Interacting with a 3D virtual world using a flat screen and a mouse is a bit like trying to do accurate architectural renderings on paper, it gets the job done in a pinch, but it’s no Autocad. Lets face it, our interface is crap. So until we have neural-shunts pumping data directly in and out of our visual and motor cortex, we have to make due with what we can. But we can do better than a monitor, a mouse and a keyboard.

For your eyes:
http://www.sensics.com/products/configurations.php - Man these are sweet. Not only do they give you a huge field of view, when you turn your head in real life these goggles can keep track of it and change your POV in the virtual world. Seriously, these are actually an improvement on Hiro’s goggles in Snow Crash. There is no beam to get in the way of. They have 180 degree view, and are full HD. Now if they just cost a little less than 20K we would be in business.
http://www.i-glassesstore.com/ig-hrvpro.html - These are fairly cool as well. Just over a grand, good field of view, but they look like something out of a bad 80’s movie about VR.
https://store.vuzix.com/store_VR920.php - Now this is what I’m talking about. Under $400, motion tracking so you can ‘look’ around in VR, and they look like they were transported from some cyberpunk dystopian future (or at least they will once I get done moding them). I think I’ll try and get these later this year.

For your ears:
Its way past due. We need an integration of 3D virtual worlds and holophonic sound. For those of you not familiar with holophonics I recommend you check it out. Invest in a good sound card and headphones before you do. If anyone knows someone at SL, if you can convince them to incorporate holophonic sound effects you will have my undying devotion (or a Starbucks gift card, whichever you prefer). Until we have a virtual world with true holophonic sound, enjoy this:
http://weblog.404creative.com/index.php/2007/06/03/auditory-illusions-holophonic-recordings/

Tactile interface:
http://home.novint.com/products/novint_falcon.php - This is a really interesting take on the 3D mouse concept. It has the added bonus of allowing for tactile feedback. I could get used to that!
https://3dconnexionstore.com/itemDetail.asp?itmNo=40656423N - This may not be the first 3D mouse out there, but man is it one of the coolest. Seriously, this is the very next tech toy I’m going to buy. Imagine the difference between building with this, and using your standard mouse/keyboard interface. I can’t wait.

For that really full-on 3D experience:
http://www.virtusphere.com/ - Alright, this is seriously one of the most bad ass things I have seen in a while. This sphere lets you walk, run and jump around a 3D virtual environment, and the company has even developed software to let you interface with pre-existing VR worlds. Man, I could live in a shack if this thing was in the living room.

So, if you are reading this on a flat panel and are about to type a response on a standard keyboard I think we can agree, your interface is crap (and so is mine).

If you want to know where the internet has been, just surf the web. If you want to know where it is going, go read Snowcrash by Neil Stephenson. Seriously, go read it. I’ll still be here when you get back. I’m not kidding, this entire blog will make a lot more sense after you read it. Alright, see you later.

Well, what did you think? Just great isn’t it? I first read Snowcrash years ago, and I have been in love with the entire underlying premise of the Metaverse ever since. And the really cool part is, we are now living in a time when some of Stephenson’s predictions about technology are actually getting close to being created (although I’m still waiting on my smartboard). Worlds like Second Life and Moove, games like Everquest and WoW, are all precursors to what could be one of the greatest technological developments thus far, the creation of true virtual interactive worlds. I envision a time in the not too distant future where all computer interface is handled at least partially in 3D.

For millions of years our evolution has been driven by the ability to successfully interact with a 3D world. You and I are the end result of tens of thousands of individuals who were able to navigate complex physical terrains just a little better than the next guy (or girl). Flat technology like the written word, or the current technology of the internet, while useful, is not really intuitive. Imagine being able to actually LOOK at your computer network as represented by a 3D virtual world interface. Instead of letters on a screen you could have a warehouse sized room, with different shaped objects representing different computers and ribbons of light showing the connections between them. Fences and walls showing you what is secure and what isn’t, and avatar footprints showing who has been where. This type of interface would require virtually no instruction. We are literally built to understand it.

I’m going to make an effort to keep this as a general technology blog, but considering my obsession with digital worlds don’t be surprised if I come back to the topic time and time again. Meanwhile, enjoy the fruits of my never ending fascination with developing technology. If you like this site, I would appreciate a digg, a thumbs up stumble, or just send the link to your friends. I am always willing to cross link with other like minded individuals. You can also find me on Second Life under the name Terkeles Tesio. See you in the Metaverse.