want to use it. That´s not a problem at all, but you should consider getting a wireless receiver for your mobile. In this case, the only thing you need to do is plugging the OTG cable to your mobile and then the receiver to the OTG cable. We have found a nice and clean tutorial here..


Additional information: Samsung Galaxy S7 and Google Cardboard Apps

There´s a known issue related to Google Cardboard Apps running in Samsung Galaxy S7 devices: the double vision efect. This problem affects not just this app, but so many others that have been designed for Google Cardboard.

Our beta testers found this problem too, and here´s how they solved it:
1.- install the Google Cardboard App. in your phone.
2.- Look for the QR-code of your headset in a website like this one. Get it ready in the screen of your monitor or in another mobile, to take a picture of it when it is required.
3.- Start the Google Cardboard App and follow the instructions to apply it to your mobile device.

If that doesn´t work, there are apps in the market that are supposed to fix it, like this one, but we can´t guarantee its effectivity since we never needed it.

I´m in!     now... what?

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Main MENU

Look around. You´ll see four icons sourronding you:

::ENTER: will directly take you to the virtual space.
::EXIT: will quit the app.
::INFO: will take you to the scientific information environment.
::CONTROLLER INFO: will take you to the controller information environment.

Look at any of them and, when they react, press any button.
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Virtual Space

Now you are really in! Turn your head around, and use the controllers to navigate through space.
Take a look at the controller´s info to learn what you can do in here.

::THE JOYSTICKS: will move you around.
  Please keep in mind that acceleration is a must when we move in such a big scenario.
  You will have to hold the joystick for a few seconds if you want to move at high speed.
::THE BUTTONS: will control the interface.
::THE RIGHT TRIGGER: will take you back to the main menu when you hold it for a few seconds.
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Scientific Information Room

This one might be tricky, so... move gently, astronaut!
The trick here is slightly turning your head towards the icon you want to read, and the InfoSphere will rotate so you can face it.
If you feel lost, just look for the orange icons and stare at one of them until it is in front of you.

::THE ICONS: will give you information about the science behind this app.
::THE MENU ICON: press any button while it is reacting to your position, and it will bring you back to the main menu.
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Controller Information Room

Here you have a visual guide for the controller. Look directly to the specific control to learn what can you do with it.

::THE MENU ICON: will take you back to the Main MENU.
::THE LEFT INDEX BUTTON: will switch languages.

Controller

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Left joystick

Frontal and lateral movement, relative to our line of sight.
Button: activates autopilot.
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Right joystick

Vertical axis: vertical movement.
Button: activates "predefined view selection". It also activates autopilot towards the selected predefined view.
Horizontal axis: when "predefined view selection" is ON, it allows to choose one of them.
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Left cross

Vertical axis: inspects the directory of galaxies.
Right: input the selected galaxy as the compass' target.
Left: deactivates the compass.
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Button X

Change the selection mark to the previous galaxy, in case we have more than one in front of us.
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Button B

Change the selection mark to the next galaxy, in case we have more than one in front of us.
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Button Y

Switch UI mode.
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Button A

Navigation map ON/OFF.
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Right index

Hold it to go back to the main menu.
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Left index

Language selection.

EULA

1. LICENSE

By receiving, opening the file package, and/or using VRGalaxies 1("Software") containing this software, you agree that this End User User License Agreement(EULA) is a legally binding and valid contract and agree to be bound by it. You agree to abide by the intellectual property laws and all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Unless you have a different license agreement signed by Rubén Villoria your use of VRGalaxies 1 indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty.
Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Rubén Villoria grants to you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license, without right to sub-license, to use VRGalaxies 1 in accordance with this Agreement and any other written agreement with Rubén Villoria. Rubén Villoria does not transfer the title of VRGalaxies 1 to you; the license granted to you is not a sale. This agreement is a binding legal agreement between Rubén Villoria and the purchasers or users of VRGalaxies 1.

If you do not agree to be bound by this agreement, remove VRGalaxies 1 from your computer now and, if applicable, promptly return to Rubén Villoria by mail any copies of VRGalaxies 1 and related documentation and packaging in your possession.

2. DISTRIBUTION

VRGalaxies 1 and the license herein granted shall not be copied, shared, distributed, re-sold, offered for re-sale, transferred or sub-licensed in whole or in part except that you may make one copy for archive purposes only. For information about redistribution of VRGalaxies 1 contact Rubén Villoria.

3. USER AGREEMENT

3.1 Use

Your license to use VRGalaxies 1 is limited to the number of licenses purchased by you. You shall not allow others to use, copy or evaluate copies of VRGalaxies 1.

3.2 Use Restrictions

You shall use VRGalaxies 1 in compliance with all applicable laws and not for any unlawful purpose. Without limiting the foregoing, use, display or distribution of VRGalaxies 1 together with material that is pornographic, racist, vulgar, obscene, defamatory, libelous, abusive, promoting hatred, discriminating or displaying prejudice based on religion, ethnic heritage, race, sexual orientation or age is strictly prohibited.

Each licensed copy of VRGalaxies 1 may be used on one single computer location by one user. Use of VRGalaxies 1 means that you have loaded, installed, or run VRGalaxies 1 on a computer or similar device. If you install VRGalaxies 1 onto a multi-user platform, server or network, each and every individual user of VRGalaxies 1 must be licensed separately.

You may make one copy of VRGalaxies 1 for backup purposes, providing you only have one copy installed on one computer being used by one person. Other users may not use your copy of VRGalaxies 1 . The assignment, sublicense, networking, sale, or distribution of copies of VRGalaxies 1 are strictly forbidden without the prior written consent of Rubén Villoria. It is a violation of this agreement to assign, sell, share, loan, rent, lease, borrow, network or transfer the use of VRGalaxies 1. If any person other than yourself uses VRGalaxies 1 registered in your name, regardless of whether it is at the same time or different times, then this agreement is being violated and you are responsible for that violation!

3.3 Copyright Restriction

This Software contains copyrighted material, trade secrets and other proprietary material. You shall not, and shall not attempt to, modify, reverse engineer, disassemble or decompile VRGalaxies 1. Nor can you create any derivative works or other works that are based upon or derived from VRGalaxies 1 in whole or in part.

Rubén Villoria's name, logo and graphics file that represents VRGalaxies 1 shall not be used in any way to promote products developed with VRGalaxies 1 . Rubén Villoria retains sole and exclusive ownership of all right, title and interest in and to VRGalaxies 1 and all Intellectual Property rights relating thereto.

Copyright law and international copyright treaty provisions protect all parts of VRGalaxies 1, products and services. No program, code, part, image, audio sample, or text may be copied or used in any way by the user except as intended within the bounds of the single user program. All rights not expressly granted hereunder are reserved for Rubén Villoria.

3.4 Limitation of Responsibility

You will indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Rubén Villoria , its employees, agents and distributors against any and all claims, proceedings, demand and costs resulting from or in any way connected with your use of Rubén Villoria's Software.

In no event (including, without limitation, in the event of negligence) will Rubén Villoria , its employees, agents or distributors be liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, special or punitive damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of profits, loss of use, business interruption, loss of information or data, or pecuniary loss), in connection with or arising out of or related to this Agreement, VRGalaxies 1 or the use or inability to use VRGalaxies 1 or the furnishing, performance or use of any other matters hereunder whether based upon contract, tort or any other theory including negligence.

Rubén Villoria's entire liability, without exception, is limited to the customers' reimbursement of the purchase price of the Software (maximum being the lesser of the amount paid by you and the suggested retail price as listed by Rubén Villoria ) in exchange for the return of the product, all copies, registration papers and manuals, and all materials that constitute a transfer of license from the customer back to Rubén Villoria.

3.5 Warranties

Except as expressly stated in writing, Rubén Villoria makes no representation or warranties in respect of this Software and expressly excludes all other warranties, expressed or implied, oral or written, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantable quality or fitness for a particular purpose.

3.6 Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the law of the United Kingdom applicable therein. You hereby irrevocably attorn and submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of United Kingdom therefrom. If any provision shall be considered unlawful, void or otherwise unenforceable, then that provision shall be deemed severable from this License and not affect the validity and enforceability of any other provisions.

3.7 Termination

Any failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement will result in automatic and immediate termination of this license. Upon termination of this license granted herein for any reason, you agree to immediately cease use of VRGalaxies 1 and destroy all copies of VRGalaxies 1 supplied under this Agreement. The financial obligations incurred by you shall survive the expiration or termination of this license.

4. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OR MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. THIS DISCLAIMER CONCERNS ALL FILES GENERATED AND EDITED BY VRGalaxies 1 AS WELL.

5. CONSENT OF USE OF DATA

You agree that Rubén Villoria may collect and use information gathered in any manner as part of the product support services provided to you, if any, related to VRGalaxies 1.Rubén Villoria may also use this information to provide notices to you which may be of use or interest to you.