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Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) enhances our environment by overlaying it with digital data and objects. AR is already transforming social media with Snap and Facebook at the forefront of AR modifications of selfies and landscape images. Both Apple and Google have developed innovative AR platforms (ARKit and ARCore) which are precursors the operating systems of future AR Glasses that will most likely be available in 2022.

In 2016, Pokemon Go became the first highly popular game to utilize a rudimentary form of augmented reality. Its ability to shape human behavior even then says much about the power of gaming as it does AR applications.

Augmented Reality is the opposite end in the spectrum of immersive technologies, linking digital information to specific activities or locations in the physical world. At its most basic, it requires physical proximity to a location, sometimes using markers or QR codes (though these have fallen out of favor). The mobile game Pokemon Go developed and published by Niantic in 2016 and Snap’s filters are examples of highly-popular basic augmented reality applications. They overlay digital content onto the user’s vision, superimposing images on the real world displayed on the user’s phone (Snap also sells low-cost AR glasses). 

More advanced forms of Augmented Reality use sophisticated displays and geo-location technologies to render digital data and images in heads-up displays designed for the construction, engineering, and the military. The use of augmented reality by the public and in education has grown rapidly with the introduction of innovative AR platforms (Apple’s ARKit and Google’s ARCore) which are precursors to the operating systems of future AR Glasses that will likely be available in 2022. The use of Augmented Reality remains limited by the need to use a handheld device (a smartphone or tablet) for AR experiences. AR glasses are available, but they are generally expensive and focus on specific use-cases (ex., Vuzix glasses for industrial applications and logistics). 

Augmented Reality Developments

Augmented Reality Glasses high-end models are available

Practical applications of Augmented Reality were initially developed for military heads-up displays, long before its appearance in consumer applications. Creating consumer-friendly AR Glasses remains a challenge due to design factors, lens technology, user interface, and battery life. Google’s Project Tango, which offered room-mapping of interior spaces, was originally designed as an AR platform only to be replaced by ARCore once the focus turned to the use of AR on Smartphones.

AR in Organizations and Education

Augmented Reality is already finding use in the work environment for eLearning training and retail applications in shopping. It has vast potential in K-12 and Higher Education learning environments but is still waiting on the release of user-friendly AR Glasses.

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Categories Augmented Reality, VR News

CES 2021: What to Expect at the First-Ever Virtual Show

January 10, 2021January 10, 2021
CES 2021 is now an all-virtual event. We are covering the new developments in VR and AR.

For the first time ever, the massive Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas will be a virtual event due to the pandemic. All the AR / VR and other hardware demos at …

Read more CES 2021: What to Expect at the First-Ever Virtual Show

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality

Our Top Ten AR/VR Articles in 2020

January 1, 2021January 1, 2021
Here are the Top Ten AR/VR Articles for 2020 from Digital Bodies in 2020

Here are the Top Ten AR/VR Articles in 2020 from Digital Bodies. This has been a year – and with the tragedy of the global pandemic, it’s a year we are ready …

Read more Our Top Ten AR/VR Articles in 2020

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality

Halloween in AR and VR During a Time of Social Distancing

November 2, 2020October 29, 2020
Halloween in AR and VR. With the pandemic canceling traditional events, we'll have to do our Halloween scares in augmented and virtual reality.

The calendar has rolled around, and once again, it is Halloween night in the West Village in New York City. Usually, this evening has one of the most massive parades for the …

Read more Halloween in AR and VR During a Time of Social Distancing

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Zapbox AR: A Solution for Inexpensive Augmented Reality?

October 25, 2020October 23, 2020
The new ZapBox AR headset might be an inexpensive solution for Augmented Reality.

One aspect of the AR/VR revolution that deeply concerns us is the Digital Divide. Just when it seems that a significant portion of the world’s population is finally getting access to a …

Read more Zapbox AR: A Solution for Inexpensive Augmented Reality?

Digital Bodies »

Categories Art, Augmented Reality

Jenny Holzer AR Art Debuts at the University of Chicago

October 5, 2020
Jenny Holzer AR art debuts October 5 at the University of Chicago.

The Jenny Holzer AR art app debuts today at the University of Chicago. The work of the well-known conceptual artist is well suited for augmented reality. She began in New York in …

Read more Jenny Holzer AR Art Debuts at the University of Chicago

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality, VR News

Watch the Facebook Connect 2020 Conference – Sept. 16

September 17, 2020September 16, 2020
Join us for the Facebook Connect 2020 conference live stream with the latest VR news on the Oculus Quest, Facebook Horizon, and AR developments.

Join us Wednesday, September 16th, at 10:00 am PDT for a live stream of the Facebook Connect 2020 conference. We will be following and highlighting the latest Facebook developments in VR, AR, …

Read more Watch the Facebook Connect 2020 Conference – Sept. 16

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Design a Room with Amazon’s New AR Shopping Tool

September 12, 2020August 26, 2020
Amazon's New AR Shopping Tool let's you fill your home with virtual objects.

Several home furnishing retailers now let you try out a piece of furniture in augmented reality, placing it in your home to see if it fits with your space and decor. The …

Read more Design a Room with Amazon’s New AR Shopping Tool

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Nreal Light AR Glasses Finally Available to Consumers

August 12, 2020
Nreal Light AR Glasses finally available to consumers.

After a long wait, the Nreal Light AR Glasses will finally be available to consumers – if you happen to live in South Korea. According to the company, access will expand to …

Read more Nreal Light AR Glasses Finally Available to Consumers

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Categories Augmented Reality

An AR Running App and Glasses for a COVID-19 World

August 5, 2020August 5, 2020
AR running app and augmented reality glasses by Ghost Pacer

Being outside is clearly safer than standing in a crowded bar with your friends during a global pandemic, but running outdoors brings its own set of challenges. Ghost Pacer, an AR running …

Read more An AR Running App and Glasses for a COVID-19 World

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Creating AR Stories for the Future

July 23, 2020
Creating AR Stories Session at the Learning HuMan Conference

Following our Humersive Learning Project session at the Learning (Hu)Man conference, we are doing an AR Storytelling session on Friday, July 24th, at 10:15 am PDT / 1:15 pm EDT. The session, …

Read more Creating AR Stories for the Future

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

LG AR Glasses may be coming in 2021

September 10, 2020July 22, 2020
LG AR Glasses may be coming in 2021.

Will we see a pair of LG AR Glasses in 2021? It’s the latest in a series of augmented and virtual reality devices rumored to show up by next year. We’re weathering …

Read more LG AR Glasses may be coming in 2021

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Report: Apple AR Device Testing Getting Underway

July 13, 2020
Apple AR Device testing getting underway

A report from The Information brings news that Apple AR device testing is underway. This doesn’t mean Apple has a fully designed prototype but that the essential element – the AR lenses …

Read more Report: Apple AR Device Testing Getting Underway

Digital Bodies »

Categories Art, Augmented Reality

Nancy Baker Cahill’s Remarkable AR Liberty Bell for July 4th

September 21, 2020July 3, 2020
AR Liberty Bell artwork at the site of the Boston Tea Party by Nancy Baker Cahill

Nancy Baker Cahill’s AR Liberty Bell for the 4th of July holiday is her latest experiment in using augmented reality for public art. The work uses an abstract shape that echoes the …

Read more Nancy Baker Cahill’s Remarkable AR Liberty Bell for July 4th

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Snap’s AR Platform Expands With New Features

June 23, 2020June 23, 2020
Snap's AR Platform continues to innovate with voice discovery, local lenses, and partnerships with Hollywood studios.

Snap continually surprises us. Their AR Glasses project didn’t exactly take off, even though they’ve now released three versions of the wearable. But they continue to innovate with their AR platform, releasing …

Read more Snap’s AR Platform Expands With New Features

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality, Wearables

Audio AR Glasses – Bose Ends its Augmented Reality Project

June 17, 2020
Bose's audio AR Glasses cancelled.

Bose has shut down its audio AR Glasses, ending yet another innovative project in wearable technology. They first released the stylish pair of AR sunglasses at the SXSW Festival two years ago. …

Read more Audio AR Glasses – Bose Ends its Augmented Reality Project

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

XR Glasses Coming in Five Years According to Qualcomm

June 2, 2020June 1, 2020
XR Glasses coming first as AR Viewers and then as standalone devices.

Everyone wants to know when AR / Mixed Reality Glasses will arrive. But you might want to set aside the guessing games and listen to Qualcomm. The massive chipmaker already supplies most …

Read more XR Glasses Coming in Five Years According to Qualcomm

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

New Apple Glasses: A ‘Sleek as Hell” Device in 2021

June 1, 2020May 18, 2020
New Apple Glasses may launch as early as 2021.

Rumors continue to swirl around a release date for the new Apple Glasses. The AR or Mixed Reality wearable could be out as early as next year. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who …

Read more New Apple Glasses: A ‘Sleek as Hell” Device in 2021

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Categories Augmented Reality

Coronavirus Fighting AR Glasses take your Temperature

May 5, 2020May 3, 2020

Coronavirus fighting AR Glasses are a fascinating augmented reality development. There are obvious use-cases for an AR device like this and a host of ethical implications, especially when government agencies start using …

Read more Coronavirus Fighting AR Glasses take your Temperature

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Apple Card AR Concept – Your Balance Info in Augmented Reality

April 15, 2020
Apple Card AP project reveals what augmented reality can do.

Here’s a fascinating Apple Card AR concept project that would provide your card balances and transactions through augmented reality. The project is by AR VR product designer Volodymyr Kurbatov and not done …

Read more Apple Card AR Concept – Your Balance Info in Augmented Reality

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Check Out Snap’s AR Lens for COVID-19 Donations

April 10, 2020
AR Lens for COVID-19 Donations

We may not spend a lot of time wearing our Snap Spectacles these days, but we’re always intrigued by the company’s AR projects. One of the latest is their new AR lens …

Read more Check Out Snap’s AR Lens for COVID-19 Donations

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

AR Reading App Offers Free Content During Coronavirus

April 4, 2020
AR reading app Wonderscope from Within offers new ways to teach reading.

High schools and higher education may be rushing to embrace online learning (despite the zoombombing and privacy issues along the way), but it’s not so simple in primary schools. With almost 1.5 …

Read more AR Reading App Offers Free Content During Coronavirus

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Coronavirus Ends Facebook’s AR Reviews

March 24, 2020March 21, 2020
Facebook's AR Reviews suspended due to the Coronavirus.

As companies shut down and ask all but essential workers to stay home, Facebook’s AR reviews have been suspended. Given the effect of the Coronavirus on our economy, health, and even our …

Read more Coronavirus Ends Facebook’s AR Reviews

Digital Bodies »

Categories Art, Augmented Reality

KAWS’s AR Art Sculptures Ideal for Coronavirus Pandemic

May 6, 2020March 16, 2020
KAWS's AR Art Sculptures Ideal for a Coronavirus Pandemic.

As society shudders to a halt with the Coronavirus, the artist KAWS AR art sculptures may be the safest way to experience groundbreaking art this month. Virtual Reality may be challenged in …

Read more KAWS’s AR Art Sculptures Ideal for Coronavirus Pandemic

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Shop in Augmented Reality? Now You Can Through Apple

March 2, 2020February 17, 2020
shop in augmented reality with Apple

Despite Apple taking its time to develop AR Glasses, you can now shop in augmented reality through the company’s Quick Look platform. The AR platform has been around since 2018 and gives …

Read more Shop in Augmented Reality? Now You Can Through Apple

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Categories Augmented Reality, Future

Octi: An AR Social Platform Ahead of its Time

January 26, 2020January 26, 2020
Octi's AR Social Platform breaks new ground

Let’s take a look at Octi, the world’s first AR social platform. You might think what we’re thinking, that the world isn’t quite ready for an AR social network. We just don’t …

Read more Octi: An AR Social Platform Ahead of its Time

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Mojo Vision’s AR Contact Lenses for your Eyes

January 22, 2020January 21, 2020
AR contact lenses from Mojo Visions - a glimpse of the future

If Mojo Vision’s AR contact lenses don’t spur you into thinking about the future, we’re not sure what will. The company is working on AR displays so small you won’t notice them …

Read more Mojo Vision’s AR Contact Lenses for your Eyes

Digital Bodies »

Categories Augmented Reality

Samsung’s AR Glasses Revealed at CES 2020

January 8, 2020
Samsung's AR Glasses help kickoff CES 2020.

Here’s an easy prediction to make about the (near-term) future. We’ll see all of the major players release augmented reality devices. Samsung’s AR glasses may have beaten everyone else to the starting …

Read more Samsung’s AR Glasses Revealed at CES 2020

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Consulting Services

During this time of isolation due to the pandemic, we can help you engage students and clients through AR, VR, and innovative online collaboration tools. Take a look at our consulting services and featured talks.

We offer talks highlighting augmented and virtual reality developments, future trends, design thinking sessions, and provide experiential workshops for education, nonprofit and corporate clients.

About Digital Bodies

Digital Bodies provides news and analysis of VR, AR, and AI and how these developments will impact education and society. The convergence of these technologies will transform how we communicate, learn, understand the world, and ourselves. We focus on a future where experiences will be available on demand, and the boundary between the real and the virtual disappear – and all that these developments imply for education and human experience.  The possibilities are exciting, the ethical challenges profound. 

Have a tip or a story for us? Working on an innovative project in XR or related technologies? Please get in touch!

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