Virtual reality has officially arrived

Big news from the world of technology: Oculus Rift is here.

What is Oculus Rift? Basically, according to all the accounts, your entry ticket to the world of virtual reality. Instead of just observing the action, you are part of the action; navigating surreal landscapes or blasting aliens in deep space.

Of course, like most ground-breaking technologies, the cost to explore virtual worlds isn't cheap. Expect to shell out around $1,500 for the starter system.

Initial reviews are mixed, like this one. But most everyone agrees it's the start of something big, and will only get better, and more affordable. Hardcore gamers will be the first in line. And speaking of hardcore, the porn industry is getting their own VR products out there. They don't miss a trick, do they?

But VR isn't exactly a new concept. Remember the View-Master? Introduced in 1939, it utilized thin cardboard wheels with color images to achieve 3D effects, like you were on that African savannah, watching that lion. Check out the video above.

Google has launched their own version of that, using cardboard viewers and your smartphone -- here's an example. Not as sophisticated as Oculus, but also nowhere near the price.

The potential of VR is virtually limitless. One can only try to imagine the kind of immersive experiences coming soon to a headset near you. The fabled Holodeck of "Star Trek" fame may still be a reach, but with the pace of technology being what it is, you can't rule out anything.

Personally, I'm not sure VR can match the actual reality of walking on one of our beautiful Florida beaches and dipping our toes into the shimmering aqua blues of the Atlantic Ocean. That's just a few minutes away. And did I mention -- free?