Augmented Reality Technology
From entertainment and gaming to retail and education, augmented reality (AR) is being used in a number of industries to change the way we interact with the world around us. Augmented Reality technology allows users to superimpose digital content on top of the real world, creating a more immersive experience. This can be in the form of 3D images, sound, videos, and more. AR is still in its early stages, but there are already a number of AR technologies that are having a major impact on the world as we know it.
Outline
1. Introduction
2. What is augmented reality technology?
3. The potential of augmented reality technology
4. The different types of augmented reality technology
5. How augmented reality technology will change the world
6. The impact of augmented reality technology
7. The future of augmented reality technology
8. The benefits of augmented reality technology
9. The challenges of augmented reality technology
10. Augmented reality technology trends to watch out for
1. Introduction
Augmented reality technology (AR) merges the virtual world with the real world by incorporating interactive computer graphics into our environment, allowing us to interact with computer content in ways that feel natural and intuitive. Augmented reality technology can be used in numerous areas of life, from gaming to education to construction and even military purposes, but it’s become an especially important part of the marketing industry due to its ability to connect directly with customers using smartphones and smart glasses. Here’s an introduction to this exciting new technology that’s changing how we see the world around us.
2. What is augmented reality technology?
A live direct or indirect view of augmented reality occurs when components of the actual, real-world situation are augmented with computer-generated sensory input, like sound, video, graphics, or GPS data. It is connected to a broader idea known as “mediated reality,” in which a computer modifies (perhaps even diminishes instead of augments) one’s perception of reality. Augmented reality technology is therefore an overlay of the world we see around us onto our vision. AR technology has been improving exponentially in recent years and applications for it seem limitless; from games to education, retailing to travel and much more besides.
The simplest form of AR is when text appears overtop your real world – think Pokémon Go! but with advertising instead of monsters. Most notably, this can be seen in cinemas where products are advertised on the screen during films. Another popular example is with SnapChat’s ‘Geofilters’. These are overlays that can be used to add additional information about where you’re located and what’s nearby. A key difference b/w AR technology and VR technology is that augmented realities combine their augmentation into your field of vision while virtual realities create an artificial environment that surrounds you.
3. The potential of augmented reality technology
Just a few years ago, augmented reality technology was considered to be either outlandish or downright unbelievable. However, as our world has become so interconnected with the use of both computers and smart phones, we have not only found that augmented reality technology is feasible but also are already seeing its potential benefits.
Augmented reality technology can be applied in many different contexts. For instance, it could be used in real-world application by doctors who could be able to visualize body organs on their computer screens while they were doing surgery or who could send emails that would contain video content when they are connected to wireless networks. It could also help with training, being able to show people new skills without putting them in an actual situation.
4. The different types of augmented reality technology
One of the main ways augmented reality technology is able to be seen is through headsets, like Microsoft’s HoloLens. By wearing a headset, the user can see digital images over what they’re seeing in real life and also interact with them. Different types of augmented reality technology are also able to be seen without headsets as well, such as smart phones and tablets. For example, an application called Layar uses QR codes to show people different objects and points of interest in the world around them.
The interface that they use seems kind of like a map on their phone or tablet’s screen but it actually shows different buildings and other points of interest in their proximity. Another way augmented reality technology is used without headsets is by using 3D printers. A person can design something using computer software and then have it printed out using a 3D printer, making things that weren’t previously possibly become tangible items. Augmented reality technology has come a long way since its early days; for now, we’ll just have to wait and see how far the future takes us!
5. How augmented reality technology will change the world
Augmented reality technology is a term that refers to technologies that enhance the experience of a user. In fact, augmented reality was first coined in 1990. Imagine the day where things you see and do in your life are enhanced with additional digital content seamlessly projected into your environment? This concept, originally called augmented reality, has been demonstrated for a number of different purposes: entertainment, information access, and business use (to name a few).
Technology is growing at such an exponential rate that many futurists believe augmented reality technology will eventually become ubiquitous — meaning it will be everywhere and used by everyone. It is likely augmented reality technology will change the world in much the same way as computers and smartphones have changed our lives. It’s easy to see how augmented reality technology might one day revolutionize everything from education to shopping, transportation, medicine and more. The possibilities really are endless!
6. The impact of augmented reality technology
The augmented reality technology has experienced exponential growth, with more than 120 million users downloading the app. If a user sees a public landmark and wants to know more about it, they can simply open up their app to get all the information they need. A team of museum curators in London created AR content to offer information on items in their display cases that are often not labeled in English. The technology is being used to fight human trafficking by allowing law enforcement officers to quickly identify human traffickers by reading text messages and browsing social media accounts on suspects’ phones. With so many ways for augmented reality technology to improve our world, its impact will only continue to grow in years ahead.
When people hear augmented reality technology or see how apps like Pokémon Go work, many people assume it’s something new or experimental. In fact, AR technology is neither new nor experimental; it has existed since engineers experimented with incorporating computer graphics into live video feeds in 1991. While early uses were limited mostly to research and military applications, augmented reality technology had its breakout moment when Google launched Google Glass in 2013 (since discontinued). Nowadays, most people own smartphones and use apps such as Snapchat without giving much thought to how augmented reality technology powers them.
7. The future of augmented reality technology
In a recent interview with CNET, Sumit Goyal discussed the potential for augmented reality to become commonplace in our lives. According to Goyal, augmented reality allows you to see virtual objects as if they were real. It’s been applied in some areas including gaming, where it could allow for more immersive games and help users create 3D spaces within a room; or e-commerce, which could make shopping easier by allowing consumers to see exactly what an item would look like on them before they buy it.
In the future, augmented reality technology may enable those without expertise to work out how an object will look on them just by putting on a pair of glasses. One application is that augmented reality technology could be used in physical stores to show clothes on a customer, rather than just having the customer try things on themselves. The idea is that when customers go into shops, they might not have time to browse so much but instead have their image taken and then pop on the glasses – showing them clothes that suit their body shape (e.g., slim) or that are fashionable right now (e.g., dark colors).
8. The benefits of augmented reality technology
AR is a revolutionary technology that allows you to see life through a new lens. With Augmented Reality technology, the possibilities are endless. For example, you could use this type of technology in education to allow students to experience ancient civilizations firsthand by placing them in reconstructed environments. Other potential uses include: factory assembly instructions, historical reenactments and even surgery tutorials. As augmented reality continues to become more accessible and common throughout our society, it is evident that this type of technology has the potential to make our lives significantly better than they already are. Not only can augmented reality technology be used for entertainment purposes but also as an educational tool.
9. The challenges of augmented reality technology
There are numerous challenges of augmented reality technology that need to be considered before making the decision to develop an AR product. From a technical standpoint, development will take months and will require expert knowledge in areas such as computer vision, 3D graphics, and video analysis. There are also considerable costs involved with creating a project. In addition to staff costs for software engineers, programmers, developers and graphic designers, one needs to consider the expense of equipment and resources such as computers, tablets or other devices used for testing and debugging.
One major cost is the expense of hiring professional coders and programmers because they are expensive to train and retain. Another obstacle is designing the content (e.g., avatar or avatar head) which will dictate how much memory is needed on the device which may not be able to store enough content locally if there is no Internet connection available. The last challenge is time: Developing augmented reality technology requires time for research, experimentation, and iteration so it can result in polished final product with bug-free features.
A last obstacle worth mentioning about augmented reality technology is compatibility across platforms: It may not work seamlessly across all devices even though most now have 3D displays due to different hardware capabilities including processor speeds, RAM size, display resolution, wireless connectivity etc…
10. Augmented reality technology trends to watch out for
Virtual reality is one of the hottest trends right now. Other augmented reality technology is also a hot commodity, as we’re entering an era where video games and gaming are going to become more immersive than ever before. Some trends that AR tech investors should keep an eye on include:
- Selfridges department store in London has created a way for customers to try clothes without touching them by using iPads to display different outfits on their body. This has saved the store from creating mannequins or changing rooms which saves time and money while still allowing people to experience their clothing choices before they buy them. – An app called HoloPlay uses augmented reality technology to turn your living room into a 3D videogame environment. In addition, it provides viewers with interactive features such as playing music with your fingers.
- The BeautyPlus app takes photos of you and then applies filters like makeup or background changes so you can see what you would look like if you were wearing those items.
- A company called Lumus OAO manufactures augmented reality glasses which may eventually replace all screens on computers and phones due to their ability to provide images brighter than any other screen available today.