The editor of IEEE Multimedia says that, far from being science fiction, real telepresence will be here in the early part of the next century. Just as 3D effects are now commonly available on personal computers (after being considered exotic just a few years ago), television will naturally evolve into telepresence, allowing you to be virtually present at a remote place via a combination of virtual reality, TV, 3D and networking. TV transmission and displays with 3D capability on multiple cameras will let you attend a meeting remotely and roam about the room. And after that? "The next objective might be the sense of smell," with touch and taste lying further in the future.

(R. Jain, "Real Telepresence," IEEE Multimedia Winter 95 p3)
Innovation@News.Scan.com 12/25/95

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