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Start multi-tasking with your virtual reality headset

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Re: Start multi-tasking with your virtual reality headset

#11

Post by majewsky »

mjsweet wrote: post #5

Can anyone who has used this comment on it's general usability? For instance, if I lean in closer to a space will it get closer, or is my head position locked? Would this be useful for coding? e.g. is text clear enough? What kind of resolution is needed for text to approach the level of retina displays that we have become accustomed to? Does anyone have any thoughts on developer experience... toolchain and IDE opport…

> if I lean in closer to a space will it get closer

Anything else would be stupid.

Re: Start multi-tasking with your virtual reality headset

#12

Post by augustl »

ckdarby wrote: post #9

In terms of programming this is nearly useless. I have to change my font size usually 4-5x the normal size I have in my IDE to even feel comfortable looking at it.

Hopefully it is just a question of time before we have retina resolution even for panels that are a few inches from our eyes and magnified with optics.

Re: Start multi-tasking with your virtual reality headset

#13

Post by majewsky »

Interesting proposition. If the image quality is good enough, then even a good VR headset might actually be less expensive than an array of physical screens.

Obvious disadvantages: having to wear a VR headset all day, and you cannot collaborate with others over your screen contents anymore (unless they strap on and plug in a second headset maybe).

Another thing: This would be really cool for desktop sharing.

Re: Start multi-tasking with your virtual reality headset

#14

Post by mhd »

augustl wrote: post #12
ckdarby wrote: post #9

In terms of programming this is nearly useless. I have to change my font size usually 4-5x the normal size I have in my IDE to even feel comfortable looking at it.

Hopefully it is just a question of time before we have retina resolution even for panels that are a few inches from our eyes and magnified with optics.

Never mind properly using the hardware and its capabilities. A headtracking VR setup has other constraints than a static rectangle. Arranging overviews, subpanels, minor buffers could probably be improved.

On the other hand, we still haven't escaped the VT100 in 99% of our IDEs so I'm not holding my breath for an ultra-immersive new-fangled "I can breathe code" style.

Re: Start multi-tasking with your virtual reality headset

#15

Post by datamoshr »

Exciting and innovating as this is; this particular idea seems like it'd be more apt in an AR setting. It could address the issue of non-touch typists, those of us that use notebooks on our desk, also working in an office, being able to see people can be quite handy.

Re: Start multi-tasking with your virtual reality headset

#16

Post by cortesi »

I've been playing with this sort of idea on the HTC Vive, and I strongly believe that this is the future. Unfortunately, none of the available VR devices have anywhere near the resolution needed for this to be a workable proposition. Give it another 5 years or so.

Re: Start multi-tasking with your virtual reality headset

#19

Post by MaulingMonkey »

draugadrotten wrote: post #10
mjsweet wrote: post #5

Can anyone who has used this comment on it's general usability? For instance, if I lean in closer to a space will it get closer, or is my head position locked? Would this be useful for coding? e.g. is text clear enough? What kind of resolution is needed for text to approach the level of retina displays that we have become accustomed to? Does anyone have any thoughts on developer experience... toolchain and IDE opport…

> Would this be useful for coding? e.g. is text clear enough? It's not clear enough with todays headsets but who knows what the next gen will deliver. It could be useful to use a headset like this when the light from a normal screen would disturb others

I doubt we'll reach parity with my multi-4K setups in non-custom hardware for another decade or so (and this is the first generation where I no longer want for increased pixel density in my monitors.)

I should try and see how well a 80x25 terminal works on current gen tech though.

Re: Start multi-tasking with your virtual reality headset

#20

Post by StavrosK »

harryf wrote: post #18

Despite plenty of studies showing multi tasking for humans is less efficient than single tasking ( e.g. http://news.stanford.edu/2009/08/24/multitask-research-study... ) here we are inventing new ways to be even more distracted.

Why do you say that? I'd love something like this product, and my work flow is single tasking. I have all my windows open in full screen all the time and switch between them, and usually have a movie playing on the second screen while I work.

Yes, it takes me a day to watch an hour's worth of movie, but it's a nice and easy distraction when waiting for stuff to build or doing other low cognitive impact work.

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