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 2020.
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.
Practical applications of AR were initially developed for military heads-up displays, long before its appearance in consumer applications. Creating consumer-friendly AR Glasses has remained a challenge due to design factors, lens technology, and battery life. In the meantime, Google Cardboard-like DIY kits are available along with a few inexpensive headsets that rely on our Smartphones. 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.
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.
Jump Simulation is distributing a wonderful AR activity book to children at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. The 22-page, 3-D interactive coloring-activity book focuses on anatomy and relies on an AR app on a Smartphone. …
If any company can grasp the potential of AR play spaces, it has to the privately held Danish firm LEGO®. They understand how to create compelling experiences for kids and adults. Even the splash page of …
At the Google I/O conference last spring, we were promised AR Google Maps – augmented reality directions on the one app we all find indispensable. It’s been a long wait, and it’s not over yet. But the …
Read more AR Google Maps – Lessons for our Future Smart Glasses
After seeing the latest video from Microsoft, it’s clear the new HoloLens 2 will be released on February 24. Expect to see it at the Microsoft event at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Usually, we don’t …
Read more Our prediction: New HoloLens 2 will be Released on Feb 24th
Madefire’s new app for the Magic Leap One is a fascinating development. It’s not just that you can watch 3D comics through a ground-breaking headset. It’s that you can publish your own comics in Mixed Reality. …
Read more Madefire’s Comics in Mixed Reality for the Magic Leap One
We’re on our way to the Sundance VR program at the popular film festival in Park City. We’ll have some reflections later this weekend and next week (assuming my fingers aren’t too cold to type) once …
Read more Sundance VR program experiments with Mixed Reality and AI
After a string of dismal predictions and much hand-wringing last year, it turns out that VR grew by 30% in 2018. The latest report by market analyst Superdata suggests that things aren’t as bad as many …
The Weather Channel is at it again. They’ve done another weather in mixed reality episode to convey the power of the winter storm that’s blanketed much of the U.S. this weekend (all except New York City, where …
Read more The weather in Mixed Reality from the Weather Channel
A couple of interesting projects surfaced recently involving VR and cars. One is based on patents from the ride-sharing service Lyft, the other from Audi’s announcement at CES 2019. Both are fascinating for how they could redefine …
Read more VR and cars – are you ready to drive around in Virtual Reality?