What is reality? Now, there’s a question that shouldn’t require much thought. However, in this day and age, a query that simple could generate some unusual responses. You see, 2012 has officially arrived and already nerds and researchers alike are all abuzz regarding a fairly new sensation sweeping the world of information technology, and it has nothing to do with Apple.
Believed to have been coined in the 1990’s, the term augmented reality typically deals with video related elements that have been augmented by computer-generated sensory. These elements can either be a direct, indirect or live view of real-world environments such as luxurious forests, gleaming lakes, dazzling cityscapes or conventional people going about their everyday lives. While ordinary to the normal eye, things become rather interesting once augmentation is added by sensory input such as graphics, video and sound.
So, what is this new phenomenon? Why is it so cool?
Well, for starters, augmentation is a pretty nifty affect, one that takes effort from those that may believe that the digital age has made us lazy. Take for example, a photo of a space shuttle lifting off. By augmenting and enhancing the flames from its exhaust, one could give off the affect that it’s actually going into space right in front of your very eyes. Augmenting an image of a river stream could create ripples on top of the water while augmenting a picture of clouds in the sky could make them appear as if they are literally moving.
Augmentation is certainly an interesting technique. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be used to enhance photographs. Quite the reverse, it’s been used in advertising, and could be a great way to market yourself to little or no cost. Furthermore, it can also be used in video games, GPS devices and even sports telecasting. That’s right…the yellow first down line seen in football games is an example of augmented reality. Fascinating, right?
Nathalie Precil certainly seems to think so. A photographer living in Florida, Precil said she finds augmented reality to be very helpful especially when watching sports.
“While watching football, you don’t even have to think about where the first down line is [because] augmented reality clearly displays the line for us. It’s helpful because there’s no guessing,” she said. “I think it adds excitement to the game because you can clearly see the line that the player is reaching for. It also helps me a lot when using my GPS and traveling from city to city.”
Precil isn’t the only one who appreciates the benefits of augmented reality. On the contrary, Paul N., a web developer, said he has played with a form of it through Adobe Flash, and said he believes it can be great when used in the classroom.
“I’d say it would be great to see AR introduced to some form of learning or education,” he said. “I think it’d help conceptualize a lot of things that kids have trouble with learning. Some people are visual learners and some people are hands on learners. By mixing both in a form of a game, I think it would help to narrow the gap between different kinds of students and learners. I think augmented reality has major potential to be a major game changing technology in the future.”
Indeed it does. Just how big has it become?
Well, according to mashable.com, there are augmented reality apps for the iPhone including one that enables players to shoot photos of their friends in the face with laser beams, and WorkSnug, an app that locates Wi-Fi hotspots for people to work on their respective laptops. There are even user reviews regarding the atmosphere, noise levels and power provisions.
Wow. And to think I thought augmented reality had nothing to do with Apple.
The phenomenon has become so big that there are even conventions dedicated to it including the third annual Augmented Reality Event being held this May in California and will include seminars on the latest AR innovations, engines and tool and how to fun and build a successful augmented reality start up. With that being said and done, it may be safe to say that this sensation won’t be going away any time soon. In fact, since it managed to miss our top ten list for 2011, perhaps it’ll end up on our 2012 compilation. And why wouldn’t it? Augmented reality has practically revolutionized the way people view the world, and with enhancements being discovered and perfected every day, chances are that’ll only get better.
And that’s real.
– Jaylen Christie
I honestly had not heard of augmented reality until now. However, I think it is something that will be around for a long time. It appears to give people a better way of reviewing things by its enhancement. I can see this being utilized in film.
Thank you Jay once again for enlighting your viewers!
AR is the future of many things. Better than 3D i’d say so I can completly agree with Mrs. Christie. AR would be great in films. And yeah, Apple has hopped on the bandwagon–sooner than Nintendo got wide-eyed for it, I think. There are endless possiblities with AR but then again, there seems to be endless possibilities for technology. Makes me wonder why we don’t have flying cars yet–oh, wait, we sorta do but it hasn’t been placed on the market. 🙂 Great article Jay. I cna’t wait to read the next. keep up the good work.
Who knew I have not heard of augmentation until I read your article. There is no end to where this technology will take us. Great job Jay.
Great article! Your work is very informative and helped me understand augmented reality. Moreover, I’ve also searched some website that offers augmented reality. http://www.arworks.com/en/.