Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Military deploys VR NeuroTracker game to train special ops forces (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/military-deploys-vr-neurotracker-game-to-train-special-ops/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/military-deploys-vr-neurotracker-game-to-train-special-ops/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/military-deploys-vr-neurotracker-game-to-train-special-ops/#comments Military deploys VR NeuroTracker game to train special ops forces

We've seen virtual reality used to simulate the experience of being in space, to train engineers and even to help patients regain mobility, so it's no surprise that the military is recognizing VR's potential, too. The US Special Operations Command recently announced that it will employ NeuroTracker -- a system currently used to train athletes in the NFL and NHL -- to assess and improve commandos' response times and perceptive capabilities.

The VR setup tasks commandos with following the movements of four different balls projected on a 3D screen, the catch being that four "decoy" objects are also bouncing around. NeuroTracker assesses how well an individual can keep track of the designated targets, and also helps determine how he or she would be able to predict trajectories in the field. Once a user has completed the first game, several variations come into play, including a version that speeds up the balls' movements and one that pits two players against each other. CogniSens, the company behind NeuroTracker, says the game develops perceptive abilities just like a workout develops muscles; there's even a high-intensity gameplay option that combines the mental challenge with physical conditioning exercises.

Continue reading Military deploys VR NeuroTracker game to train special ops forces (video)

Military deploys VR NeuroTracker game to train special ops forces (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 05:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainbrain gamesBrainGamesCogniSensgamesmilitaryneuroscienceNeuroTrackerSpecial operationsspecial opsSpecialOperationsSpecialOpsvideovirtual realityvirtual reality gamesVirtualRealityVirtualRealityGamesvrWed, 09 May 2012 05:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Epson Moverio BT-100 3D goggles now shipping in the U.S. for $699]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/epson-moverio-bt-100-3d-goggles-now-shipping/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/epson-moverio-bt-100-3d-goggles-now-shipping/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/28/epson-moverio-bt-100-3d-goggles-now-shipping/#comments ImageAny Americans out there wanna buy a wacky head-mounted 3D display? Then Epson's Moverio BT-100 micro-projection headset ought to be right at the top of the your not-so-long list of options. It's just started shipping in the States for $699, including its Android-powered trackpad controller that streams and navigates content on the perceived '80-inch' transparent viewing window. You could even pair the Moverio with a Parrot AR.Drone and discover what it feels like to be an Apache pilot strafing your neighbor's rabbit.

Continue reading Epson Moverio BT-100 3D goggles now shipping in the U.S. for $699

Epson Moverio BT-100 3D goggles now shipping in the U.S. for $699 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d display3d glasses3d goggles3dDisplay3dGlasses3dGogglesbt-100displayepsonepson moverio bt-100EpsonMoverioBt-100goggleshead-mountedhead-mounted displayHead-mountedDisplaymicro-projectionmicro-projectormoveriotransparenttransparent displayTransparentDisplayvirtual realityVirtualRealityVRVR glassesVR gogglesVrGlassesVrGoggleswearablewearable displayWearableDisplayWed, 28 Mar 2012 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect makes pact with head-mounted display, virtual reality Skyrim ensues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/17/kinect-makes-pact-with-head-mounted-display-virtual-reality-sky/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/17/kinect-makes-pact-with-head-mounted-display-virtual-reality-sky/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/17/kinect-makes-pact-with-head-mounted-display-virtual-reality-sky/#comments Kinect and head-mounted display make love, give birth to virtual-reality SkyrimYeah, streaming Skyrim on a Tegra 3-powered Ice Cream Sandwich tablet is nice and all, but what about folks who want a more immersive experience with their beloved time sink? One tech-savvy gamer took matters into his own hands -- conjuring a bit of electronics alchemy by throwing together Sony's HMZ-T1 head-mounted display with a Kinect sensor, a TrackIR5 for head tracking and voice recognition software. The result is an experience that allows any wannabe adventurer to press onward into Tamriel's frozen north by marching in place while imbibing in a true, head-mounted first-person perspective. Admittedly, stomping around and flailing one's arms may lack the elegance and playability of The Gadget Show's $650,000 Battlefield 3 simulator, but at $1500, it's a homegrown virtual reality experience that's actually within reach. Now go forth and explore the video after the break.

Continue reading Kinect makes pact with head-mounted display, virtual reality Skyrim ensues

Kinect makes pact with head-mounted display, virtual reality Skyrim ensues originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diygaminghackHMZ-T1kinectmicrosoft kinectsimulatorskyrimSonySony HMZ-T1SonyHmz-t1TrackIR5videovirtual gamingvirtual realityVirtualGamingVirtualRealitySat, 17 Mar 2012 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Forth Dimension's second Replicating Reality concept stuffs Half-Life 2 into a virtual reality headset (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/forth-dimensions-second-replicating-reality-concept-stuffs-half/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/forth-dimensions-second-replicating-reality-concept-stuffs-half/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/forth-dimensions-second-replicating-reality-concept-stuffs-half/#comments Forth Dimension's second Replicating Reality concept stuffs Half-Life 2 into a virtual reality headset (video)
GDC might be winding down, but we'd be remiss if we didn't catch up with Forth Dimension Displays, the Kopin subsidiary responsible for all those little microdisplays inside your camcorders and, we're told, specialized military gear. While neither of those are terribly exciting to consumers, the outfit's latest concept is. Similar to last year's E3 demo, the company's new rig is built to highlight the kinds of use cases it would like OEMs to build using its microdisplays. The above jury-rigged setup above consists of a helmet rocking two of the company's SXGA (1280 x 1024) microdisplays which are in turn connected to back-mounted drivers which are then attached to your run-of-the-mill gaming PC. But unlike previous endeavors, when head-tracking happened in the helmet, this year we've got a plastic gun stuffed with an air mouse which controls onscreen movement. It's admittedly hacked together and certainly not flawless -- the cursor tended to bob upwards in our time with it -- yet very immersive and an amazing way to frag combine soldiers in the trenches of Half Life 2. But don't take our word for it, ogle at the gallery below, or watch a video of it in all its glory after the break.

Gallery: Forth Dimension's Replicating Reality Half-Life 2 concept

Continue reading Forth Dimension's second Replicating Reality concept stuffs Half-Life 2 into a virtual reality headset (video)

Forth Dimension's second Replicating Reality concept stuffs Half-Life 2 into a virtual reality headset (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ddisplaysforth dimensionforth dimension displaysForthDimensionForthDimensionDisplaysgaminggdcgdc 2012Gdc2012kopinmicrodisplayvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityFri, 09 Mar 2012 20:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Zeiss Cinemizer OLED with head-tracking hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/zeiss-cinemizer-oled-head-tracking-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/zeiss-cinemizer-oled-head-tracking-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/zeiss-cinemizer-oled-head-tracking-hands-on/#comments The Carl Zeiss Cinemizer OLED has been a long time in the making -- we first heard about the video glasses at Macworld in 2008 -- but the company has yet to push the head-mounted display past the prototype phase. We stumbled upon Zeiss' booth here at CeBIT, where we found a version of the glasses that look mighty similar to the mock-up we saw in marketing materials from 2010, but are now equipped with a pair of head-tracking modules to expand the yet-to-be released marvel's practicality. With head-tracking now on board, the Cinemizer can theoretically appeal to gamers, architects, even educators, who can use the glasses in the classroom.

We took a look at an Inreal CAD app demo that lets the wearer navigate a yet-unbuilt house, walking through virtual rooms (a joystick is used for forward motion, so you won't be accidentally walking into physical walls) as you judge paint colors, furniture placement and try to convince your significant other that there really is room for a 65-inch HDTV. The tracking modules are located behind the ear rests on each side of the OLED glasses, which have seen a slight boost in resolution since we last heard about them, jumping from VGA to 870 x 500 pixels in each OLED panel. Tracking was responsive and accurate -- the experience of walking around a room felt almost lifelike. What's even more exciting than the device's performance is that we may finally see these hit stores in 2012, with a tentative summer ship date. And, while still a pricey addition to your display collection, the Cinemizer lands on the inexpensive end of the Zeiss product scale, ringing up at €649 (about $850), plus another €100 for the tracking hardware. Jump past the break to see it in action.

Gallery: Zeiss Cinemizer OLED with head-tracking hands-on

Continue reading Zeiss Cinemizer OLED with head-tracking hands-on (video)

Zeiss Cinemizer OLED with head-tracking hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CADCarl ZeissCarl Zeiss Cinemizer OLEDCarlZeissCarlZeissCinemizerOledcebitcebit 2012Cebit2012CinemizerCinemizer OLEDCinemizerOleddisplaydisplaysglasseshands-onhead mounthead mountedhead mounted displayhead-mounted displayHead-mountedDisplayHeadMountHeadMountedHeadMountedDisplayHMDHUDinrealinreal CADInrealCadOLEDOLED glassesOledGlassesvideovideo glassesVideoGlassesvirtual realityVirtualRealityVRzeissTue, 06 Mar 2012 11:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's HMZ-T1 headset gets a DIY VR upgrade (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/sonys-hmz-t1-headset-gets-a-diy-vr-upgrade-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/sonys-hmz-t1-headset-gets-a-diy-vr-upgrade-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/19/sonys-hmz-t1-headset-gets-a-diy-vr-upgrade-video/#comments Sony's new HMZ-T1 headset may look like the virtual reality headset you always dreamed of back in the 1990s, but it's not -- at least, not out of the box. It's simply a wearable 3D display, with none of the head-tracking capabilities necessary for a truly immersive experience. Of course, that little drawback isn't going to stop the more DIY-minded individuals among us, one of whom has now paired the headset with a TrackIR 5 head-tracking device and demonstrated the results on YouTube. Check out some VR-ified World of Warcraft and Skyrim after the break.

Continue reading Sony's HMZ-T1 headset gets a DIY VR upgrade (video)

Sony's HMZ-T1 headset gets a DIY VR upgrade (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdpostcrosshead trackerhead trackingheadsetHeadTrackerHeadTrackinghmdhmz-t1sonyTrackIrtrackir 5Trackir5videovirtual realityVirtualRealityVRSat, 19 Nov 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/telesar-v-robot-brings-new-meaning-to-escapism-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/telesar-v-robot-brings-new-meaning-to-escapism-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/telesar-v-robot-brings-new-meaning-to-escapism-video/#comments The esoteric art of telepresence is all about that sweetest of dreams: being somewhere you'd rather be. So far, though, it's hardly teleported much beyond our head movements and kisses. What we really need is a fully-fledged avatar that can also feed sensory information back to us -- and that's exactly what the Telesar V claims to be. The user dons a pair of VR goggles that control the robot's head and see through its eyes. A pair of gloves not only control the Telesar's hands, but also transmit force and temperature data back from its sensors. Drag yourself away from that violent BF3 simulator and check out the smoochiness after the break. (And yes, the inventor's surname is just about perfect.)

Continue reading Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video)

Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatargogglesjapanjapaneseKeio UniversityKeioUniversityProfessor TachiProfessorTachisensationsensorsensorssensoryTachitelepresencetelesarTelesar VTelesarVtelexistencevirtual realityVirtualRealityVRVR glovesVR gogglesVrGlovesVrGogglesMon, 07 Nov 2011 08:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Hey yo, T(ether) technology tracks rap gestures in 3D]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/hey-yo-t-ether-technology-tracks-rap-gestures-in-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/hey-yo-t-ether-technology-tracks-rap-gestures-in-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/hey-yo-t-ether-technology-tracks-rap-gestures-in-3d/#comments T(ether) is a bit like that amazing Reality Fighters game we saw on the PS Vita, except it's more tranquil and it works slightly differently. The tablet-based technology uses motion capture cameras to track users' heads and the orientation of the device itself, building a 1:1 spatial connection between real and virtual coordinates and allowing "intuitive interaction with volumetric data." As you'll see in the clip after the break, this equates to some pretty neat tricks. And, if you throw in multiple users wearing motion-tracked gloves, things get even more Eastside.

Continue reading Hey yo, T(ether) technology tracks rap gestures in 3D

Hey yo, T(ether) technology tracks rap gestures in 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARaugmented realityAugmentedRealityglovegloveshead-trackingMITMIT Media LabsMitMediaLabsmotion capturemotion capture cameraMotionCaptureMotionCaptureCameraspatial mappingSpatialMappingtetheruser trackingUserTrackingvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityVRThu, 20 Oct 2011 18:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Flight sim bubble offers 360-degree view, makes earth seem round]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/flight-sim-bubble-offers-360-degree-view-makes-earth-seem-round/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/flight-sim-bubble-offers-360-degree-view-makes-earth-seem-round/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/14/flight-sim-bubble-offers-360-degree-view-makes-earth-seem-round/#comments You've got the yoke, you've got the ridiculously over-priced gaming chair, so now all you need is Barco's 360-degree display dome. It uses 13 separate projectors to create a hi-def simulacrum of paradise inside a 3.4-meter acrylic sphere. The pilot sits in the middle, suddenly remembers why he took up aviation, and then connects with up to seven other bubbles to practice complicated squadron missions. More desperately inviting pics after the break.

Continue reading Flight sim bubble offers 360-degree view, makes earth seem round

Flight sim bubble offers 360-degree view, makes earth seem round originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360-degreeaviationaviatorBarcoflight simflight simulatorflight trainingFlightSimFlightSimulatorFlightTrainingHighDefinitionVideomilitarypilotprojectortop gunTopGuntraining simtraining simulatorTrainingSimTrainingSimulatorvirtual realityVirtualRealityFri, 14 Oct 2011 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect-driven tactile bodysuit makes you tingle in eight different places]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/kinect-driven-tactile-bodysuit-makes-you-tingle-in-eight-differe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/kinect-driven-tactile-bodysuit-makes-you-tingle-in-eight-differe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/kinect-driven-tactile-bodysuit-makes-you-tingle-in-eight-differe/#comments

We know the US Army has already experimented with vibrating clothing, and soon it could be our turn. The trendy figure-hugger above is rigged with haptic actuators across the arms and torso, which respond when the wearer's body 'touches' virtual objects created via Microsoft's Kinect platform. The outfit's designers at the University of Aachen spent just a few hundred dollars on components, aside from the cost of the Kinect, so this might well have commercial potential. Click the source link if you're really keen to see a concept video -- although it doesn't consist of much beyond a German dude doing the Hey Macarena in his socks.

[Thanks, Jarod]

Kinect-driven tactile bodysuit makes you tingle in eight different places originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actuatorbodysuitconceptfeedbackhaptichaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinecttactileuniversity of aachenUniversityOfAachenvibrationvibration feedbackVibrationFeedbackvirtualvirtual realityVirtualRealityMon, 25 Jul 2011 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony London Studio chief talks 3D lessons, promises VR headsets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/sony-london-studio-chief-talks-3d-lessons-promises-vr-headsets/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/sony-london-studio-chief-talks-3d-lessons-promises-vr-headsets/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/sony-london-studio-chief-talks-3d-lessons-promises-vr-headsets/#comments Haven't settled in to 3D PS3 gaming just yet? Too bad because Sony's ready to leapfrog that industry buzzword with another once-vaunted, immersive tech of yore -- virtual reality. Announced ahead of Sony London Studio chief Mick Hocking's Develop conference "3D post-mortem speech," comes word the Japanese electronics giant is underway with R&D testing for a head mounted display. Shown off at CES earlier this year, the unit incorporates twin-OLED screens that put you closer to the game, fried eyeballs and all. If any of this sounds familiar, that's because it's all very 1995. Still, Hocking seems pretty optimistic about the company's lessons learned dipping its toes into three-dimensional waters, and has even created a so-called "3D 10 Commandments" to ensure quality product output. Hit the source below for the UK division head's full 3D musings.

Sony London Studio chief talks 3D lessons, promises VR headsets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 02:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DCESDevelop conferenceDevelopConferencehead mounted displayHeadMountedDisplayMick HockingMickHockingOLED displayOledDisplayplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3PS3RDresearch and developmentResearchAndDevelopmentSonySony 3DSony London StudioSony3dSonyLondonStudioUKvirtual realityVirtualRealityVRVR headsetVrHeadsetTue, 19 Jul 2011 02:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Crescent's Immersive Digital Entertainment VR: it's like a Virtual Boy that you wear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/09/crescents-immersive-digital-entertainment-vr-its-like-a-virtu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/09/crescents-immersive-digital-entertainment-vr-its-like-a-virtu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/09/crescents-immersive-digital-entertainment-vr-its-like-a-virtu/#comments From what we've gathered in the video just below the break, the graphical capabilities aren't terribly impressive on Crescent's Immersive Digital Entertainment VR system, but really -- who cares? It's a motion gaming solution... that you wear. On your head. When placed in the proper scenario, it gives gamers a full 360 degree space to interact in, with an array of HD motion capture cameras making the virtual reality that much less virtual (and in turn, that much more reality). Hard to say if this thing will ever have a life in the commercial realm, but yeah, we'd buy one.

Continue reading Crescent's Immersive Digital Entertainment VR: it's like a Virtual Boy that you wear

Crescent's Immersive Digital Entertainment VR: it's like a Virtual Boy that you wear originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crescentgaminghead mounted displayhead-mounted displayHead-mountedDisplayHeadMountedDisplayHMDimmersive Digital Entertainment VRImmersiveDigitalEntertainmentVrvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityVRSat, 09 Jul 2011 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect app promises you'll wear flowery skirts, and you'll like it (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/08/kinect-hack-promises-youll-wear-flowery-skirts-and-youll-like/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/08/kinect-hack-promises-youll-wear-flowery-skirts-and-youll-like/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/08/kinect-hack-promises-youll-wear-flowery-skirts-and-youll-like/#comments Don't be shy now: which of you doesn't love raiding your mother's closet and trying on her paisley dresses and velour tracksuits? That's more or less the idea behind Virtual Dressing Room, a Kinect program that taps into the clandestine thrill of sneaking into other people's boudoirs. Unlike some other shopping hacks we've seen, the app goes beyond just pilling on 2D pieces, but uses 3D models so that the items mold to your limbs, with the shadows and creases in the virtual fabric changing as you preen for the camera. That all comes courtesy of a special physics engine, while the app itself was written in C# along with Microsoft's XNA tools. Arbuzz, the group that dreamed this up, says the project's still a work in progress, though we can see this, too, being used to relieve those of who are allergic to shopping malls. Until then, you'll just have to settle for watching some other guy work a knee-length skirt.

Continue reading Kinect app promises you'll wear flowery skirts, and you'll like it (video)

Kinect app promises you'll wear flowery skirts, and you'll like it (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 23:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arArbuzzaugmentedaugmented realityAugmentedRealityCclothesclothingconceptexperiencegesturegesture controlGestureControlgesturesKinectKinect hackKinectHackvideoVirtual Dressing Roomvirtual realityVirtualDressingRoomVirtualRealityXNAFri, 08 Jul 2011 23:46:00 EST<![CDATA[KinectShop concept is ready to televise your shopping revolution (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/kinectshop-concept-is-ready-to-televise-your-shopping-revolution/#comments Does anybody actually enjoy the laborious process of trying out clothes? The sheer physical effort, the risk of breaking a sweat... it's just not for us. We're much more comfortable with virtual reality fitting rooms, which is where Microsoft's Kinect motion camera has found yet another raison for its etre. Razorfish, the folks who already impressed us with some neat Kinect hacking, now have a new shopping platform that's said to actually wrap clothes around your frame and thereby provide a 3D preview of what you and they would look like together. The current iteration only shows some giddy ladies exploring the wide world of handbags, but they do look suitably impressed with the system. There are also sharing options via QR codes and NFC, plus the obligatory social networking tie-ins. Skip after the break to see the KinectShop on video.

Continue reading KinectShop concept is ready to televise your shopping revolution (video)

KinectShop concept is ready to televise your shopping revolution (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 03:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>araugmentedaugmented realityAugmentedRealityclothesclothingconceptexperiencegesturegesture controlGestureControlgestureshackhackingkinectkinect shopKinectShopmotionmotion controlMotionControlrazorfishretailshopshoppingvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityMon, 13 Jun 2011 03:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Replicating Reality demos 3D virtual reality system powered by pixel-rich microdisplays]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/replicating-reality-demos-3d-virtual-reality-system-powered-by-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/replicating-reality-demos-3d-virtual-reality-system-powered-by-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/replicating-reality-demos-3d-virtual-reality-system-powered-by-p/#comments Kopin's a company known for diminutive displays destined for duty as electronic view finders in camcorders and digicams. At E3 this year, the company's subsidiary Forth Dimensions Displays has unveiled a new use for its teeny tiny screens -- virtual reality. Called Replicating Reality, it uses two .8-inch 1280 x 1024 LCD panels and head tracking to place you in a 3D virtual world. We got to test the system through a racing game, and found that it works pretty darn well. Graphics were of console quality, with nary a hint of image distortion from the system's magnification lenses and pixel pitch was imperceptible to our eyes. Basically, there was no indication that the screens our gaze was fixed upon were less than an inch across. The sharp picture combined with the system's head tracking -- which let us look around while taking turns and weaving through traffic -- to create quite an immersive experience. Of course, it still looked like a game, but there's a pixel packed 2048 x 1536 panel in the works that the company claims can deliver visuals nigh-indistinguishable from the real world. We were told that prototypes of these QXGA screens will be ready in ten months, and they'll be suitable for public consumption in a year. So, the real question is: will your eyeballs be prepared to handle such prodigious pixel density by then?

Gallery: Replicating Reality VR demo system

Replicating Reality demos 3D virtual reality system powered by pixel-rich microdisplays originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 04:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1280 x 10241280X10242048 x 15362048X15363ddisplaye3e3 2011E32011fourth dimension displaysFourthDimensionDisplayskopinlcdmicrodisplayqxgareplicating realityReplicatingRealitysxgavirtual realityVirtualRealityvrWed, 08 Jun 2011 04:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming gets immersive thanks to union of pico projector and eye tracking camera (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/gaming-gets-immersive-thanks-to-union-of-pico-projector-and-eye/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/gaming-gets-immersive-thanks-to-union-of-pico-projector-and-eye/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/gaming-gets-immersive-thanks-to-union-of-pico-projector-and-eye/#comments Although in the earliest stages of development, this virtual reality gaming rig already looks pretty intriguing. Engineered by clever kids at the University of Texas at Austin, it hot-wires an eye tracking camera to a motorised pico projector with the result that the player literally can't take their eyes off the screen. Wherever they look, that is where their view of the gaming world is projected. The rig makes most sense in a first-person shooter, although the students have also tried it in a flight simulator where the player uses their head to roll and pitch the aircraft. Yes, it looks rather similar to the Microvision PicoP laser projection gun we wielded at CES, but there's a key difference: the player does not need to hold anything or have anything attached to their body. This unencumbered Kinect-esque approach could potentially allow a greater sense of freedom -- except that, for it to work, the player is forced to sit directly in front of the eye tracker. Find a way to fix this, dear Longhorns, and you could be onto something. Video after the break.

Continue reading Gaming gets immersive thanks to union of pico projector and eye tracking camera (video)

Gaming gets immersive thanks to union of pico projector and eye tracking camera (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 May 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eye trackereye trackingeye-trackereye-trackingEyeTrackerEyeTrackingfirst person shooterFirstPersonShooterflight simflight simulatorFlightSimFlightSimulatorgamingimersive gamingImersiveGamingimmersionimmersivemotorizedpico projectorpico-projectorPicoProjectorprojectoruniversity of texasuniversity of texas at austinUniversityOfTexasUniversityOfTexasAtAustinUTutavideovirtual realityVirtualRealityVRMon, 02 May 2011 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect dives into anime cyberspace, dares you to catch cute robot tanks (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/kinect-dives-into-anime-cyberspace-dares-you-to-catch-cute-robo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/kinect-dives-into-anime-cyberspace-dares-you-to-catch-cute-robo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/kinect-dives-into-anime-cyberspace-dares-you-to-catch-cute-robo/#comments

If your foremost dream is to jack into a dystopian cyberpunk reality where hackers play with human brains (and you also happen to love Japanese anime), you'd best book your flight to Tokyo right now -- a Shibuya department store has set up a basic cyberspace simulator straight out of Ghost in the Shell. That's the film Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. Solid State Society, to be precise, which just got a stereoscopic 3D re-release in Japan this week, and in its honor creative services company Kayac set about constructing a high-quality Kinect hack. Microsoft's depth camera tracks the lean of your body, while the honeyed virtual reality is projected onto a pair of nearby walls, and it's your objective to slap the Tachikoma tank silly without falling over yourself. Get a peek at what it's like to play with in the video above.

Kinect dives into anime cyberspace, dares you to catch cute robot tanks (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberpunkdepth cameraDepthCameragamegamingGhost in the ShellGhostInTheShellgitshackhackskinectkinect hackkinect hacksKinectHackKinectHacksmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmodmodstachikomavideovirtual realityVirtualRealityWed, 30 Mar 2011 20:51:00 EST<![CDATA[German students make life-sized VR Fruit Ninja, declare war on digital produce (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/german-students-make-life-sized-vr-fruit-ninja-declare-war-on-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/german-students-make-life-sized-vr-fruit-ninja-declare-war-on-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/german-students-make-life-sized-vr-fruit-ninja-declare-war-on-d/#comments Do you enjoy the produce-slashing action that Fruit Ninja affords, but feel constrained by the meager display capabilities of handheld devices? Well, some German students from FH Wedel University of Applied Sciences have created a VR version of the game to make your dreams of having more massive melons fly at your face come true. Using a CAVE four-walled virtual environment to display the hurtling fruit and a modified Wiimote to do the slicing and dicing, players can exorcise their cantaloupe and kumquat demons in a life-sized fruit cleaving frenzy -- with none of the Gallagher-style mess. See it in action after the break, just be sure to don your Kikou first.

Continue reading German students make life-sized VR Fruit Ninja, declare war on digital produce (video)

German students make life-sized VR Fruit Ninja, declare war on digital produce (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cavefh wedelfh wedel universityFhWedelFhWedelUniversityFruit NinjaFruitNinjahackhacksmotion controlMotionControlvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityvrwiimoteTue, 29 Mar 2011 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Emotiv EEG headset hacked into VR trapeze act, lets you fly like Superman (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/emotiv-eeg-headset-hacked-into-vr-trapeze-act-lets-you-fly-like/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/emotiv-eeg-headset-hacked-into-vr-trapeze-act-lets-you-fly-like/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/01/emotiv-eeg-headset-hacked-into-vr-trapeze-act-lets-you-fly-like/#comments Last year, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students built a virtual reality contraption that let them soar through the sky, held aloft by a trapeze harness and seeing through HMD-covered eyes. This year, they're controlling it with the power of their minds. For his master's thesis, project leader Yehuda Duenyas added an Emotiv headset -- the same one controlling cars and the occasional game -- to make the wearer seemingly able to levitate themselves into the air by carefully concentrating. Sure, by comparison it's a fairly simple trick, but the effect is nothing short of movie magic. See it after the break.

[Thanks, Eric]

Continue reading Emotiv EEG headset hacked into VR trapeze act, lets you fly like Superman (video)

Emotiv EEG headset hacked into VR trapeze act, lets you fly like Superman (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascentaugmented realityAugmentedRealitybrain controlBrainControlEmotivharnessinfinity simulatorInfinitySimulatormind controlMindControltelekinesisthought controlThoughtControltrapezevideovirtual realityVirtualRealityxxxyTue, 01 Mar 2011 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Lockheed Martin's CHIL blends motion capture with VR, creates zombie engineers (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/lockheed-martins-chil-blends-motion-capture-with-vr-creates-zo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/lockheed-martins-chil-blends-motion-capture-with-vr-creates-zo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/lockheed-martins-chil-blends-motion-capture-with-vr-creates-zo/#commentsLockheed Martin's CHIL blends motion capture with VR, lets engineers do the robot at work (video) Computer-aided design is a great way to build products, but does it let you bust a funky move while wearing some crazy glasses and gloves? Heck no. You need Lockheed Martin's CHIL for that. It's the Collaborative Human Immersive Laboratory, virtual reality goggles and gloves combined with motion capture enabling teams of engineers to work together in a virtual space. You can see it in action below, used first for installing polygonal munitions into a rendered version of one of the company's F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, then for doing a little VR tai chi. A Lockheed rep promises that this enables the team to ensure the plane can be more easily and affordably maintained, but we just see this as high-tech training tool for the company's world-renowned synchronized dance teams.

Continue reading Lockheed Martin's CHIL blends motion capture with VR, creates zombie engineers (video)

Lockheed Martin's CHIL blends motion capture with VR, creates zombie engineers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chilcollaborative human immersive laboratoryCollaborativeHumanImmersiveLaboratoryf35joint strike fighterJointStrikeFighterjsflockheed martinLockheedMartinmotion captureMotionCapturevideovirtual realityVirtualRealityvrFri, 28 Jan 2011 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Remote Plus joins Kinect and Vuzix shades for 2011's weirdest VR shooter yet (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/wii-remote-plus-joins-kinect-and-vuzix-shades-for-2011s-weirdes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/wii-remote-plus-joins-kinect-and-vuzix-shades-for-2011s-weirdes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/wii-remote-plus-joins-kinect-and-vuzix-shades-for-2011s-weirdes/#comments The natural evolution to Nao_u's impressive Kinect- and Vuzix-infused already impressive virtual reality simulator? Guns, of course. A Wii Remote Plus has been added to his project, joining Microsoft's sensor and VR920 LCD glasses for a VR shooting game that involves, well, lobbing paintballs out of a P90 rifle towards flying disembodied anime characters. Make no mistake, it's a great technical demo chock full of aesthetic eccentricities. Full details via the developer's diary, video after the break.

Continue reading Wii Remote Plus joins Kinect and Vuzix shades for 2011's weirdest VR shooter yet (video)

Wii Remote Plus joins Kinect and Vuzix shades for 2011's weirdest VR shooter yet (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animekinectkinect hackkinect hacksKinectHackKinectHacksmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectnintendo wiiNintendoWiivideovirtual realityVirtualRealityvrVR920vuzixvuzix vr920VuzixVr920wiiwii remotewii remote plusWiiRemoteWiiRemotePlusMon, 24 Jan 2011 18:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect paired with Vuzix VR920 shades, creates zany virtual reality game (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/kinect-paired-with-vuzix-vr920-shades-creates-zany-virtual-real/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/kinect-paired-with-vuzix-vr920-shades-creates-zany-virtual-real/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/21/kinect-paired-with-vuzix-vr920-shades-creates-zany-virtual-real/#comments It was only a matter of time before Microsoft's continually-hacked Kinect became embroiled in a VR simulation of some sort, and while we're not riding light cycles quite yet, enterprising developer Nao_u has managed to put himself in the shoes (and short skirt) of a Japanese virtual pop icon. Mapping his every move onto the virtual skeleton of Vocaloid's Miku Hatsune probably won't impress you much at this stage of the game, but there's the little matter of what Nao_u did next: he hooked up a pair of Vuzix VR920 LCD glasses to see through the digital diva's eyes, too. Find the terribly cutesy video after the break, and fast-forward to 4:30 to watch Nao attempt to walk a narrow beam set atop a virtual skyscraper.

Continue reading Kinect paired with Vuzix VR920 shades, creates zany virtual reality game (video)

Kinect paired with Vuzix VR920 shades, creates zany virtual reality game (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 21:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamegaminghackhacksKinectkinect hackKinectHackMiku HatsuneMikuHatsunevideovirtual realityVirtualRealityVOCALOIDHRP-4Cvrvr glassesVrGlassesvuzixvuzix vr920VuzixVr920Tue, 21 Dec 2010 21:53:00 EST<![CDATA[USC Institute for Creative Technologies gets new building to amp up its military VR work]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/usc-institute-for-creative-technologies-gets-new-building-to-amp/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/usc-institute-for-creative-technologies-gets-new-building-to-amp/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/usc-institute-for-creative-technologies-gets-new-building-to-amp/#comments University of Southern California's Institute for Creative Technologies has just moved into 72,000-square feet of shiny new facilities in Playa Vista, California -- on the same grounds which once served as the headquarters for Howard Hughes' aircraft company. Funded by the US Army to develop virtual reality technology, the ICT's work is now found on 65 military sites across the country. Before your brain starts wandering towards thoughts of Call of Duty on military-grade steroids though, keep in mind that much of the institute's innovations revolve around simulating surrogate interactions with so-called "virtual humans". For example, thanks to advanced AI language programming, soldier patients projected on life size semi-transparent screens help teach doctors about treating combat trauma, while virtual Army personnel characters such as Sergeant Star can interact naturally with soldiers in leadership training exercises.

Still, that shouldn't imply ITC doesn't dabble in good ole' fashion combat simulation work. In fact, it's currently running a training exercise on three military bases designed to prepare soldiers for an insurgent ambush within a highly-realistic virtual town reconstructed from satellite imagery. No, it may not sound as wild as robotic exoskeletons, flying Humvees or ultrasound-based mind control, but it does make your life on The Sims seem totally fake. To judge for yourself, check out the video overview on the next page.

Continue reading USC Institute for Creative Technologies gets new building to amp up its military VR work

USC Institute for Creative Technologies gets new building to amp up its military VR work originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligenceInstitute for Creative TechnologiesInstituteForCreativeTechnologiesmilitaryMilitaryTechSargeant BlackwellSargeant StarSargeantBlackwellSargeantStarSimCoachUniversity of CaliforniaUniversityOfCaliforniavideovirtual humansvirtual realityvirtual reality gamesvirtual reality trainingVirtualHumansVirtualRealityVirtualRealityGamesVirtualRealityTrainingwargadgetFri, 12 Nov 2010 07:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Vuzix Wrap 920AR dev bundle available 'nowish' with clear AR glasses 18 months away]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/vuzix-wrap-920ar-dev-bundle-available-nowish-with-clear-ar-gla/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/vuzix-wrap-920ar-dev-bundle-available-nowish-with-clear-ar-gla/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/vuzix-wrap-920ar-dev-bundle-available-nowish-with-clear-ar-gla/#comments
When we got our hands on the Vuzix Wrap 920AR at CES we saw a promising piece of gear without too many practical applications. And where do things stand, nearly a year later? Available now (aside from a "30 to 45 day delay" on all orders) the headset is strictly developers only. According to Pocket-lint, the company is only eighteen months away from clear AR glasses with heads-up displays -- and, believe us, we'd love to see that -- but in the meantime, your hard earned $2,000 will get you the glasses, a Vuzix VR Manager license, and access to the Vuzix SDK. So, who's going to be the first to pitch us a system for Augmented Reality comment moderation? We'd love to some new and novel ways to "downrank" a few of our favorite commenters, if you get our drift.

Vuzix Wrap 920AR dev bundle available 'nowish' with clear AR glasses 18 months away originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>920ardevelopersdkvirtual realityVirtualRealityvrVR ManagerVrManagerVuzixVuzix SDKVuzix VR ManagerVuzix Wrap 920AVVuzixSdkVuzixVrManagerVuzixWrap920avwrapwrap 920arWrap920arWed, 27 Oct 2010 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot arm takes engineers for a virtual reality Formula 1 ride (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/robot-arm-takes-engineers-for-a-virtual-reality-formula-1-ride/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/robot-arm-takes-engineers-for-a-virtual-reality-formula-1-ride/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/robot-arm-takes-engineers-for-a-virtual-reality-formula-1-ride/#comments As it turns out, industrial-strength robot arms are good for more than amusing hijinks and the occasional assembly line -- a team of researchers at Germany's Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics have turned a KUKA KR 500 into the ultimate Formula 1 simulator ride. Outfitting the six-axis, half-ton lifter with a force-feedback steering wheel, pedals, video projector and curved screen, the newly-christened CyberMotion Simulator lets scientists throw a virtual Ferrari F2007 race car into the turns, while the cockpit whips around with up to 2 Gs of equal-and-opposite Newtonian force. There's actually no loftier goal for this particular science project, as the entire point was to create a racing video game that feels just like the real thing -- though to be fair, a second paper tested to see whether projectors or head-mounted displays made for better drivers. (Projectors won.) See how close they came to reality in a video after the break, while we go perform a little experiment of our own.

[Thanks, Eric]

Continue reading Robot arm takes engineers for a virtual reality Formula 1 ride (video)

Robot arm takes engineers for a virtual reality Formula 1 ride (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6DOFCyberMotionDrivingdriving simulatordriving simulatorsDrivingSimulatorDrivingSimulatorsF1FerrariFormula 1Formula1kukakuka 500kuka roboticsKuka500KukaRoboticsmax planck instituteMax Planck Institute for Biological CyberneticsMaxPlanckInstituteMaxPlanckInstituteForBiologicalCyberneticsRobocoasterrobotrobot armrobot armsRobotArmRobotArmsRobotssimulationsimulationssimulatorSimulatorssix-axisvideovirtual realityVirtualRealitySat, 07 Aug 2010 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Motion capture game teaches tween girls to avoid the come-ons of boys from the Metaverse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/motion-capture-game-teaches-tween-girls-to-avoid-the-come-ons-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/motion-capture-game-teaches-tween-girls-to-avoid-the-come-ons-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/motion-capture-game-teaches-tween-girls-to-avoid-the-come-ons-of/#comments The University of Central Florida has been awarded a $434k grant to develop a video game for tween girls. The game, which is still in development, is apparently designed to allow girls to "practice" rejecting peer pressure from boys for sex and make outs. Of course, the only natural way to immerse the player in such a game is to put her into a motion capture suit, where her jittery marionette of an avatar is surrounded by the most diabolical 3D models of teenage males obtainable on that $434k budget -- if it was paid to Neal Stephenson in 1992. "It's a place to practice where there aren't any social consequences," says Professor Anne Norris, who is heading the project. But who will protect them from the psychological consequences, Anne? And will there be any escape from the meta-virus? Check out the unintentionally hilarious video after the break.

Continue reading Motion capture game teaches tween girls to avoid the come-ons of boys from the Metaverse

Motion capture game teaches tween girls to avoid the come-ons of boys from the Metaverse originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamemotion captureMotionCapturesexsex educationSexEducationtweensucfuniversity of central floridaUniversityOfCentralFloridavideovideo gameVideoGamevirtual realityVirtualRealityThu, 29 Jul 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[UC San Diego researchers repurpose 3D HDTV for heads-up VR system]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/uc-san-diego-researchers-repurpose-3d-hdtv-for-heads-up-vr-syste/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/uc-san-diego-researchers-repurpose-3d-hdtv-for-heads-up-vr-syste/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/26/uc-san-diego-researchers-repurpose-3d-hdtv-for-heads-up-vr-syste/#comments
Off the shelf 3D HDTVs may still be a bit expensive from a consumer's point of view, but they're a downright bargain compared to the usual high-end virtual reality gear. This gave some researchers at UC San Diego a bright idea: they've paired a $2,300 Samsung 3D TV with a half-silvered mirror and a touch-feedback controller for a haptic-enabled heads-up virtual reality system (or HUVR) that costs just $7,000 (without head tracking). What's more, they say their system actually outperforms the PARIS HUVR system developed twelve years ago (and still in use), which cost a full $100,000. Head on past the break for a quick video of the rig in action.

[Thanks, Chase]

Continue reading UC San Diego researchers repurpose 3D HDTV for heads-up VR system

UC San Diego researchers repurpose 3D HDTV for heads-up VR system originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d hdt3d tv3dHdt3dTvhaptichaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackheads-up displayheads-up virtual realityHeads-upDisplayHeads-upVirtualRealityhuvrparisuc san diegoUcSanDiegovideovirtual realityVirtualRealityvrMon, 26 Jul 2010 06:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: salad spinners, diapers, and solutions to the Deepwater catastrophe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/inhabitats-week-in-green-salad-spinners-diapers-and-solution/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/inhabitats-week-in-green-salad-spinners-diapers-and-solution/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/10/inhabitats-week-in-green-salad-spinners-diapers-and-solution/#commentsThe Week in Green is a new item from our friends at Inhabitat, recapping the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us.

This week renewable energy received a giant jolt forward as Google unveiled plans to invest $40 million in North Dakota wind farms. Solar power is also having a moment in the sun as MIT unveiled the world's first solar cells printed on paper - we can't wait to see a post-it version that we can stick to our walls! Meanwhile a team of Swiss researchers are harnessing rays of light for an entirely different purpose -- they've figured out a way to create rain clouds by shooting laser beams into the sky.

With the Deepwater Horizon oil spill still saturating the sea weeks after the leak sprung, we also looked at an array of innovative solutions for cleaning up the catastrophe. The first step to stemming the spill's damage is predicting its spread, which is why scientists are harnessing advanced virtual reality models to aid in cleanup efforts. We also took a look at the BP's first massive oil containment dome, which the company plans to lower 5,000 feet below the sea to plug up the leak.

This week we also looked at several ingenious inventions that find incredible new uses for everyday items. Two students at Rice University have transformed a simple salad spinner into a centrifuge that can save lives by diagnosing diseases, and a Japanese company called Super Faith has invented a machine that can transform used adult diapers into an energy source.

Finally, we were dazzled by two high-tech garments that harness LEDs to light up the night. Katy Perry recently took to the red carpet wearing a shimmering gown studded with thousands of blinking rainbow lights, and we were impressed by this LED-laden coat that keeps bicyclists safe when they hit the streets at night.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: salad spinners, diapers, and solutions to the Deepwater catastrophe originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 May 2010 03:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BPcentrifugecompostingdiapersinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenlasersLEDLED clothingLedClothingLEDslight emitting diodelight emitting diodesLightEmittingDiodeLightEmittingDiodesMIToil containmentoil leakoil spillOilContainmentOilLeakOilSpillsolar cellssolar powerSolarCellsSolarPowerSuper FaithSuperFaithvirtual realityVirtualRealityVRwind powerWindPowerMon, 10 May 2010 03:42:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT Media Lab's Surround Vision brings virtual reality to a tablet (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/mit-media-labs-surround-vision-brings-virtual-reality-to-a-tabl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/mit-media-labs-surround-vision-brings-virtual-reality-to-a-tabl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/09/mit-media-labs-surround-vision-brings-virtual-reality-to-a-tabl/#commentsMIT Media Lab's Surround Vision brings virtual reality to a tablet (video) Sure, 3D adds a little more dimensionality to your couch-bound viewing experience, but it's far from the truly immersive virtual reality people have promising for decades. Surround Vision isn't quite VR either, but it's an interesting way of breaking the perception barrier, allowing a viewer to pan around a scene outside the perspective offered by one display. It's a project by Santiago Alfaro, graduate student at MIT's Media Lab, and relies on a tablet with a compass. In his demo he filmed video from three perspectives and is able to display the center perspective on the main TV while panning around to the other two with the tablet. It's an interesting idea to bring some aspect of interactivity to the viewing process, but we could see Hollywood turning it into the next big gimmick, with the leading man pointing off screen dramatically and saying "Oh my god, what's that?" before waiting patiently for a few seconds while the audience scrambles to pan around and find the horror. Yeah, we've got your number, Michael Bay. Immersive video demonstration after the break for you to lose yourself in.

Continue reading MIT Media Lab's Surround Vision brings virtual reality to a tablet (video)

MIT Media Lab's Surround Vision brings virtual reality to a tablet (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compassmitmit media labMitMediaLabSantiago AlfaroSantiagoAlfarosurround visionSurroundVisionvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityFri, 09 Apr 2010 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY VR rig makes neck pain an un-virtual reality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/diy-vr-rig-makes-neck-pain-an-un-virtual-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/diy-vr-rig-makes-neck-pain-an-un-virtual-reality/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/07/diy-vr-rig-makes-neck-pain-an-un-virtual-reality/#comments
Sure, there's plenty of practical VR options available these days (DIY and otherwise), but there's also something to be said for rigs that stick to virtual reality's cumbersome, unwieldy roots. Sharing that sentiment is DIYer Gavan Woolery, who combined an Acer GD235HZ 3D monitor, a pair of shutter glasses, and a TrackIR 5 head-tracking system to build this rig that manages to make the helmet from Videodrome look comfortable. Of course, Woolery is completely up front that the rig is "not in any way designed to be practical," but it does seem to work remarkably well, and it's reasonably inexpensive to build yourself if you're so inclined -- at least compared to other dedicated VR rigs. Head on past the break to check it out in action, and hit up the source link below for the complete details.

Continue reading DIY VR rig makes neck pain an un-virtual reality

DIY VR rig makes neck pain an un-virtual reality originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d monitor3dMonitordiyGavan WooleryGavanWooleryhead trackinghead-trackingHeadTrackinghmdvirtual realityVirtualRealityvrWed, 07 Apr 2010 17:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtusphere's virtual reality hamster ball put to the test]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/virtusphere-virtual-reality-hamster-ball-put-to-the-test/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/virtusphere-virtual-reality-hamster-ball-put-to-the-test/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/virtusphere-virtual-reality-hamster-ball-put-to-the-test/#comments For eons we've wondered what it would be like to walk around in a bona fide Virtusphere, and at GDC last week we finally got our chance. The large plastic cage can turn and roll in any direction, and once replete with a wireless head-mounted display and fake gun, we were ready to take on some polygonal alien baddies. Getting into the cage is surprisingly easy, but unfortunately once we had a screen strapped to our head our well-honed sense of balance was right out the window, and we found ourselves staggering around a bit as we got used to the motion of the cage. The real military versions have a motion sensing gun controller, but we had to do all our aiming with our head, which didn't help. After a minute or so we got used to the "momentum" involved in moving the cage, which felt pretty great, but we'd say our favorite part about the experience was just being able to turn in place to confront baddies -- there's something about a few well placed steps that really blows away a left or right tug on our 360 controller's analog stick. At the end of the day the sheer size, cost, and ultra-dated graphics has us hardly pining for one of these in our living rooms, but with a bit more work on the gaming end (and a working gun pointer) we could see this as the arcade experience to beat. Check out a video of our harrowing experience (from outside and inside) after the break.

Gallery: Virtusphere virtual reality hamster ball put to the test

Continue reading Virtusphere's virtual reality hamster ball put to the test

Virtusphere's virtual reality hamster ball put to the test originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdcgdc 2010Gdc2010hands-onspherevirtual realityVirtualRealityvirtuspherevrFri, 19 Mar 2010 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[DIYer concocts homegrown View-Master, relies on HTC Magic and Google Street View (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/diyer-concocts-homegrown-view-master-relies-on-htc-magic-and-go/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/diyer-concocts-homegrown-view-master-relies-on-htc-magic-and-go/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/diyer-concocts-homegrown-view-master-relies-on-htc-magic-and-go/#comments It's been far, far too long since we broke out the View-Master from the admittedly dusty toy chest, but now we're guessing it'll be at least a score before we get the urge again. Why, you ask? The View-Master 2009. These homegrown virtual reality goggles are surprisingly impressive despite their ragged look, and by utilizing some form of cardboard enclosure, an HTC Magic and Google Street View, the designer was able to mimic that "immersive" environment we've grown to know and never forget. Don't believe us? Have a look at the vid just past the break, and hang in there 'til the end if you're scouting a how-to guide.

Continue reading DIYer concocts homegrown View-Master, relies on HTC Magic and Google Street View (video)

Filed under: ,

DIYer concocts homegrown View-Master, relies on HTC Magic and Google Street View (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diyfunnygogglegogglesGooglegoogle street viewGoogleStreetViewhackhtchtc magicHtcMagicmagicmodStreet ViewStreetViewvideoview masterview-masterview-master 2009View-master2009ViewMastervirtual realityVirtualRealityvrTue, 27 Oct 2009 11:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Mice run through Quake, Princeton neuroscientists scan their brains for traces of evil (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/mice-run-through-quake-princeton-neuroscientists-scan-their-bra/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/mice-run-through-quake-princeton-neuroscientists-scan-their-bra/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/15/mice-run-through-quake-princeton-neuroscientists-scan-their-bra/#comments Want to know just how prevalent technology has become in our lives? Now even lab mice get Quake-derived virtual reality playgrounds to navigate instead of their old school wooden mazes. In all honesty, this appears a significant and praiseworthy advancement, as the Princeton team have succeeded in mapping brain activity right down to the cellular level, with real-time tracking of single neurons now possible. The Orwellian-looking setup above is necessary in order to keep the mouse's head immobile, and thus capable of being studied, while the animal moves around and its brain performs motion-related tasks. Go past the break to see a schematic of the scanner and a quite unmissable video of it in action.

[Via Switched]

Continue reading Mice run through Quake, Princeton neuroscientists scan their brains for traces of evil (video)

Filed under:

Mice run through Quake, Princeton neuroscientists scan their brains for traces of evil (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainbrain scanbrain scanningBrainScanBrainScanningDavid TankDavidTankmicemouseneuralneurological activityNeurologicalActivityneurologyneurosciencePrinceton UniversityPrincetonUniversityQuakeresearchscanscannersciencetesttestingvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityvrThu, 15 Oct 2009 08:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Miruko wearable gaming eyeball robot turns the creep factor up significantly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/miruko-wearable-gaming-eyeball-robot-turns-the-creep-factor-up-s/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/miruko-wearable-gaming-eyeball-robot-turns-the-creep-factor-up-s/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/miruko-wearable-gaming-eyeball-robot-turns-the-creep-factor-up-s/#comments
Miruko is the creepiest gaming device we've seen in a while -- but it's also downright awesome. A robotic interface boasting WiFi and a built-in camera, it's designed to be worn and used in augmented reality, real life gaming situations, able to detect things -- like monsters -- that are invisible to the human eye. Once the robot detects the presence of said monster (or zombie), it fixes its gaze on the object, allowing the gamer to follow its line of sight and then.. you know, destroy it -- using an iPhone camera. It's also capable of locating and locking in on specific objects and faces, making it really useful in hunting down whatever imaginary creatures that have been following you lately. Check the coolness in the video after the break, but keep in mind -- we've been able to see the invisible monsters all along.

[Via Pink Tentacle]

Continue reading Miruko wearable gaming eyeball robot turns the creep factor up significantly

Filed under: ,

Miruko wearable gaming eyeball robot turns the creep factor up significantly originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented realityAugmentedRealitycreepygaminginvisiblemirukomonstersrobotrobotsvirtual realityVirtualRealityzombiesSun, 27 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[$500 Acceleglove promises to finally bring Rad Racer to life ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/13/500-acceleglove-promises-to-finally-bring-rad-racer-to-life/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/13/500-acceleglove-promises-to-finally-bring-rad-racer-to-life/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/13/500-acceleglove-promises-to-finally-bring-rad-racer-to-life/#comments
Data gloves may have come a long way since the days of the Power Glove, but they've also tended to get pretty expensive as more and more tech found their way into 'em. The folks at AnthroTronix look to be doing their small part to change that with their new Acceleglove, however, which packs a not too crazy price tag of $500 and, according to the company, all the features you'd expect to find on a $5,000 glove. Chief among those features are accelerometers on each finger, which can track precise gestures like pinching and, as you can see in the video after the break, are more than up to all-important the task of controlling a robotic arm. Best of all, the glove comes complete with an open source SDK to let you get as much out of the glove as you're willing to put into it.

[Via OhGizmo!]

Continue reading $500 Acceleglove promises to finally bring Rad Racer to life

Filed under: ,

$500 Acceleglove promises to finally bring Rad Racer to life originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelegloveanthrotronixdata gloveDataGloveglovevirtual realityVirtualRealityvrMon, 13 Jul 2009 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia interface patent fits like an AR-enhancing glove]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/11/nokia-interface-patent-fits-like-an-ar-enhancing-glove/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/11/nokia-interface-patent-fits-like-an-ar-enhancing-glove/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/11/nokia-interface-patent-fits-like-an-ar-enhancing-glove/#comments Okay, you know the drill by now: just because it's in a patent doesn't mean it's happening anytime soon, if ever. With that said, we'd love to see what Nokia had in mind when they concocted this one. As Unwired View recently unearthed, the Finnish phone maker has drawn up a design doc / patent application for comfortable, stretchable material that fits over your skin and is used for device interaction. Gestures and stretches are computed and signaled into nearby computers, phones, or interestingly enough "near-eye displays" -- sounds like we're getting into a bit of virtual / augmented reality territory here -- and they are also tailored to provide feedback via vibration. Again, don't hold your breath on seeing this come to fruition any point in the near (or even long) future, but still, we know what you're thinking: Nokia's gonna have to think of a ton of kooky color descriptions to accentuate any future lineup of input wristbands / fingerbands.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Filed under: ,

Nokia interface patent fits like an AR-enhancing glove originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>araugmented realityAugmentedRealitydesignfingergesturehandi oinputinterfaceIOmobilemovementnear eye displayNearEyeDisplaynokiapatentstretchvirtual realityVirtualRealityvrSat, 11 Jul 2009 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia interface patent fits like an AR-enhancing glove]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/11/nokia-interface-patent-fits-like-an-ar-enhancing-glove/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/11/nokia-interface-patent-fits-like-an-ar-enhancing-glove/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/11/nokia-interface-patent-fits-like-an-ar-enhancing-glove/#comments Okay, you know the drill by now: just because it's in a patent doesn't mean it's happening anytime soon, if ever. With that said, we'd love to see what Nokia had in mind when they concocted this one. As Unwired View recently unearthed, the Finnish phone maker has drawn up a design doc / patent application for comfortable, stretchable material that fits over your skin and is used for device interaction. Gestures and stretches are computed and signaled into nearby computers, phones, or interestingly enough "near-eye displays" -- sounds like we're getting into a bit of virtual / augmented reality territory here -- and they are also tailored to provide feedback via vibration. Again, don't hold your breath on seeing this come to fruition any point in the near (or even long) future, but still, we know what you're thinking: Nokia's gonna have to think of a ton of kooky color descriptions to accentuate any future lineup of input wristbands / fingerbands.

[Via Pocket-lint]

Filed under:

Nokia interface patent fits like an AR-enhancing glove originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>araugmented realityAugmentedRealitydesignfingergesturehandi oinputinterfaceIOmovementnear eye displayNearEyeDisplaynokiapatentstretchvirtual realityVirtualRealityvrSat, 11 Jul 2009 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: TAT's augmented reality concept unveiled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/video-tats-augmented-reality-concept-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/video-tats-augmented-reality-concept-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/video-tats-augmented-reality-concept-unveiled/#comments
You remember TAT, right? Amongst other things The Astonishing Tribe has done some bang-up work with the user interface for the G1, unveiled a pretty impressive 3D eye-tracking concept, and now they're hard at work developing something called Augmented ID, an augmented reality concept that uses facial recognition software to attach your visage to a profile. When someone views you through their handset's camera, pre-selected info and social networking links appear to hover around you, letting your new found friend in on more than just your pretty smile. Of course, this is only a concept at the present moment, but when it does become real, make sure you remember to remove those links to JDate and the Cracked Magazine forums before that important corporate presentation. Trust us -- you don't want those worlds colliding. Hit up that read link for the latest from the Swedish design team, but not before you peep this stellar video after the break.

Read - TAT Showroom

Continue reading Video: TAT's augmented reality concept unveiled

Filed under:

Video: TAT's augmented reality concept unveiled originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented idaugmented realityAugmentedIdAugmentedRealityconceptfacial recognitionFacialRecognitionsocial networkingSocialNetworkingtattat augmented idTatAugmentedIdvirtual realityVirtualRealityThu, 09 Jul 2009 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: TAT's augmented reality concept unveiled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/video-tats-augmented-reality-concept-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/video-tats-augmented-reality-concept-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/09/video-tats-augmented-reality-concept-unveiled/#comments
You remember TAT, right? Amongst other things The Astonishing Tribe has done some bang-up work with the user interface for the G1, unveiled a pretty impressive 3D eye-tracking concept, and now they're hard at work developing something called Augmented ID, an augmented reality concept that uses facial recognition software to attach your visage to a profile. When someone views you through their handset's camera, pre-selected info and social networking links appear to hover around you, letting your new found friend in on more than just your pretty smile. Of course, this is only a concept at the present moment, but when it does become real, make sure you remember to remove those links to JDate and the Cracked Magazine forums before that important corporate presentation. Trust us -- you don't want those worlds colliding. Hit up that read link for the latest from the Swedish design team, but not before you peep this stellar video after the break.

Read - TAT Showroom

Continue reading Video: TAT's augmented reality concept unveiled

Filed under:

Video: TAT's augmented reality concept unveiled originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented idaugmented realityAugmentedIdAugmentedRealityconceptfacial recognitionFacialRecognitionmobilesocial networkingSocialNetworkingtattat augmented idTatAugmentedIdvirtual realityVirtualRealityThu, 09 Jul 2009 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Canon unveils augmented reality dinosaur show in Japan]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/08/canon-unveils-augmented-reality-dinosaur-show-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/08/canon-unveils-augmented-reality-dinosaur-show-in-japan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/08/canon-unveils-augmented-reality-dinosaur-show-in-japan/#comments
Canon's just unveiled its new augmented reality display in Chiba, Japan, and we have to say, we're thinking about heading over there to check it out... and hopefully experience what it's like to be eaten (virtually) by a T-Rex. Featuring 260 dinosaur specimens, the display makes us of a virtual reality viewer -- one for each person roaming round the exhibit -- putting the dinosaurs at a "distance" of about 5 meters. The exhibit will make use of various Canon products, including an inkjet printer, an LCD projector and several different cameras. The dinosaurs will be on display starting July 18th until August 1st, so you probably want to just go ahead and book a flight right now.

Filed under:

Canon unveils augmented reality dinosaur show in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented realityAugmentedRealitycanondinosaurdinosaursjapanvirtual realityVirtualRealityWed, 08 Jul 2009 20:59:00 EST