New Hardware for the Holodeck
With the slow rollout and adoption of VR goggles (probably because of their high prices), gradually more people are tuning into the old science fiction idea of total immersion.
Of course, in a “real” total immersive environment, the entire human consciousness would be within a virtual dream world where anything can happen. Current technology is a long way from something like that. But, we are approaching levels seen in movies like Ready Player One and resembling Star Trek’s holodeck. In these environments, a user’s entire body becomes part of the experience.
For this, the biggest components are the aforementioned goggles. But moving one’s body around still involves ambulatory movement, at least walking in place. Last month, Disney introduced the “Holo-Tile,” an omnidirectional floor covering that lets users move around by literally walking, all while experiencing a virtual environment. The video introducing the product celebrates inventor Larry Smoot’s induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
The Holo-Tile, some VR goggles, and a good haptic feedback suit will go a long way in providing users a true full immersion virtual reality experience. In many ways, the holo-deck is already here.
Time’s Thief, Book 7 in the Star League Assassins series, debuted today. Stay tuned for Book 8, Stentorian’s Moon. I hope to have an announcement about it soon.
In pre-order news, Steam & Aether Books 1-5: Complete Series Box Set is available for pre-order at a great low price. It debuts Feb. 20.
(Image courtesy Microsoft Designer.)