VR, AR, Wearables and the Future of Learning
Augmented reality (AR) is a live view of our environment augmented by digital data and/or objects. It combines digital information and media with our real-world environment. Augmented reality always includes some access to the actual environment while virtual reality blocks it out with a simulated environment. Initially used in military heads-up displays, it is now showing up in a range of consumer applications. It is finding use in the work environment for eLearning training and retail applications in shopping. Its potential use in learning is readily apparent.
In 2016, Pokemon Go became the first highly popular game to utilize rudimentary augmented reality.
Google Cardboard-like DIY kits are coming to market along with inexpensive headsets that rely on our Smartphones. Projects such as Google Tango allow room-mapping of interior spaces. Google, Facebook, and Apple are focusing on AR projects in 2017.
There are related developments in Mixed Reality where devices such as Microsoft HoloLens and Meta Smartglasses integrate virtual objects or holograms into the environment.
If you’ve been following the work of developer Abhishek Singh you know he’s done some amazing AR experiments. His latest one uses augmented reality to bring the well-known Looney Tunes cartoon characters, …
Read moreAR Experiment: Bringing Cartoon Characters into our lives
Google AR & VR is the new name for Google VR as its immersive tech initiatives turn to Augmented Reality. We expected to see new developments at the annual I/O Developer …
Of the retailers with brick and mortar storefronts, Zara has been one of the more innovative. Their latest move offers the option to shop through Augmented Reality. Globally, some 120 …
Read moreWill Zara change how we shop through Augmented Reality?
We already leave digital traces of ourselves everywhere (you can download your Facebook data if you need to check) but AR paintings and doodles could be next way we leave …
Read moreLeave your AR paintings anywhere with the Artopia app
You can take AR VR market predictions for what they’re worth. It’s not exactly flailing away at a pinata, but your crystal ball is cloudy at best. The rapidly changing immersive …
Read moreAR VR Market – 52% growth rate for the next five years
The NY Times app offers a fascinating experience of David Bowie’s costumes in AR. For The Times, it’s a step into a new form of storytelling, bringing parts of the “David …
If VR has its challenges as a social platform, the idea of collaborative Augmented Reality seems even more elusive. Both Apple’s ARKit and Google’s ARCore have been firmly rooted in …
Read moreCollaborative Augmented Reality from Blue Vision Labs
The International Committee of the Red Cross AR experience is simple but powerful in its message. It recreates a child’s room during wartime. You never see the soldiers, tanks, planes or other …
Read moreThe Red Cross AR Experience – a child’s room during wartime
When you focus on wearable AR Glasses, Kopin is probably not the company that first comes to mind. But they’ve got a long track record developing Augmented Reality devices for …
Read moreWearable AR Glasses from Kopin – the company you never heard of