VR brings a third dimension to computing. Strap on a headset, and you’re not just looking at something, you’re surrounded by it. There’s a real sense of depth and volume and immersion. You are as good as there.
One outstanding example of that is a virtual reality installation called The Infinite, which puts you inside the International Space Station and enables you to gaze down on Earth from orbit. CNET’s Joan Solsman has tried it out, and has some thoughts, too, on how that sort of location-based VR compares with wearing an Oculus headset in your living room. She also talked with two astronauts who can attest to how vivid an experience The Infinite is: “When the lights came up in the film and around me was the space station that I remembered as my home, I wasn’t ready,” said Christina Koch. “I wasn’t ready to have to say goodbye again.”
Those stories are among the many in-depth features and thought-provoking commentaries that appeared on CNET this week. So here you go. These are the stories you don’t want to miss.
Stepping into a massive, virtual International Space Station is like slipping into the ISS’ living memory.
Felix & Paul
A more durable Apple Watch, Google’s long-rumored Pixel Watch and the first Wear OS Fitbit smartwatch might launch this year.
Lexy Savvides/CNET
Commentary: It makes no sense.
FromSoftware / Namco Bandai Games
Location-based virtual reality fell derelict in the pandemic. Now, with in-person experiences reviving, it’s where you’ll touch the metaverse’s future.
Jaap Buitendijk
Loop is a DIY automated insulin delivery system with more customization and features than FDA-approved systems on the market.
Justin Eastzer/CNET
Commentary: I was sick of Wordle spinoffs, but I’ll be devouring a Waffle every day.
Wafflegame.net
Commentary: Mergers can come with price hikes, but $15 per month is already expensive enough.
The same quadcopters you can buy at Amazon are on the front lines of the battle for Ukraine.
AeroVironment
Yes, we can put sensors in clothes — but there still isn’t a great reason you can’t use a smartwatch instead.
Metamorworks / Getty Images
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