ZUCKER-VISION
FACEBOOK'S Reality Labs and its Oculus virtual reality brand have been working on the thinnest' VR headset to date.
The wearable gadget looks a lot more like a simple pair of black sunglasses than the more common chunky headsets on the market.
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The glasses are just at the proof-of-concept stage but they still look pretty cool.
Facebook showed off the design on its research blog.
It described how the glasses create holographics with flat films.
It said: "To significantly reduce the overall size and weight of VR displays, we combine two techniques: Holographic optics and polarization-based optical folding.
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"Most VR displays share a common viewing optic: A simple refractive lens composed of a thick, curved piece or glass or plastic.
"We propose replacing this bulky element with holographic optics.
"You may be familiar with holographic images seen at a science museum or on your credit card, which appear to be three-dimensional with realistic depth in or out of the page.
"Like these holographic images, our holographic optics are a recording of the interaction of laser light with objects, but in this case the object is a lens rather than a 3D scene.
"The result is a dramatic reduction in thickness and weight: The holographic optic bends light like a lens but looks like a thin, transparent sticker."
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Facebook's Reality Labs also explained that the glasses only show monochrome images.
It's currently working to upgrade them to colourful high quality VR.
The Reality Labs wants to make the glasses and their VR world suitable for humans to be immersed in for long periods of time.
What is VR? Virtual reality explained
Here's what you need to know about the revolutionary tech...
- Virtual reality allows you to experience and interact with a 3D world that isn't real.
- To enter this virtual world you must don a VR helmet – a headset with a screen inside that makes you feel like you're somewhere else.
- This mounted display strapped to your eyes mixed with stereo sound and movement tracking lets you explore this immersive virtual world.
- You turn your head and the environemnt turns with you, making the illusion feel even more "real".
- Currently headsets span from expensive PC-linked helmets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift to more affordable goggles like the Samsung Gear VR that works by slotting a smartphone in the headset.
- The downloadable apps range from VR games to 360-degree videos created by publishers like the BBC and The Discovery Channel.
- They can transport you to 3D worlds that aren't accessible in real life, like a trip to Mars or a spin behind the wheel of a futuristic sports car.
- Until recently, these experiences relied on a PC or smartphone to generate this virtual world.
- But there are alternatives– like the Oculus Go, a wireless headset with a built-in processor that does all the work itself.
Facebook unveils 'virtual reality' social network 'Horizon' where you hang out and play games with pals in computer world
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, virtual reality "photo-realistic" girlfriends that pleasure users with a sex toy in real life are now on sale.
A bizarre new virtual reality strip club has been advertising lap dances from aliens, robots and ‘humanoid hybrids’.
And, Facebook recently teased what the future of working from home could look like if we use virtual and augmented reality to be in the office.
What are your thoughts on VR? Let us know in the comments...
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