Research on virtual environment technologies is just beginning to change the ways we use computers. Continued research will lead to applications that affect both our work and leisure. The article examines five major research areas: displays for presenting information to the user's visual, auditory and haptic senses; sensors and other technologies for transferring information from the user to the computer; software; human factors; and applications. For each area, we review worldwide research activities and highlight technology capabilities, both current and near term. The aim is to heighten appreciation, as well as guide further investigations of VE technologies, associated research and applications. >