The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, used machine learning to develop 'HotGestures'—analogous to the hot keys used in many desktop applications. HotGestures give users the ability to build figures and shapes in virtual reality without ever having to interact with a menu, helping them stay focused on a task without breaking their train of thought. The idea of being able to open and control tools in virtual reality has been a movie trope for decades, but the researchers say that this is the first time such a 'superhuman' ability has been made possible. The results are reported in the journal IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics. Virtual reality (VR) and related applications have been touted as game-changers for years, but outside of gaming, their promise has not fully materialized. Most users of desktop software will be familiar with the concept of hot keys—command shortcuts such as ctrl-c to copy and ctrl-v to paste.