Watching porn could become one of the most popular uses of virtual reality. Palmer Luckey, founder of Oculus VR, which is now owned by Facebook, said the firm would not aim to prevent the adult entertainment industry from using its technology.
Taking part in a panel discussion at the Silicon Valley Virtual Reality Conference in San Jose in California, he said: “The Rift is an open platform. We don’t control what software can run on it and that’s a big deal.”
Amir Rubin, chief executive of Sixense – a virtual reality software company – added that history showed pornography was a major driver behind new technology.
He said virtual reality could also be harnessed by big brands such as Victoria’s Secret by allowing users to browse their products before buying.
“If you go back in history and look at any new medium in the past, porn is a key driver,” he said. “Now for some reason, or for a good reason in Japan, VR in porn is big.
“A lot of people are working on it because it is going to make a lot of money. Can you imagine a virtual retail option for the Victoria’s Secret brand?”
The adult entertainment industry is already believed to be developing pornography that can be viewed through an Oculus Rift headset.
Sugar DVD – one of the largest online adult film rental sites – has been using 3D scanning technology to reproduce their porn stars in the virtual world.
Some companies have also been developing sex toys that can be used in conjunction with virtual reality devices.
Designers in Japan recently created a model with a fake pair of breasts fitted with pressure sensors that connects to an Oculus Rift headset.
When the wearer squeezes the model’s breasts, a virtual character squeals with shock and places her arms over her chest.
Another technology designed to work with the Oculus Rift uses a pressure-sensitive pillow to give users the sensation of placing their head in the lap of a woman. – Daily Mail