Virtual reality lenses and cyberpunk mice – what gamers will play soon

Cyberpunk in hands

When the phrase “cyberpunk and devices” first comes to mind, futuristic computer mice from Mad Catz, which flooded the gaming peripherals market ten years ago. A cursory glance at these “monsters” gives the impression that they are capable of accurately shooting enemies in shooters without human assistance or filling 500 APM in StarCraft.

In such “cyberpunk” mice, designers are very generous in adding additional function keys, as well as flexible customization elements. For example, the width and length of the mouse can be adjusted individually for the user’s hand, and with the help of the weight system, players can even change the weight of the device.

Nowadays, hardly anyone can be surprised by the unusual keyboard design. Neon key illumination, additional touchpad panels and even built-in screens have become commonplace for a long time.

It would seem that nothing new can be invented here, but some companies have gone even further and completely revised the concept of the device. You’ve probably seen on the internet this advertisement for a laser keyboard on AliExpress that projects keys onto any surface. The idea is interesting, but, judging by the reviews, it is still unstable.

But Samsung in January 2023 showed SelfieType invisible keyboard concept – it works with any mobile device that has a camera. You do not need to connect anything additionally – you just need to “drum” your fingers on any surface in front of the lens, and the program will itself determine the letter by finger movements.

Throne for the gamer

Gaming workstations, which, by the way, are also not alien to the cyberpunk theme, can be safely attributed to computer devices. Some modern models look like they are prop for a sci-fi action movie about space travel. These stations combine a chair, a computer and a monitor stand. Almost all models are equipped with comfortable armrests and shelves, and the most advanced ones can even massage you while playing.

Only a few companies in the world are engaged in the production of such stations, and it cannot be said that this hybrid of furniture and a computer is in great demand among gamers. Firstly, this whole structure is rather cumbersome and takes up a lot of space in the room, and secondly, not everyone can afford such a station, because the average price tag for it starts from a million rubles, depending on the configuration.

A look into the future

Vision is the main “device” of any gamer, and it seems that soon it will also be possible to pump it with the help of gadgets. While Apple, Google and Microsoft are developing their augmented reality smart glasses, the Canadian company Ocumetics Technology Corporation has already begun testing bionic lenses. With their help, anyone can actually feel like a superhero.

Bionic lenses are capable of sharply focusing vision at almost any distance. For example, you can count the number of matches in a box at a distance of 30 meters, or examine the smallest skin cells on your finger by bringing your hand to your face. In addition, a bionic lens consumes a hundred times less energy than a conventional lens, which means your eyes will be less tired during long periods of sitting at the computer.

As conceived by scientists, in the future, bionic lenses will even be able to project a phone screen onto the retina or immerse a person in augmented reality. With the help of this technology, players will be able to get a unique experience of gameplay, without the burden of wires and stationary devices. In fact, users will be able to simultaneously live in two worlds at once – real and virtual. You will no longer need to sit at the computer or in front of the TV: all the necessary devices for the game will always be in front of your eyes.

Computers on hand

Every fan of the Fallout game series dreamed of getting a Pip-Boy – a laptop that you could carry on your hand. Of course, the original model looked very bulky and inconvenient, but many companies took the very principle of the gadget into development. Gradually, from concept to concept, such computers became smaller and more convenient until they turned into modern smart watches.

Speaking of mini-computers on hand, it is worth mentioning smart rings. They are not yet as functional as smartwatches, but they can also do something. For example, Padrone Ring can completely replace a computer mouse, and Token Ring with a fingerprint reader can unlock and authenticate everything, including your phone, car, home and personal computer. You can also use this ring to pay for purchases on the Internet.

While it is difficult to imagine that fans of shooters would use a ring instead of a mouse, but the idea with an additional mini-computer on the arm is quite worthy of attention. Firstly, such a device can serve to display game information – hints, statistics, messages, etc. Secondly, in the future, such a device will probably be able to read the physical state of the player (some smartwatches already do this). Just imagine that while playing horror, the computer will receive data about your heart rate and, based on this information, generate levels, plan monster attacks and artificial intelligence behavior.

Warm ears

Japanese designer Hiroto Ikeuchi from Tokyo has been designing cyberpunk masks and various hats for many years. His work is very popular among cosplayers, but these devices not only have a futuristic look, but are also quite functional in everyday life. Of course, if you are not afraid of the sidelong glances of others.

Ikeuchi integrates various devices into his masks, without which it is difficult to imagine the life of a modern person. Almost all of them have headphones and a microphone; some prototypes are additionally equipped with virtual reality glasses and a Wi-Fi router. Those with a stronger neck can try on masks with external lights and an air ventilation system.

Some of these devices look so futuristic that one can doubt their existence. While it is difficult to imagine that in a few years these gadgets will be an essential attribute of a gamer, but the gaming industry hints to us that everything will be exactly like this.