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”