VR Siblings: Oculus Rift and Project Morpheus
Does anyone remember Virtual Boy? Its lofty red and black promise of virtual reality was a mere pipe dream. However, Oculus Rift and Project Morpheus is bring the holodeck dream, a 3D immersive environment, one step closer. Hopefully…
Early Prototype of the Oculus Rift
Oculus Rift is being developed by Oculus VR for the PC market while Sony’s Project Morpheus is being developed for the PS4. Both are 3D virtual reality head mounted displays with very similar specs and functions. They feature head tracking, low latency, and at least a 1080p view. The consumer grade version of Oculus Rift is rumoured to have a slightly bigger field of view and resolution. Morpheus is designed to interact with the DS4 and Move controller in 3D space. Think of a sword in your hand and as you move the controller, the sword will move. Both devices will allow for beautiful interactive environments.
Project Morpheus with 2 Move controllers
Imagine a beautiful Myst world surrounding you. In front of you is an ancient puzzle. You manipulate the puzzle in 3D with your hands but you can’t solve it, you should have read that thick dusty tome that had a question mark over it. It probably had a clue in its hundred pages. From your 3D surround headphones, a sound interrupts your concentration and you quickly look over your shoulder and see nothing. You continue your work on the puzzle but hear the noise again, closer than before. The movement of a shrubbery to your far right catches your attention. The puzzle can wait. Cautiously, you approach the shrubbery. With the Move controller you draw your sword and push aside the foliage. There’s nothing, not even a mouse. Suddenly a shadow eclipses your view. You quickly turn around but it’s too late. The head hunter knocks you unconscious with his club. Game Over. That’s my dream vision of VR.
VR will not help you solve that damn puzzle
I didn't buy into the 3D TV and movies push. There's no addition information presented to the user, unlike VR. With VR, you can block out reality and see and hear another world. You can see what's behind that tree by moving your head to the side. You won't have any visual distractions like a tuxedo cat walking across your TV. Or hear (you should invest in noise cancelling headphones anyways) your significant other watching True Blood in the other room. It's just you and developer's vision. I'm very excited for this young technology. I want all of us to experience it in the next few years.
Did Virtual Boy leave a bad taste in your mouth or are you excited for Oculus Rift or Project Morpheus? Leave a comment.
Early Prototype of the Oculus Rift
Oculus Rift is being developed by Oculus VR for the PC market while Sony’s Project Morpheus is being developed for the PS4. Both are 3D virtual reality head mounted displays with very similar specs and functions. They feature head tracking, low latency, and at least a 1080p view. The consumer grade version of Oculus Rift is rumoured to have a slightly bigger field of view and resolution. Morpheus is designed to interact with the DS4 and Move controller in 3D space. Think of a sword in your hand and as you move the controller, the sword will move. Both devices will allow for beautiful interactive environments.
Project Morpheus with 2 Move controllers
Imagine a beautiful Myst world surrounding you. In front of you is an ancient puzzle. You manipulate the puzzle in 3D with your hands but you can’t solve it, you should have read that thick dusty tome that had a question mark over it. It probably had a clue in its hundred pages. From your 3D surround headphones, a sound interrupts your concentration and you quickly look over your shoulder and see nothing. You continue your work on the puzzle but hear the noise again, closer than before. The movement of a shrubbery to your far right catches your attention. The puzzle can wait. Cautiously, you approach the shrubbery. With the Move controller you draw your sword and push aside the foliage. There’s nothing, not even a mouse. Suddenly a shadow eclipses your view. You quickly turn around but it’s too late. The head hunter knocks you unconscious with his club. Game Over. That’s my dream vision of VR.
VR will not help you solve that damn puzzle
I didn't buy into the 3D TV and movies push. There's no addition information presented to the user, unlike VR. With VR, you can block out reality and see and hear another world. You can see what's behind that tree by moving your head to the side. You won't have any visual distractions like a tuxedo cat walking across your TV. Or hear (you should invest in noise cancelling headphones anyways) your significant other watching True Blood in the other room. It's just you and developer's vision. I'm very excited for this young technology. I want all of us to experience it in the next few years.
Did Virtual Boy leave a bad taste in your mouth or are you excited for Oculus Rift or Project Morpheus? Leave a comment.