Augmented Reality When Code Comes to Life
By definition, augmented the truth is any view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery. As a technology is growing rapidly, and its uses are actually broadening to other platforms outside its early introduction in network sporting events.
Typically augmented reality is associated with ultra futuristic, cranial displays such as for example seen in movies like The Terminator. However, more familiar hardware is in fact where we see the innovation of augmented reality heading. The mix of traveling with a laptop and information-heavy, user-generated services have created a breading ground for new augmented reality applications which are pushing the limits on what we thought was possible.
The advancement of microprocessors and mobile computing has transformed augmented reality from a science fiction pipedream to an actual viable technology.
Most of the Smartphone and traveling with a laptop devices available today, like the Apple iPhone� and the Android� phones, include built-in GPS in addition to a compass which intern implies that the unit have location detection. This is important because a lot of the current uses for AR depend on knowing the devices' location in Cartesian space. Some applications provide directions while others provide location relevant data such as for example directions, events, and much more. Currently, both the Android and the iPhone have AR applications that are offered for download. HoloLens Apps is an example of this application. The Dishpointer application allows satellite installers to find the nearest satellite. By simply by supporting their phone to the sky, a satellite installer can get a virtual overlay of the nearest satellites type of sight.
Investors are getting in to the AR game aswell. In early 2010 the eastern Washington state based company Gravity Jack secured $250,000 in investment money for development of a fresh kind of AR application. The patented augmented reality concepts that Gravity Jack is focusing on held so much promise that the upstart company actually had to show away some investors since it has an existing revenue model.
Its not only start-ups that are looking as of this technology. Researchers from Research and Markets (R&M) declare that both Apple and Sony are developing wearable, head-mounted video displays while General Motors is working on an AR windshield that uses a compact laser reflection to superimposes messages and graphics on the windshield. The University of Washington is working on a proof of concept augmented reality contacts, and though it has only been tested on rabbits, scientists believe that this type of technology would be the future of AR.
A recent trend that has emerged in the AR space is that of using augmented reality code in promotional initiatives. More and more companies have found ways to utilize AR to their website branding. During the release of the movie Avatar, Coke developed a campaign that allowed users to visit a 3D ship appear from their screen. The ship appeared when users organized specially branded coke cans to their webcam. Ray-ban has used augmented reality code on the website in such a way that users can see what various sun glasses can look like when worn.
