SIMPLIFYING TECH: Pokémon Go
By now there is no doubt in my mind that you have at least heard of the first mainstream augmented reality game taking over the world: Pokémon Go.
So let’s start with that — What is augmented reality?
Augmented Reality (AR): A technology that adds or “augments” digital elements onto the user’s view of the real world.
Augmented Reality in Pokémon Go: The massively popular mobile game is integrating AR by using your phone’s camera to look through the phone onto your surroundings and overlaying a digital component on top with which you can interact. In doing so, the game is able to simulate the experience of finding a Pokémon (Pocket Monster) in real life.
The easiest way I have found to explain this, especially to older family members is: “AR in Pokémon Go feels like these creatures are ‘photoshopped’ onto pictures that our phones could take, except that we can interact with them in real time as part of the game.” It’s by no means a perfect explanation, but I’ve noticed it helps a lot of people picture the idea.
Augmented Reality (AR) vs. Virtual Reality (VR)
Along with explaining the fundamental concept of AR, many people have asked me the difference between AR and VR. In simple terms, Virtual Reality is an immersive experience that feels like real life but is completely “virtual.” VR commonly uses a headset to create this simulation and does not integrate real life components like AR does.
So, what is Pokémon/Pokémon Go?
Pokémon: A media franchise that originated from a video game for the original Game Boy “centered on fictional creatures called Pokémon, which humans, known as Pokémon Trainers, catch and train to battle each other for sport.” (Wikipedia)
Pokemon Go: A mobile app developed by Niantic that uses GPS location and AR components to create an experience in which users can venture out into the real world in search for Pokémon.
Why does any of this matter/why is it so popular?
This is one of the first games in a long time that pushes players to interact with the real world, go outside and talk to other human beings. By being a location based mobile app, users are forced to get up and walk around in order to find Pokémon, engage in battles and collect items.
Part of the reason it has grown so quickly in popularity is by virtue of this social interaction component. It’s hard not to get interested in a phenomenon when it is part of your daily life. It’s certainly much easier to ignore an online game than a huge group of people gathered around a Pokéstop on your way to work.
With all the attention that this game has garnered in the past few weeks, it has launched the idea of AR onto mainstream culture. As a result, many developers are working on similar projects in an effort to capture the market’s attention.
This will not only change how we interact with technology in real life but will also influence some of the biggest technological advancements to come in the near future.
Next → SIMPLIFYING TECH: Musical.ly
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