Researchers at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences have developed an accessory for a commercial VR headset that can monitor a VR user’s breathing and control the user’s air supply.
The researchers call the tiny choking manicure an “AirRes mask” and they mainly think of two purposes where this could be used. On the other hand, the AirRes mask is said to be used to control a person’s breathing. This can be used in games, for example, making it difficult for the user to aim if the user is short of breath. It would also be possible to use one’s breathing to control events in the games, such as blowing a candle or blowing a balloon.
The second area of use, which seems a little intimidating, is when the AirRes mask starts controlling the user’s air supply. The researchers believe this could, for example, be used in simulating fire drills so that firefighters can have a more realistic experience of what it would feel like to enter a burning house.
Whether researchers are investing in making a real AirRes Mask product, there is no information on it yet. In the clip above, you can check out more about how the AirRes Mask works and see some examples of how to use it.
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