It's all digital

A Rift in Reality

Oculus Rift is bringing the notion of an immersive, virtual reality experience to life. Could it benefit the industry?

By Chris Mosby

Oculus Rift (OR) might be the next big thing in tech developments. Its service to the video game industry could revolutionize the way millions of people spend their downtime. Users can ride roller coasters without leaving their living room. News junkies may someday be able to experience a real time news event in faux person. The full range of applications have not been realized yet, in part, because the device is not currently publicly available.

The OR bills itself as Next-Generation Virtual Reality Technology (according to its website, anyway). For those unfamiliar with the technology, OR fits like an elaborate football helmet over a user’s head. A wrap around visor covers your entire range of eyesight. Headphones can be attached to further immerse the user (a noise cancelling pair is usually recommended).

Most of the device’s current use has been geared towards gamers, allowing them to disappear completely into a game. A myriad of YouTube videos displaying the system at work are available; just type Oculus Rift into the search bar. But the device may have practical applications for industries across the spectrum.

Imagine sitting shotgun on a test drive, when you’re actually squarely in your production offices. You’d be able to see how a moving truck handles, whether or not it’s smooth on the road, you could almost feel its ability to handle curves. You could virtually tour the storage compartment in the back.

Or maybe you’ll one day be able to virtually attend a trade show. To walk the floor and see the array of new products being offered across the industry. Or you’ll be able to walk around a greenhouse during a virtual tour and see how hydroponic growing systems are being utilized.

The possibilities for virtual interaction with reality are endless. And to boot, the Oculus Rift is still growing more compatible with other devices. Most recently, the Leap Motion (a gesture control device that tracks and projects the movement of your hands) released a companion device for Oculus Rift.

The addition of Leap Motion to the OR’s abilities will allow users to interact with digital realities using their real hands. For example, imagine that you’re playing a video game that requires you to stop and pick a flower (sort of a boring game but bear with us). Prior to this release from Leap Motion, you’d have to use a joystick or other video game controller to operate your avatar’s hands. With Leap Motion releasing an OR compatible sensor, you can use your actual hands to pick up the digital flower.

The Leap Motion device was retailing at $19.99 in late August and simply clips onto the OR device.

Oculus Rift may never be more than a fun way to play video games. But chances are, the technology emerging from OR (and related device) research will leak into other industries. Someday you may be able to attend California Spring Trials without leaving your greenhouse.

For more: http://goo.gl/riyxuF

Multimedia Minute

Grafting tomatoes: a how-to
Cornell Cooperative Extension vegetable specialist Judson Reid demonstrates the basics of tomato grafting.
Watch the video here: http://goo.gl/DEMafq

For the kids
MSU trials manager Daedre Craig tells the story of the 4-H Children’s Garden, the first of its kind.
Watch the video here: http://goo.gl/PqWnLG

Consistency king
Shannon Springer of Spring Meadow Nursery shows how a custom grading machine improves liner consistency.
Watch the video here: http://goo.gl/4wK972

From Twitter

Ebert’s Greenhouse @EbertsGreenhous
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BASF Agro @BASFAgro
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Terra Nova Nurseries @TerraNovaNurs
Help your garden survive the #drought with our succulent #sedums! Let us know your favorites: http://ow.ly/ANrgM , #lineravailability

NationalGardenBureau @NatGardenBureau
Cuphea Sriracha Violet is a heat-loving plant that is compact, easy to grow and requires little-to-no maintenance http://fb.me/3aFhTxNa8

ASHS @ASHS_Hort
The 2014 ASHS Conference #ashs2014 Conference recordings are now availble on the http://ashs.org website. http://bit.ly/1fbspOE

FloralEndowment @FloralEndowment
Flower arrangements with a vintage marmalade jar as a vase. #creative http://pinterest.com/pin/319474167290481220/ …

Bren @BG_garden
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Mashable @mashable
#Ebola outbreak “could exceed 20,000 cases,” @WHO says. See the full report: http://on.mash.to/1C66EI8

Dallas Arboretum @dallasarboretum
‘In the Garden’ w/ VP of gardens Dave Forehand - “It’s been warm but nothing likes warm weather better than peppers!” http://bit.ly/1q8biAg