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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1491529
We were given a peek at the concept a few years back by award-winning cinematographer Andrew Shulkind. Andrew has been instrumental in bringing the idea to fruition. The imposing sphere will eventually host Hollywood tentpoles and live events using real time virtual production techniques that will put you in the center of everything no matter where you’re seated. The sphere will handle 16K-by-16K picture resolution, spatial audio, 4D wind and scent capability and more. We see it more as the next generation theater we can’t wait to experience. Frankly can’t imagine buying a “personal theater” for a couple of mind-blowing immersive projects a year…but that’s us. But there was more than headsets to experience at CES. Lots of VR folks like and need to ditch the controllers and use their hands and touch to work or enhance their experience so there were a number of haptic gloves and sleeves shown at CES that we found both fun and practical. Using your hand to grab, turn and hold stuff that really isn’t there is a real kick once you get used to it but we also see that they could be invaluable in training people to perform intricate and dangerous tasks in a wide range of careers. And if you really want to “get into” your VR gaming, you’ll probably want to add a vest or heck, a complete suit. The idea of “feeling like you’re being shot, stabbed or punched from all sides” doesn’t appeal to us but then, we’re not into paint ball either. Walking in the rain, feeling the wind and even smelling flowers and the world around you is enjoyable. If we were serious VR players like some of our friends, it would certainly enhance the gaming experience. Some of the gaming stuff we saw at CES make you look and mumble “WTF” and other times, you know exactly who the product was designed for. When we saw OSIM’s throne gaming massage chair we said it would be something Rob, a friend up in Oregon, would immediately want to add to his gaming set-up. Rob has dozens of curved, flat high resolution screens; controllers of every shape/size and always seemed to have a different chair every time we visited his “office.” Their uThrone seemed to have it all. Custom/tailorable massage technology, reclining adjustment, adjustable back/lumbar support and color options that tell folks you’re a serious gamer and don’t mess with my chair. But that’s Rob, not us. Still, it’s interesting to see how often the real world mimics/follows what emerges from what creative minds imagine/envision for the