Virtual reality has been an elusive technology for quite a while. We've all seen Hollywood's take on it - The Matrix is probably the best vision of the possibilities of virtual reality. Entire computer-driven cities, complete immersion into the scenario, real interaction with other avatars or components of the application, etc.
In reality (sorry), VR has been a disappointment so far. The very best VR systems consist of enormous helmets with an interactive glove or two. You're visually there, but there's no other sensation available - no movement, limited interaction, rudimentary sounds, etc.
From Wired's Gear Factor blog today, here's a "human hamster ball" that acts like a giant, stand-inside trackball. It allows the VR participant to navigate through the virtual world in a way that resembles reality. The VR images are projected on the inside of the ball, and the participant walks or runs through the scene. Those movements are input into the system via the "hamster ball" and the scene moves accordingly.
While its currently well out of reach at $100,000 a pop, this is an interesting development that offers all kinds of possibilities. Definitely worth keeping an eye on.
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