Virtual Reality is Back and Better Than Ever

Back in the late 80’s/early 90’s I was totally psyched for virtual reality. Virtual sex with Sandra Bullock [Demolition Man ] ? Count me in. It seemed like it was just around the corner, then it kind of fizzled out without much fanfare. What the hell happened to all that hype?

Thanks to a team of British academics from York and Warwick universities, it’s back with more potential than ever. The team has set to work building a VR headset that will encompass all five senses. From what we’ve read so far, the device will be used largely to simulate the sounds, sights, smells, feelings and even tastes of far off destinations that you won’t be visiting in real life any time soon, including ancient civilizations.  No brain manipulation here, the helmet uses tangible sense manipulators such as built-in smell and taste sprayers. The high-def viewing screen produces images 10 x darker or 30 x brighter than a TV and information is supplied via computer connection. Those working on it say it’s so convincing that it’s “Real Virtuality”. Clever academics.

Estimates indicate that this could be ready for production in 5 years time with an estimated price of 1500 pounds (who knows how many dollars that will equate to then). [Daily Mail]