Bootcamp: Computer Games

Playing computer games? Use your head.

It will make you look like a creature from a sci-fi flick. A new device for your head....that works like a joystick. The UR Gear headset is from a company called Union Reality... where Graeme Mitchell says... the idea came from research into technology to help people with disabilities...

"It's got a control device just above your forehead and two ear pieces and a microphone...so my five year old thinks he's more like a spaceman in it. It's fun...it's very lightweight...and the idea of it is ...it plugs into your gaming port and it enables you to be the character. If, for example, you're playing Jedi Knight or Quake ....and with your headset on, it enables you to maneuver your way around the screen just as you would with a joystick...but in fact you are using your head."

An infrared sensor on the monitor...detects when you turn your head left or right...up or down. And a hand controller is what you use for firing or other movements. The price...about 99 dollars. You have to be pretty serious about gaming...but as Mitchell says...

"It puts you in the game. I suppose a well worn expression....putting you in the picture."

Even if the thing looks pretty silly on your head.