![\"image\"](\"http:\/\/gadgets.itwriting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/image.png\" "\\"image\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nNo, it\u2019s not Microsoft\u2019s answer to Google Glass. Rather, it is the Oculus Rift<\/a>, a Virtual Reality headset funded by a Kickstarter project<\/a> that achieved nearly 10 times its original goal.<\/p>\n Unfortunately it is hard to photograph, but what you get is a view of a 3D virtual world which responds to the turn of your head. The added realism is extraordinary, even though the current model shows a slightly pixelated screen; this will apparently be fixed for the first commercial release.<\/p>\n There is one snag with the Rift, which is the urge to move around by walking. Not too good in as you will soon hit the wall. The developers have thought of this, and I saw a picture of a walking platform, where you walk on the spot and sensors pick up your direction of virtual travel. Unfortunately my guess is that such a platform will fail the \u201cconveniently fits in the living room\u201d test.<\/p>\n It will not necessarily be the Oculus Rift; but virtual reality is so compelling that its time must surely come. It would be utterly great with more movement sensors so that you could climb walls, engage in sword fights and so on.<\/p>\n Wearing a great big headset is unsocial though as the point is to immerse yourself in a virtual world. Looking like an idiot also comes with the territory. Hit or miss? Not sure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I tried these on during Microsoft\u2019s Build conference, at the Xamarin party. No, it is not me in the picture. No, it\u2019s not Microsoft\u2019s answer to Google Glass. Rather, it is the Oculus Rift, a Virtual Reality headset funded by a Kickstarter project that achieved nearly 10 times its original goal. Unfortunately it is hard … Continue reading Virtual Reality with Oculus Rift<\/span>