Virtualising Reality // Augmenting Reality — Part 2.
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality, in contrast to virtual reality, is more focused on making life simpler and more convenient. It aims to “augment” or supplement reality with elements from the virtual space. Uses of AR are varied and imaginative, including but not limited to interactive vehicle dashboards, computers embedded in headsets and holographic communication. Simply put, Augmented Reality allows/would allow users to interact with digital objects as if they were physical objects. In comparison to Virtual Reality, not many Augmented Reality headsets are available for purchase; however, companies have experimented with Augmented Reality as early as the 2000s. Simple games that used the rear-mounted camera of smartphones to add game elements to the real world were extremely popular amongst both children and adults because not only were they enjoyable, but also discretely magical.
Why should we be excited about Augmented Reality?
Augmented Reality can be used in a variety of situations where Virtual Reality wouldn’t be feasible simply because unlike VR, with AR, the user can see his surroundings while interacting with virtual elements. Augmented Reality can also breathe life into seemingly futuristic concepts of holographic communication and device-less computing. It promises new types/genres of video games that are more focused on interaction with supplementary elements and the combination of reality and virtuality in a more cohesive way. Microsoft is one of the major companies that are at the forefront of trying to make AR a mainstream consumer product. Microsoft’s HoloLens is one of the first Augmented Reality headset that’s available for purchase. Faraday Future, an electric car company, also showcased an augmented reality dashboard in the teaser trailer for its new concept car.
Another Augmented Reality ‘product’ that gained substantial traction was the Google Glass. Equipped with a tiny display embedded in a frame fitted with a bevy of sensors, Google Glass aimed to bring the convenience of Google Services — Search, Maps, etc. — everywhere with you.
[caption id=”attachment_1366" align=”aligncenter” width=”620"]
The Google Glass with the spectacles’ frame.[/caption]
Microsoft Holo Lens
The HoloLens is an Augmented Reality headset by Microsoft that aims to bring the power and the versatility of Windows to the form factor of a headset. It is also the world’s first untethered holographic computer. It gives users the ability to place application windows in the space around them and to navigate through those windows by using hand gestures.
[caption id=”attachment_1364" align=”aligncenter” width=”982"]
The Microsoft HoloLens.[/caption]
[caption id=”attachment_1365" align=”aligncenter” width=”620"]
Someone using Windows’ applications while wearing the HoloLens.[/caption]
Alex Kipman, the co-founder of Xbox’s Kinect, gave a TED talk elaborating on the inherent advantages of adopting Augmented Reality and the features of the HoloLens. In his talk, he “demos his vision for bringing 3D holograms into the real world, enhancing our perceptions so that we can touch and feel digital content.” One of those features was the HoloLens’ ability to use holograms as a real form of communication. He also demonstrates the ability to ‘transport’ a person to an environment currently inaccessible to man to conduct research — Kipman showcases walking on Mars’ red, rocky surface during the TED talk. Kipman’s holographic friend on the TED stage, Dr. Jeffrey Norris from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, states that the HoloLens makes it much more interactive and informative for scientists to conduct research on Mars. The HoloLens can render the surroundings of the Curiosity Mars Rover and enable NASA scientists to be “physically present” on the planet.
The HoloLens opens up many new opportunities for both, developers and consumers. In addition to being a great tool for scientists and astronauts, it also paves the way for a new genre of gaming. Microsoft showed a demo of a person playing Minecraft while wearing the HoloLens. The HoloLens superimposes real life objects with elements from the Minecraft universe, allowing the player to traverse, build and destroy things and manipulate the world using their hands and their voice.
[caption id=”attachment_1363" align=”aligncenter” width=”620"]
Minecraft running on a table-top.[/caption]
[embed]https://youtu.be/xgakdcEzVwg?t=2m25s[/embed]
Augmented Reality, as a technology, has the potential to disrupt a lot of industries — the gaming industry, the publishing/media industry and the communications industry. Imagine being in the midst of the opening of an international venue or being surrounded by puppies — Augmented Reality could enable various experiences at the convenience of the consumer. Imagine “being” in the stadium during a FIFA finals, cheering with thousands of others fans for your favorite team or in the Savannah’s of Africa, observing all the flora and fauna, all while sitting on your living room’s couch. Augmented Reality would allow news publishing firms and the entertainment industry to create immersive experiences that not only attract the attention of consumers, but also increase the quality of their content.
Long-standing game franchises such as Pokémon are also experimenting with AR to add a certain sense of immersion to their games — Pokémon Go. In a nutshell, Pokémon Go has changed the dynamics of social gaming; people around the world have fallen head over heels for this AR based game. The notion of being able to see Pokémon in their real-life environments has not only gotten millennials off their couches but also made them go on long walks/runs to catch them all. The game has proved to be such a big hit that it has also added around $9 billion to Nintendo’s market value. All in all, I can safely say that Augmented Reality is one of the five technologies that is going to change the way humans use technology and create media in the next decade.
Why should we be excited about Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality?
This was Part 2 of the article. To read Part 1 that deals with Virtual Reality click on the following link. (Click to view Part 1).
