A vest from TN Games simulates the impact of punches or gun shots, for example, from 1st person shooter games.

[source: Technology Review]

area/code has designed a gaming experience called SHARKRUNNERS for Discovery Channel’s website. The game uses real shark location data, and you chase them by captaining a virtual science vessel, and when you encounter a shark, you can send divers down for research, which can result in shark attacks! This is a great example of a virtual/real hybrid game, which have tremendous potential for educational and entertainment value.

Carolin Horn has created a flash-based visually compelling email interface, which uses the metaphor of microbes. [thanks, Frank]

Interesting glimpse into a possible digital future…

[thanks, Duncan Riley]

Imagine a virtual world that is identical to the real world. Virtual Sphere has developed a locomotion sphere wherein users can move through a virtual space, as they would in real life.

Would you give this 13 year-old entrepreneur 100k? He’s developed a chemistry card game where you control an army of elements, compounds, and nuclear reactions to create, combat and conquer.

Emotiv Systems, based in San Francisco, has secured over $6 million in venture funding to develop technology that allows humans to interact with computer applications via thoughts. Based on the latest developments in neuro-technology, the Company claims to have developed a helmet device that can detect thoughts, feeling and expression. The Company envisions a future where machines can detect non-conscious communication, including perception, intuition and expression. Emotiv is initially focusing on the electronic gaming industry.

SoftKinetic is commercializing technology that recognizes gestures and body movements for 3D gaming – very cool. The technology uses an off the shelf infrared camera for depth perception and a proprietary algorithmic software program, which can accurately interpret what the body is doing.

Check out this video demo!

Other related technology in development are eye-controlled interactive systems, so you can potentially control a computer GUI with your eyes.

Related post previously on SHARKRIDE, here.

Speaking of branded entertainment…

Check out this M&M’s Flash game. [via neatorama]