Virtual reality (VR) looks set to become the next big thing in electronic entertainment, with the likes of Samsung, Sony, Microsoft, HTC and others poised to launch consumer products around the end of 2015 and into early 2016. Although early adopters are likely to be predominantly well-to-do video gamers, the technology also has plenty of potential in the creative, learning and technical design domains.
VR has been tried before, with universally disastrous results. Sega, for example, developed a headset in the early ‘90s, but following reports of testers developing severe headaches and motion sickness, abandoned development citing the reason as the effect being “too realistic”.
I first took notice of a renewed buzz around VR a couple of years ago. As a child of the ‘70s, my first mental association was its portrayal in movies like ‘The Lawnmower Man’ and ‘Virtuosity’, where it appeared more comically cartoonish than realistically immersive. But, by all accounts, technology has caught up to fantasy and the sci-fi dream is about to hit the mainstream.
One of the most interesting characters involved in VR development is Jack McCauley, co-founder of Oculus VR. It was only after that company started pushing boundaries in developing its Oculus Rift headset that others sat up and took notice. None more so than Facebook, which promptly bought Oculus VR for $2,4 billion.
Anyway, back to Jack McCauley: admirably, he gave all his money from the Facebook buyout to charity. Now he’s gone a step further by announcing a company he owns is developing a rival product that betters the Oculus Rift by using superior MEMS technology. What’s more, he’s vowed to license it for free, to anyone who agrees to donate a portion of profits to his favourite charity.
I wish this modern-day Robin Hood the very best of luck, but I also have no doubt Facebook is right now assembling a very expensive team of lawyers to snap his bow, burn his arrows and make fun of his tights.
From the editor's desk: Inspiring the next generation Technews Publishing
News
Welcome to the August issue of Dataweek. Peter Howells is still on leave, so I am back for this issue. I hope you enjoy the content and find value in it.
August is Women’s Month in South Africa, ...
Read more...Procurement is becoming a competitive advantage RS South Africa
News
As mining, manufacturing and industrial businesses continue to navigate rising costs, supply chain disruption and increasing pressure to improve operational performance, procurement and inventory management have become strategic business priorities rather than simply administrative functions.
Read more...Omniflex delivers ICCP systems across London Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
News
Omniflex has supplied impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems for a range of prominent buildings across London, helping to protect reinforced concrete structures from corrosion and extending their service life.
Read more...MTN celebrates 80 Western Cape digital graduates
News
Eighty unemployed young people from across the Western Cape have successfully completed MTN South Africa’s Digital Skills for Digital Jobs (DS4DJ) programme, earning accredited qualifications in Data Analytics, Systems Development and Cybersecurity.
Read more...Rooibos heads to space
News
A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Local can be international Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of Dataweek. As you can see from this introduction, Dataweek’s regular editor, Peter Howells, is on extended leave and I am filling the void in his editor’s column – hopefully without being too boring.
Read more...Landis+Gyr EMEA introduces new company name: EYKON
News
EYKON is the new company name of Landis+Gyr EMEA, formerly part of the Landis+Gyr Group. The company supports electricity, gas, water and thermal utilities in managing increasingly complex networks, improving operational efficiency and enabling more sustainable use of resources.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version