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: AI – a double-edged sword Technews Publishing
News
As with any powerful tool, AI presents challenges, some of which, if not carefully managed, threaten to undo the potential that it can offer.
Read more...Global semiconductor sales increase
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced global semiconductor sales were $57,0 billion during the month of April 2025, an increase of 2,5% compared to the March 2025.
Read more...Avnet Abacus announced new president Avnet Abacus
News
Avnet Abacus has announced that Mario Merino will succeed Rudy Van Parijs as president of Avnet Abacus, effective 1 July 2025.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Is the current AI really what we want? Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice
The companies that develop LLMs need to change direction and concentrate on freeing up our time, not so that we can have more time to do the tasks we don’t want to do in the first place, but rather to allow us more time to do what we love.
Read more...Semiconductor sales increase 17% YoY
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recently announced global semiconductor sales were $54,9 billion during the month of February 2025, an increase of 17,1% compared to the February 2024 total.
Read more...Silicon Labs – Q1 results
News
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless, recently reported financial results for the first quarter, which ended April 5, 2025.
Read more...Strengthening industry through strategic partnerships at KITE 2025 Specialised Exhibitions
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition is not just an exhibition, it is a powerhouse of industry collaboration where visitors and exhibitors gain access to authoritative insights, technical expertise, and high-impact networking opportunities.
Read more...Solar Youth Project calls on industry to step up
News
With the second cohort completed training and the first cohort returning for their final module, host companies are urgently needed to turn the training into a long-term opportunity.
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