AR is Poised to Transform the World of Technology - Jenn Ryan

AR is Poised to Transform the World of Technology

Virtual and augmented reality technologies are set to change how, where, and why we use digital devices.

Over the past year, tech writers and enthusiasts have been arguing about which technology will come out on top: Virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR)? Both of these technologies change the way users see the world, but in very different ways.

While VR has enabled the creation of a number of new immersive games and 360 degree video, widespread appeal has yet to reach the masses. VR hardware sales have been low and companies are struggling to show consumers other real-use scenarios that will make VR headsets a must-have device.

Augmented reality agencies, on the other hand are discovering that there is mass audience appeal and varied applications for this technology. Industries ranging from e-commerce to automotive have experienced the benefits AR can bring to their businesses in various forms. AR technology’s ability to overlay digital features onto an existing environment make it a more appealing and accessible alternative to the entirely fabricated world of VR.

AR Surges Ahead

Augmented reality technology has been around for years. However, it was with the release of Pokémon Go – along with the massive uptake of players – that has opened the world’s eyes the myriad applications for this vein of technology.

Without the need for special headsets or other hardware, the fact that AR is accessible with a smartphone or tablet shows it’s clearly not restricted to the realms of gaming. There are enormous possibilities for its use in medicine, the military, sales and marketing, prototyping, teaching, and more.

Coupled with the ARKit platform intended for the recent release of Apple’s new iPhone X, it becomes clear how easily AR is being disseminated to mainstream consumers. The breathtaking demos at Apple’s WWDC 2017 show a handful of applications for the powerful software and make it very easy to imagine how they will aid the spread of AR into everyday life. It will not be long until we see an ‘AR war’ arise between other tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

The Future of AR

While AR is still largely restricted to smartphones it is only a matter of time before new hardware is developed with augmented reality in mind. Google began the journey with their Google Glass.

Microsoft have since walked a little further down a similar path with their HoloLens AR headset. However, their hardware remains bulky and developers have noted issues with heat generated by the battery pack held close to the cranium.

Magic Leap, however, is a startup developing an AR headset that is getting everyone excited and eager to see the latest and greatest developments in augmented reality technology so far. The flurry of activity around AR hardware and software development puts further credence to the opinion that AR is the future. Meanwhile, it underscores the belief that VR has limited usability or attraction for the non-gaming consumer.

As they await the release of functional and accessible hardware, consumers will likely become accustomed to AR technology through their smartphones and iPhones. As this technology pervades society, purchasing homewares we’ve been able to view in situ, considering how home renovations work in our home before even calling the architect, or trying on clothes from online retailers with the simple use of their smartphone AR apps will become the norm. This will pave the way for new AR hardware and wearable tech to become the next must-have items as they continue to change the tech world as we know it.