November 3, 2010 08:16
Augmented Reality (AR) is the new buzz word of the tech industry. In fact it can be said that AR is changing the way we view the world, literally!
Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality does not create a simulation of the real world, instead it adds information (such as graphics, sounds, text and feedback) to the images of the real world as seen through the camera lens. In other words the technology works by enhancing and enriching the user’s perception of reality.
Nowadays AR, which was initially developed for military purposes, is being utilized in a number of fields including medicine, education, aviation etc; nevertheless the technology has made its greatest impact on the field of information technology and mobile communication.
Latest generation smart phones, running AR applications, enable users to see additional layers of information when they view normal objects through their phone cameras. Smartphones (such as the Apple iPhone, or the ones fitted with Google's Android operating system) use GPS, digital compass and the phone’s camera to identify a user’s position and superimposes virtual information on top of the real world view. These systems rely on Google Maps, geographical symbols as well as database of markers and pointers submitted by other users to overlay information.
The ground breaking technology enables users to see everything from real estate listings, to information on public transport to location of Bank ATMs. Some systems have even been paired with Google Local Search, giving users detailed contact information and reviews for businesses (e.g. restaurants, hotels, etc.) with one-click dialing facility.
[youtube:U2uH-jrsSxs&NR]
According to the Inquirer, users of AR technology are expected to rise from one million last year to 400 million by the year 2014. Indeed companies with a knack for cost effective marketing are jumping onboard the AR bandwagon, and are integrating AR into their e-marketing campaigns. In fact we can safely say that, as far the tech industry is concerned, 2010 will certainly be the year of Augmented Reality!
