IBM's Virtual Forbidden City - Would you go all-virtual?

I told a friend, jokingly I assure you, how to respond to someone who suggested getting together: If you don't want to get with her, tell her you've gone all-virtual and have no physical presence anymore.

Silly, of course. But I believe some of us will have that opportunity, if we live another 30 to 50 years. Whether you would choose to discard your physicality altogether and live in a digital, virtual world is another matter, but you or your children may get a chance to choose just that.

Along the way, here's a fascinating new entry into the virtual world:

The Virtual Forbidden City is a 3-dimensional virtual world where visitors from around the world can experience the Forbidden City in Beijing. You can explore the magnificient palace as it was during the Qing dynasty, which ruled from 1644 until 1912, the end of the Imperial period in China.

The Forbidden City was created to embody the idea of the emperor as the center of the universe, and to evoke a visceral sense of his power. This huge palace complex was completed in 1420 and covers more than 72 hectares (178 acres). It contains hundreds and hundreds of exquisite buildings and historic artifacts. Now, using virtual world technology, you can experience the awe inspired by this vast and amazing space. And rather than experiencing its wonders in isolation, the Virtual Forbidden City allows you to see and interact with other users and a range of helpful automated characters. As you explore the Virtual Forbidden City, you can choose to simply observe the buzz of activity, or you can take tours and participate in activities that provide insights into important aspects of Qing culture.

Check it out here .


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