HISTORY
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That was all about the past. Now here's some predictions about the...
FUTURE OF AUGMENTED REALITY
Check out this Blippar's blog (abridged):
Creating a Wikipedia for 3D objects
By using image-recognition technology on our smartphones and tablets, users will be able to scan and identify 3-D objects like plants, furniture, or even car makes and models. Soon, AR will disrupt not only how we search for information on the Internet, but how we digest it as well. In the same way that the Wikipedia database grows each day, a library built through AR will eventually contain details on any 3-D object you can set your eyes on in the physical world.
Bringing AR to the Classroom
We’ve started to see schools and universities around the world embrace technology in the classroom, utilizing tablets and SMART boards in everyday lessons. Augmented reality will play a crucial role in continuing to digitalize and transform the way we teach, presenting new opportunities for students and teachers to engage with educational content. From virtual dissection experiments to interactive textbooks, students will benefit from a more immersive learning experience, and one that truly prepares them for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers. This means that the “bring your own device” trend may even catch on in the classroom – when used for learning only, of course.
Making Wearable Technology Mainstream
Augmented reality will make wearable technology more prevalent. It’s already seen in the health and fitness markets with the arrival of Nike+ Fuelband and Fitbit Flex, but Google Glass will continue to usher in a new wave of AR-enabled wearable computing devices. But don’t take my word for it – Forrester Research has already described ‘wearables’ as ‘the next wave of consumer technology product innovation.’ Though many AR experiences currently require a smartphone or tablet – as a camera is needed to detect the image – the tech giants of Apple, Samsung, and more will start rolling out own their product lines for standalone devices, where wearable technology will likely become a piece of everyday fashion.
Moving Beyond Augmented Reality
Without a doubt, the AR continuum will continue to evolve. Many of us have already experienced AR firsthand on products and advertisements, where a new layer of information is added on top of the real world around us. Soon, we’ll see this trend shift towards “augmented virtuality” and virtual environments – similar to Wii and kinetic sensors, where users will have their motions replicated by 3D digitization. Eventually, this will become a complete 360-degree virtual experience where users are totally immersed in a lifelike digital world. The bottom line is that augmented reality has not only arrived, but is here to stay. By crossing verticals and providing new opportunities for interactive, educational, and entertaining experiences that have not existed before, the technology will soon hold a significant place in our daily lives. The biggest challenge is mass consumer adoption, but as devices get faster and consumers become further educated on the uses of AR, it’s only a matter of time before yesterday’s augmented reality becomes today’s Internet.