Introduction to Augmented Reality
Pokémon Go was the primary mainstream success for augmented reality, which is the overlaying of computer graphics over the true world, viewed through a smartphone. The game was launched in July 2016, and since then, players have collectively walked 12 billion miles on the hunt for the little monsters. However, one critical flaw crushed the illusion of “seeing” a Pikachu in front of you. If something got in the best way of your phone’s camera, the Pokémon could be rendered on top.
The Problem with Pokémon Go
The game’s creator, Niantic, acknowledged that this flaw breaks the illusion that the Pokémon actually exists on this planet. To solve this problem, Niantic has acquired Matrix Mill, a four-person company spun out of University College London. The terms of the acquisition haven’t been made public, but Niantic says the deal has the potential to make AR way more realistic.
How Matrix Mill’s Software Works
The easy option to solve the overlay problem is to have a tool with two cameras. Each lens can take a rather different image, and by combining the 2, a calculation will be made as to how far-off an object is. However, Matrix Mill’s software is designed to work with a smartphone that has just one camera lens. It makes a reasonably good guess about depth by recognizing an object, calculating how far-off it’s most certainly to be, and determining whether the Pokémon should appear in front or behind.
The Future of Augmented Reality
The technology allows Pikachu and other critters to vanish behind objects. The software sees an object, recognizes it, calculates how far-off it’s most certainly to be, and determines whether the Pokémon should appear in front or behind. This is a big improvement over the present technology utilized in Pokémon Go. The final result was demonstrated in a brief proof-of-concept clip shared by Niantic.
Niantic’s Next Major Title
Pokémon Go has been downloaded about 800 million times, nevertheless it is past its 2016 heyday. Niantic’s next major title will probably be a Harry Potter game. The game will draw on Pokémon Go by way of what worked about that game, but it is going to also explore latest gameplay mechanics and latest technology. The game will probably be a spot where players go outside, are drawn to latest places, and play along with friends.
Opening Up the Platform
Niantic can be working on multi-player experiences that can allow as much as eight players to interact in the identical augmented space. However, this idea is proscribed by the drawbacks of smartphone AR. A virtual world lacks immersion when viewed through a small screen. Niantic can be opening up its “real world” technology to outsiders, which implies the technology that powers Pokémon Go will probably be shared. This will allow other developers to create their very own AR games using Niantic’s technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Niantic’s acquisition of Matrix Mill and its decision to open up its platform to outsiders are significant developments on this planet of augmented reality. The latest technology has the potential to make AR more realistic and immersive, and it is going to be exciting to see what other developers create using Niantic’s platform. With the upcoming release of the Harry Potter game and the opening up of the platform, Niantic is poised to proceed to be a serious player on this planet of AR.
