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Microsoft Plans VR Simulation of Everything?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the ok-readers-why-is-this-one-evil dept.

Ian Lamont writes "Microsoft recently updated ESP, a virtual reality modeling platform that until now has primarily been used to model aircraft and flight simulations. Microsoft has plans to expand it to other industries such as real estate and urban planning, but one of the most interesting possibilities could be what one observer refers to as a 'simulation of everything,' based on Virtual Earth and perhaps even user-generated content. Indeed, Microsoft's research chief has been promoting the idea of commerce applications and other tools built on top of what he calls the 'Spatial Web', a blend of 3D, video, and location-aware technologies. He gave an example of a shopkeeper creating 3D models of his store's interior and goods with Photosynth and then uploading the results into a large 3D model of local shopping district. Customers could 'visit' the area, browse products, and order them for real-world delivery."

16 of 217 comments (clear)

  1. Wow! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Think of all the por... uhh, possibilities!

  2. And the codeword for the project is... by Lorens · · Score: 2, Funny

    the Matrix

    1. Re:And the codeword for the project is... by TypoNAM · · Score: 5, Funny

      Neo: If you're blue screened in the matrix, you die here?
      Morpheus: The body cannot live without the mind

      --
      This space is not for rent.
  3. Simulations of simulations? by kvezach · · Score: 4, Funny

    In order to be a simulation of everything, it has to contain a simulation of itself, too; and then it has to contain a simulation of a simulation of itself... infinite descent! Only Microsoft would think they could manage that in finite space :-)

    1. Re:Simulations of simulations? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Hmm. I wonder -- could they create a simulation of all worlds that don't simulate themselves?

  4. Re:I've never understood this sort of thing by lxs · · Score: 4, Funny

    Did you really think that Microsoft Bob could be killed that easily?

  5. Re:hmm by sveard · · Score: 4, Funny

    Blue Syringe of Death

  6. That's easy by Shakrai · · Score: 2, Funny

    How many atoms would it require to construct silicon chips to simulate every atom on the earth? In the universe?

    42

    --
    I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
    We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
  7. I've been dreaming about this for decades by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    I seriously can't wait to play GTA:8 - my neighborhood. Without getting in trouble this time.

  8. Yes, by sveard · · Score: 4, Funny

    But does it simulate linux?

    (these posts almost write themselves, so easy!)

  9. Competition. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Now VRML has a serious competitor! Oh, wait...

  10. Re:I've never understood this sort of thing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    So you want to make sure the carpet matches the curtains?

  11. Bill and Jerry... by ethicalBob · · Score: 2, Funny

    So THAT'S what those Microsoft ads with Gates and Jerry Seinfeld were about; A Show about Nothing in a Simulation of Everything...

    No wonder they made no sense...

    --
    Politics will sooner or later make fools of everybody... - Dick Armey
  12. Re:I've just had a nightmare by Coraon · · Score: 2, Funny

    awww, test subject T4417-C, you were doing so well you bought into the simulation so well...ok guys time to terminate this test subject.

    --
    -Ours is the wisdom of Solomon, the magic of Merlyn, the fall of Icaris.
  13. Re:I've never understood this sort of thing by theJML · · Score: 2, Funny

    Or the Upholstery.... http://www.xkcd.com/508/

    --
    -=JML=-
  14. Re:I've never understood this sort of thing by interploy · · Score: 2, Funny

    One can only hope it's old ladies shopping. When I read "simulations of everything" and "user-generated content" I immediately thought of the time I first discovered "Furry Island" in Second Life. The horror...