Introduction to Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) is a visible modification technology that overlays virtual imaging on top of the natural world across the user. It is comparable to Virtual Reality (VR), but while VR is entirely digitized, AR integrates with the actual world. Both have extensive uses in gaming, videography, logistics, and other industries which have began to field-test possible applications.
A Brief History of AR
The concept of displaying augmented imaging over a real-world image isn’t latest. Oakley, the sports sunglasses manufacturer, has been working on projecting images over clear lenses since 1997. The tech made its first significant debut when Google announced its project Google Glass in 2011. Although Google Glass didn’t take off, the technology itself remains to be very much alive.
The Prevalence of AR
Most of us are getting a each day dose of AR without even realizing it. Snapchat and Instagram filters, the Pokémon Go! app, and in-store retail apps all use AR technology. Many of us also pass by digital billboards on our commutes, which also engage basic AR applications. Despite the prevalence of those technologies, people still aren’t viewing AR as a mainstream tech product. However, Apple CEO Tim Cook believes that AR might be really great and thinks there’s an ideal industrial opportunity for it.
The Future of AR
As latest AR products are developed by firms like Apple and Microsoft, the industry will proceed to achieve traction with latest consumer demographics. A fast take a look at the roster of AR innovation at CES 2018 shows there may be a growing ecosystem that may eventually support widespread adoption. However, there are three key areas that must be addressed before AR will change into a household commodity.
Key Areas for Improvement
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is an important aspect of AR technology. No one desires to wear a pair of goggles on their head during their each day routine. The same applies to boxy AR glasses which can be housing oversized technology. Clifford Gross, Ph.D., CEO of Lucyd, argues that the dimensions and weight of the glasses must be addressed. Smart glasses could easily replace smartphones and tablets as our regular information interface, but until a pair of AR smart glasses can mix in addition to some other pair of glasses with a user’s style, their popularity won’t take off.
Basic Utility
Computer programmers and developers have an industry term called “feature creep,” which refers back to the consistent addition of latest features and utilities to software. The possibilities with AR are limitless, but the typical consumer isn’t seeking to push tech boundaries immediately. Average Joes want smart glasses with basic features like calling and chat functions, GPS capability, and social media engagement. To change into a more mainstream product, AR developers should concentrate on the essential points of a sensible device and expand into experimental features later.
Corrective Lenses
75 percent of Americans use glasses or some type of corrective lenses today. With three-quarters of the population in need of corrective lenses, it’s surprising that only a few AR manufacturers currently offer this feature. Prescription glasses have long been in existence, begging the query of why Rx-integration into smart glasses has taken so long. Gross says that corrective lenses might be implemented with free-form optics, enabling custom, stylistic designs that allow for the incorporation of prescription lenses.
What’s Next for AR
Manufacturers are putting countless hours into perfecting each aspect of those devices. The monotonous development tasks could make it easy for engineers to gloss over a few of these wonderful details, especially in the event that they aren’t pondering from a user’s perspective. Features like slim, personalized design and prescription lens incorporation will not be probably the most exciting task for product developers, but they’re essential encompasses a smart device needs if there’s any hope of AR being incorporated by most of the people.
Conclusion
Augmented reality is gaining ground, with projections of revenue increasing by ten times its current amount by 2020. In order to sustain that growth and avoid the mistakes of past AR ventures, manufacturers have to concentrate on three key areas: ergonomics, basic utility, and corrective lenses. By addressing these areas, AR technology can change into a mainstream product that buyers and industrial users can rally around. With its potential to integrate with the actual world and improve our each day lives, AR is an exciting technology that is certainly price keeping track of.
