Episode 43 - Virtual

This week Paul joins Ben to discuss the word virtual.  Topics covered include: virtual experiences present and future, programming languages, virtual software environments, pioneers of the home computing industry, pondering the uses of virtual reality in the future, and envisioning improvements to VR hardware.

00:00:30 - “Jinx, you owe me a coke”
00:03:01 - “Does technology make us more or less virtuous?”
00:05:55 - The game Ben can’t remember is Kung Fu Rider 
00:07:50 - Paul describes some programming languages and concepts for Ben 
00:12:40 - Ben has questions about object oriented programming for Paul
00:16:01 - Representing everyday objects as code, databases, and going wireless
00:19:01 - The effects of VR on the body and brain
00:24:05 - Ben’s experience with Mass VR in Chicago
00:29:03 - Semantics of live simulations and virtual ones
00:32:35 - What can virtual reality contribute to experiences other than games 
00:37:03 - Experiencing television programs and movies in virtual reality… present and future
00:41:23 - Thinking about non-entertainment uses for VR
00:43:07 - Bill Gates’ and Steve Jobs’ visions of the future of computers
00:46:18 - Watch the “Fantastic Voyage” trailer, and what experiences do consumers want
00:48:28 - Envisioning educational uses for virtual reality
00:53:01 - Adding other senses to virtual reality, and Ben talks about the movie Brainstorm 
00:56:46 - Stinky Weasel 2812 and Butt Tickler 87
00:57:31 - Paul and Ben’s thoughts on what the future holds for virtual experiences
01:01:25 - “An amplified version of the things that are wrong with us”