Oculus: 'Matrix-style' VR 'may never happen'

VRFocus reports on Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey noting that 'Matrix-style' virtual reality technology may well never become a reality.

[ArchangelMike]

Never say "Never"! At one time it was impossible to put a man on the moon! Now they're talking about putting a man on mars. http://www.mars-one.com/mis...

Already we have occular implants and auditory implants, as well as brain implants for people who suffer forms of brain damage. It's just a matter of time and technology before implants can directly stimulate aspects of a persons reality - taste, smell, sound and vision.

I reckon within the next 50 years or so the technology will be out there. It was about 50 years ago that the concept of a 'virtual reality' began to be discussed. Now it is a 'real' reality. In the next 50 years we can only begin to imaging what the experience of Virtual Reality will be. The Holo deck can't be that far away from us now.

[chrisx]

I'll be in my late 70's in 50 years time :(

[SojournUK]

I'll be 92...if I live that long

[wakeNbake]

My generation could very well have lifetimes of 150 years with medical advances.

[amiga-man]

Thats because he took the blue pill.

[paidadvertiser]

Did you actually do any research on what you're talking about or do you just see headlines and decide on the facts from then on?

Yes, we have implants but are you talking about prosthetics or bionics? Because I can't find any people who have bionics that even meet below average functionality. It's just to give people some type of sense versus none at all. Either way most of the designs just use nerves that are already developed and just create a foggy window of reality (let alone a whole new one.) We're not even 50 years away from bionic implants becoming the common option for people who actually need/benefit from it, even if it weren't extremely expensive. I don't know why you think they're going to suddenly shift focus over to entertainment instead of improve people's quality of life.

Also, I don't think anyone knows when virtual reality was discussed first but there's evidence that dates back to 1755 of using people electrical impulse to stimulate the visual cortex. Jump 250+ years and we still can't figure it out, like much of the brain. I would go into cochlear implants but what you're implying about vision alone is enough of a joke. The only thing we're really good at is badly predicting the future but I guess another 50 and we've got The Matrix. I'm sold. It's a shame the technology couldn't be used to aid the blind or deaf first, though.

[GrimDragon]

That's very obvious. I think a lot of people who don't know better are expecting matrix style VR but will find out how very wrong they are. That's why it's not worth the price of admission. Most of these games will be on rails with limited interaction.

[Pandamobile]

Implying VR games can't have interactivity?

VR will be interactive in ways you can't even fathom yet.

[GrimDragon]

Fact: you cannot walk around freely in the VR world. Only occulus allows maybe a 15 square ft movement if that. Playstation VR does not allow it at all. Look at the demos one is a roller coaster the other is a shark cage and one a on rails shooter based off John wick. The limitations are blatantly obvious. Some people just refuse to see it. Claiming this new tech is the second coming. VR is nice but it has a long way to go before it's even remotely close to matrix style immersion. What I fathom will not exist in my life time and likely not yours.

[Artemidorus]

I can see it now the future, first person dies of VR world due to lack of food, hygiene etc. Eye site problems and headaches.

World would be less social in the real world if it became a Matrix style place.

[PersonMan]

I don't even want VR to happen. It's incredibly dumb (yes, I've tried it).

[wakeNbake]

Of course its a possibility. With current tech no, with Facebook's budget no, but Im sure US Military R&D have something similar in the works.

[MCTJim]

I remember a Simpsons special that when they went online they plugged into their computer and one in their head....would be pretty cool to go into that type of environment LOL

But I dont expect to see anything mind blowing from these units for the price points they are going to be other than "its cool" I am keeping my expectations low so I am not disappointed.

[Kalebninja]

Matrix? No. Sword Art? Yes.

[slate91]

If Danny Phantom can do it we can eventually.

[SaveFerris]

If not the Matrix, but what about eXistenZ?

[ibrake4naps]

I hope this isn't so. I would put all my savings into life extension to live long enough to experience it!