Remember that bit in the Terminator movies when got to see Arnie’s computerised, highly detailed view of his surroundings? That’s exactly what Augmented Reality could be doing for us in the very near future.
One of the most exciting innovations in the electronics industry, Augmented Reality (AR) superimposes graphics, audio, text and any other sensory enhancements to give users a heightened, sharpened view of their world. Essentially we’re talking about receiving instant information and enhanced perception, most likely through a head-mounted display.
It’ll look better than this, we promise
Currently AR is not just pie-in-the-sky theory; you can already find some of its less ambitious applications in the App Store for your iPhone or iPod. For example, the Museum of London’s free app (pictured below) allows tourists and residents to browse historical photographs in different parts of the city. In a similar way to how you would use your device’s camera, the app will find photographs that correlate to your current location, allowing you to have your own guided tour of London’s past simply by taking out your mobile device. Even the Wimbledon organisers recently got into the act with their new IMB-powered app, with a “map†that activates the users camera to provide live tournament data.
Fast-forwarding slightly, the possible applications of AR are astounding. Expect head-mounted AR systems, most likely provided through optical systems, painting images directly through the users retina. When fully functional, field soldiers could fight battles with optimum, real-time soldier and enemy data, surgeons could perform less risky procedures, sports fans could access ever-shifting live game data and simple historical or educational presentations could be transformed entirely.
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In short, there’s no limit to the opportunities AR present. The main impediment to AR’s progress in today’s world is that AR systems will need highly advanced, mobile computers to become fully integrated with the users – anything less than seamless performance could have severe repercussions, depending on the importance of the device’s chosen application.
Right now, aside from a couple of fun apps, it’s difficult to believe the more ambitious examples of AR are within our reach for at least a couple of decades. Despite this, technology is used currently in fighter jets, in the fields of ecology and geology, and also these pretty sweet Avatar toys.
To sum up – all current technology trends, from hologram to 3D technology, are pointing further and further towards an Augmented Reality future. We at JOE just wish we could skip the kiddie stuff, pop on our AR device and start harassing strangers in our best Arnie accent.
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