Explain the tech; what is it, how does it work, what hardware, software, and network does it need?
Augmented reality (AR) blends interactive visual, auditory, or other sensory information onto the real world to enhance one’s experience. Most mobile devices have all the hardware these programs would need I for them to run, like a processor, display, sensors and input devices. The software must derive real world coordinates, independent of camera, and camera images called Image Registration. The main network AR programs need to function is the internet.
Is it currently available to the public?
There are many publicly available AR applications such as Pokémon Go and Disney AR coloring book but that’s not the only way consumers can enjoy this new tech. Some companies are picking up on the interest in this technology and using in their marketing or even as part of their in-store experience. Augmented reality has been incorporated into store catalog apps, which allows consumers to visualize what different products would look like in different environments. For example, when buying furniture, shoppers point the camera to the appropriate room and the product will appear in the foreground.
Who (or what) invented or pioneered the technology?
Ivan Sutherland was the first to develop AR technology in 1968 at Harvard creating an AR head-mounted display system. But the first commercial application didn’t appear until 2008 as an ad campaign in Germany.
What “problem” does it solve for its users?
AR can be very useful for many different purposes such as Event Planning, Conference Agendas, E-Commerce, Political Campaigns, Education and, Interior Design. From sampling the look of products to displaying information AR technologies can be used to solve many problems.
Are there any potential drawbacks or dangers of using the tech?
Just as anything else there could be some potential dangers or drawbacks to AR technologies. Too much information and internet addictions may cause an overuse or dependency on these technologies and cause people to overlook and miss out on what’s right in front of them. There is also a privacy concern with this as facial recognition technologies could allow any stranger to point their phone at you and immediately see information from your online profiles.
Offer one example of how widespread adoption of this technology might impact society.
Widespread use of AR could be really amazing as it can help those with disabilities by making the world around them more accessible. But it could also be problematic as it encourages an immersion in a false reality and will make it easier for people to overlook what’s right in front of them.
Sources:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/augmented-reality.asp
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality
https://business.adobe.com/resources/5-realworld-examples-of-augmented-reality-innovation.html
https://arvrjourney.com/five-augmented-reality-usages-that-solve-real-life-problems-55e7a81f61b