CNET UK tech investigations: How to look at the back of your own head

Since the dawn of time, man has desired to see the back of his own head without the aid of reflective surfaces. Thanks to some natty eyewear, the dream has become reality...

Luke Westaway

Luke Westaway is a senior editor at CNET and writer/ presenter of Adventures in Tech, a thrilling gadget show produced in our London office. Luke's focus is on keeping you in the loop with a mix of video, features, expert opinion and analysis.

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Luke Westaway

July 22, 2010 10:22 a.m. PT

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Here at CNET UK we're always looking for new and innovative ways to improve our lives through technology. One innovation we can't wait for is in-eye augmented reality, and brilliant ocular bionic enhancements that will render our rubbish squashy human eyes hopelessly obsolete.

The only problem is, we really can't wait. So we've come up with a rather brilliant workaround that will propel your vision to superhuman levels using nothing more than, er, some weird TV glasses and a camcorder we nicked off our video team. Without further ado, we implore you to click through our photo story as we exclusively reveal The CNET UK Guide to Looking at the Back of your Own Head.

For this rigorous, peer-reviewed experiment, we used the Vuzix Wrap 920, a very tasty pair of shades that project a virtual screen in front of your eyes. Vuzix reckons this particular model simulates a 67-inch display as seen from 3 metres. We're not sure we quite got that impression, but we can report that they work, and project a reasonably clear image for your viewing pleasure.

Into these we plugged the Sony HVR-Z1E, an HD-shooting behemoth that the good folks at Sony have since discontinued. Just about any other camcorder will do however, so don't worry too much, okay?

Is this the future? We certainly think so. Have a click through the gallery above and let us know what you think in the comments or on our Facebook wall.*

*Comments pertaining to our abundance of free time will not be tolerated. This is done in the name of science.

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To start with, you're going to need some video eyewear. These babies will set you back around £260.

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Here you can see the back of the Wrap 920s, and the two tiny lenses through which the virtual screen is visible.

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Next you'll need a great big camcorder. Cost: £5,000 or thereabouts.

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You will also need: one Ian Morris, home cinema guru and all-round champion of men.

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Next, using the mystical powers of science, we connect the 920s to the camcorder... The tension is palpable.

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Voila! The camcorder is now outputting a video feed to the specs! Our glamorous assistant dons the whole setup and triumphantly lifts his new eyes aloft. Cost: your dignity.

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Ian grins with unbridled glee as he uses this new power to examine the back of his head, something his useless organic eyes could never achieve.

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The applications for this technology are limitless. Marvel as Ian gets a closeup on his chin while shaving...

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...and looks for stuff under his desk without the arduous pain of bending his back.

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Ian can also check for rampaging video crew members (looking for their camcorder back) before turning a corner. Safety first!

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CNET UK's mobile phone expert looks on with raging jealousy as Ian uses the camcorder's zoom to spy on his colleagues from afar.

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Here Ian's attention drifts, and yet his visual field remains tightly focused on his chat. The technology is so seamless that GameSpot UK's Guy Cocker hasn't noticed anything is different.

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The setup can even improve productivity. To the untrained eye, Ian appears to be working hard on his emails (over on the right) while in fact he is enjoying watching Keyboard Cat on YouTube. Very sneaky indeed, Mr Morris!