Are 3D Headsets the Next Step in Virtual Reality: The Geek Girl Report

Being the huge geek that I am, I'm always on the look out for gizmos and gadgets that I think are cool or useful. This time around, I've found something pretty amazing, and if it works, this could be the start of a whole new level of entertainment.

Sony has developed the HMZ-T1, a 3D headset designed to let people watch high definition 3D movies, play games and listen to music. The device weights about as much as 3 iPhones, and features two 720p displays in the headset and 5.1 surround sound. It will also feature PlayStation 3 and HDMI support, so you can play what's on your headset on a regular TV. Sony's headset is scheduled for a November 2011 U.S. release and will cost roughly $800.

Now, this may sound like just another passing tech fad, but let's think about this for a minute. If this device works as well as Sony says (and no doubt hopes) it will, we could be looking at a entirely new level of immersion. The device is designed to block out any and all outside distraction, allowing the user to completely "get lost" in the entertainment. This could have some huge implications, both on the negative and the positive. It's certainly not going help those who are already addicted to entertainment, but this kind of complete immersion could inspire developers to create bigger and better projects, to create worlds worthy of "getting lost" in.

So, is it just another fad, or the next step in entertainment? I guess we'll find out for sure when November rolls around.