Defying Reality: The Inside Story of the Virtual Reality Revolution

Forbes contributing editor Ewalt (Of Dice and Men) charts the history of virtual reality and projects the future of the technology in this solid overview. Ewalt builds a strong case that one day virtual reality will be as ubiquitous as television and upend a wide variety of industries in addition to entertainment, such as retail and health care. The bulk of the book focuses on the Oculus Rift VR headset and explains why it has endured while attempts by tech companies such as Sony, Google, and HTC haven’t found large audiences for a mix of reasons related to timing and design. Basing his account on interviews with Oculus founder and former CEO Palmer Luckey, Ewalt discusses Luckey’s childhood interest in video game systems and science fiction movies, and how those influenced his early prototypes. The descriptions of the breadth of VR experiences—fantastic environments, films, pornography—will draw readers in. This breezy foray into an emerging technology is like a beach book for tech enthusiasts—it’s quick and never dull. (July)