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Imagine a world where you immerse yourself into learning, training, and entertainment so vividly real that you forget you’re using a device. That world is not just theoretical. It is called virtual reality, and it is one of the hottest trends in technology today.

Virtual reality was vividly on display at the CES trade show in Las Vegas sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association. For me, this was an exciting time, as I was able to visit the booth of Chinese company 3Glasses as they demonstrated their new D2 headset.

Philip Kong the COO of 3Glasses, gave me my first real-world experience in virtual reality (VR). In sum, even this jaded journalist was impressed. The new D2 headset that Mr. Kong let me use was comfortable, and once I adjusted it to fit my head, ears and eyes, it was like being in another world. Yep! I was a happy boy.

Then they fired up the demonstration where I was able to create images and what appeared to be boxes. I could stretch them, manipulate them, and even (virtually) throw the boxes around. The experience was incredible.

The possibilities are virtually (good word) unlimited for entering a new world created by programmers. This would include, but not be limited to:

• Simulation of learning to fly, drive, or operate real-world transportation vehicles
• Simulation of language learning. Language learning experts often cite the benefits of immersion learning. This is one of the best ways to bring in visual and auditory experiences to facilitate learning a new language.
• Skill acquisition. Think about the benefits of learning, for instance, to play the piano using virtual reality. A skilled instructor could be programmed to help you learn specific songs.
• Training. Think of how you could train personnel whose job operates in dangerous situations. The benefits in cost-savings and enhanced safety are only the beginning.

The possibilities are unlimited. I know from my experience with the 3Glasses VR device, it was amazing.

Get to know this technology. Used properly, it can hold a great deal of opportunity. Now is the time to learn about virtual reality.

Smart Plug From Koogeek

Devices that work with Apple’s HomeKit were in abundance at CES. One that I was able to get from KooGeek, a Chinese company, was very impressive. The small device allows you to control electrical devices via your iOS device with Siri.

You can tell Siri, “Turn on the bedroom light” and it is activated. You can ask Siri to “Turn off the outdoor patio lights” and save the time and effort going there.

Yes, it might seem a bit lazy or silly to use Siri on your iPhone to turn on or off a lamp. However, suppose that it’s for a lamp that is hard to reach. What about multiple lamps that need to be activated? What about a physically challenged person who wants ease of use turning on a lamp?

All of these would be ideal applications for the SmartPlug. Because it follows the protocols of Apple HomeKit, you know you have the support of the Apple ecosystem working with you.

Audio for Fitness and Comfort

You might be able to relate to this. I exercise a lot and enjoy listening to audio while working out. I have found that some headphones which are not designed for a rigorous workout can become uncomfortable or easily fall off.

Lately I’ve been using the Plantronics BackBeat Fit. This is a tiny set of wireless sport headphones plus a microphone.

Yes, I’m in love! Once I found out how to easily turn them on and off (tiny button on the right side) thanks to the help of the marvelous support from Plantronics, I use these more than any other headset.

They weigh a mere .8 ounces so you could forget you are wearing them. They deliver very good sound as I’ve found from using them in a noisy gym on the treadmill. At the same time, one of the key advantages is that I can wear them outside and still hear environmental sounds to remain safe as I exercise. Oh, and they are waterproof, which helps immensely with sweat and the occasional rain that might happen.

The battery is eight hours so you often can use them for many days at a time.

I found they provide a secure fit, and I’ve never had them come off even when “going for it” on those high-speed treadmill pushes. It is also nice that the tiny built-in microphone can be there to answer calls, if I choose. I have used them successfully several times to pause my podcast and ask Siri to send me an e‑mail for further inquiry into a topic. This is most enjoyable and practical in business.

The new BackBeat Fit headphones from Plantronics are perfect not just for exercise, but for listening to iHeart Radio and/or podcasts when getting other tasks done. They are ideal in many situations because they deliver solid audio sound. I mainly use them for spoken-word audio, but they also do very well with music. Because they are environmentally responsive, you can wear them knowing you are more likely to also hear emergency messages if needed.

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