There's now another element you can add to your virtual reality (VR) experience
A startup has created a device that aims to “drastically enhance” your VR experience — allowing you to experience elements like heat, cold — and even pain. The ThermoReal, created by TEGway — a subsidiary of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology — is a thermoelectric device that can touch temperatures from 4 to 40°C (39.2 to 104°F), according to a report by Engadget.
The device can even generate heat and cold in different areas at the same time, which ultimately mimics the sensation of a sting. So if you're wandering around a place where there's fire in a VR game, you'll feel the heat build up in your hand.
Or if you dive into a frozen lake, that feeling of coldness will start to spread to your palms.
But how exactly does this work? The company uses flexible thermoelectric devices, which can convert body temperature into electrical energy. Electrical currents can also be run through the device, which can either cool or heat it.
Tegway also adds that it has filed numerous patent applications in these areas.
We may still be a long way from when this technology will be adopted by VR manufacturers, but we definitely want to experience the heat, the cold – though perhaps not the pain – in our future VR games.
