We find solace in different ways to escape life for a while. Some read, others watch TV or play video games. Well, now there is a new way to escape.
Oculus Rift, a virtual reality (VR) headset takes you into the game or video, and is being demoed at the Best Buy in Okemos. We were able to not only get a feel for this new system, but become fully immersed in different worlds.
Troy Tyszkowski, Intel Experience Expert at Best Buy, said that the Rift is being demoed at 48 Best Buys across the country, and the Okemos store is the only location in Michigan right now.
"In terms of retail stores, like Best Buy or other places you are going to look around, Oculus is the first one you are going to have in a retail store," said Tyszkowski. "And we are excited to have it."
From being confronted to a dinosaur, to standing at the edge of a skyscraper, the demo had an array of scenes to experience. There was also a demo of a rock climbing game, and if you fall, trust me, you feel it.
The Oculus Rift does what it claims, fully immersing the viewer into a new place with sounds, sight and movement. A sensor scans the room and allows you to look in all directions, as well as movements like crouching and stepping in case you want to get out of the way at a charging dinosaur, or get a closer look at the world you are in.
"It's what they say it is, really immersive," said Mark Rushow after demoing the Oculus Rift. "You get in there and things are right there. You can feel the presence of it and I think going into the future it will get even better."
If you are new to the VR realm, don't miss your chance to check out the Oculus Rift at the Best Buy in Okemos. The demo is expected to run until September. You can schedule an Oculus demo by clicking here.
