Human Hamster Ball = Virtual Reality

Source: Popular Science

If somebody was to ask me what the next big step in gaming would be after 3D I would probably laugh you out of the room if you suggested virtual reality, that is so 1992.

But that isn't stopping some people from trying to push the proverbial hamster ball up the hill of progress as the 360 degree simulator previously only available for military and police training is going to be available for public consumption, sort of but they cleverly hide the actual price which is most likely considerable.

Pictured: The Future of Gaming ... don't mind Hamster Rambo (Hambo!)

Virtusphere, as it is dubbed, is exactly what it looks like. It is a large ball that spins around giving the hams- PLAYER a truly realistic experience, virtually of course. Right now, when equipped with the visor, you have the option to play a first person shooter game, go on a tour of Russian architecture or goof around on Google Earth (Personally, I would just pretend I was King Kong in downtown Manhattan).

While you may not personally be in the market for a human hamster gaming ball don't be surprised to see these start popping up around malls and fairs in the near future. After all virtual reality is so 2011!

Apple Gets In Your Face

Source: Apple Insider

That’s right, Apple just applied for a patent on a new dock for your iPhone that you wear on your face like some kind of ridiculous View-Master or what Apple likes to call a "Head-Mounted Display Apparatus for Retaining a Portable Electronic Device with Display." Look at those patent plans at the right. Ok, now stop laughing for a second and consider the following:

• Why?
• Is this legit?
• When can I get mine?
• Again, Why?

As for the why, Apple is not satisfied with any current head mounted devices and feels this new model will both be easier to wield and do away with redundant features. Yup, this should do the trick.

As for the legitimacy of this patent upon further inspection it was announced on April 1^st … not exactly the best time to unveil new products. But I would not put it past Apple to apply for a patent on this technology, as unnecessary as it may seem now, for its future applications.

If you are asking yourself, “These are totally rad, dude! Where can I get my hands on the hardware?” Then all I have to say to you is the 80’s called and they said they want to hang out on Friday and maybe see that new Schwarzenegger flick. Or you can just pick up some of these bad boys!

And in case you (like me and probably every other sane mind) are still wondering why, can you imagine somebody wearing this monstrosity on their face? I just hope these are real so I can watch Steve Job’s try to make these look cool.

Nota Bene: According to these extremely detailed plans the iPhone goes through the bridge of your nose. So is rhinoplasty covered in the warranty or what?