Introduction to Augmented Reality
The world of augmented reality (AR) has been on a wild ride currently. At the start of the yr, things looked bleak when Google announced that it was stopping sales of its Glass headset. However, the long run of AR began looking brighter when Microsoft unveiled its HoloLens AR headset in late January. But what’s really occurring within the AR industry?
The Shift Away from Google’s Model
The truth is, even before Microsoft’s HoloLens was announced, the AR ecosystem was already moving away from Google’s idea of always-available wearable computing. Instead, AR headsets are being designed for specific tasks, moderately than being consistently worn. This shift was evident on the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where many of the capabilities of Microsoft’s HoloLens were already on display, albeit spread across several exhibitors.
Industrial and Enterprise Applications
At CES, corporations like Osterhaut Design Group and Epson were showcasing their AR headsets, which were primarily designed for industrial and enterprise use. For example, Osterhaut’s $5,000 industrial headset contains a binocular system that delivers graphics front and center, allowing users to modify between augmented reality and virtual reality. Epson’s Moverio BT-200 smart glasses, then again, were demonstrated with various AR applications, including ones geared toward field staff and government users.
Examples of AR Applications
One impressive demo was APX Labs’ Skylight system, which allowed field staff to access data and video of distant wind turbines just by looking of their direction. Another demo by Augumenta featured a hand-gesture recognition system, which may very well be used to manage virtual keyboards or industrial controls. Ngrain’s demo, meanwhile, allowed users to spotlight specific parts of a scale model and examine 3D representations of those parts. Scope AR’s demo, finally, provided virtual instructions for performing maintenance on a pump mechanism, complete with virtual tools and animations.
The Emergence of New Players
Microsoft’s HoloLens, while targeted at consumers, also emphasizes its usefulness for physical tasks. The headset contains a pair of ski-goggle-like design, which tracks eye movements, listens to voice commands, and follows hand gestures. While HoloLens is actually a powerful device, it isn’t the one player within the AR market. Other corporations, like OVSR, are also developing their very own AR headsets and gesture-detection sensors.
Conclusion
The AR industry could also be taking a detour through living-room entertainment and factory-floor maintenance before headsets develop into the universal portable networked computer. However, one thing is obvious: augmented reality is here to remain, and it should change the way in which we interact with the world. With the emergence of recent players and technologies, the long run of AR is looking brighter than ever. Whether it’s used for gaming, education, or industry, AR has the potential to revolutionize the way in which we live and work.
