Category: Augmented Reality Technology

Vuzix augmented reality eyewear set to compete with Google

| November 16, 2012

 

Augmented Reality GlassesVuzix may be able to compete with Google’s Project Glass

The hype surrounding augmented reality glasses has diminished somewhat, but that does not mean that these products have disappeared. Google is still hard at work on Project Glass, and may soon be confronted by a promising competitor known as Vuzix. Vuzix is an ambitious and successful technology company that has set its sights on augmented reality eyewear. The company plans to release its M100 Smart Glasses in the coming years, which may have major implications for the way people live their lives.

Vuzix may revive hype surrounding augmented reality glasses

Google first drew attention to the idea of augmented reality eyewear with Project Glass. The technology company billed Project Glass as a new way to stay connected to social networks, find information on products and events through dynamic digital displays, and experience a wide range of digital content. The scope of Project Glass has proven somewhat ambitious for Google, leading the company to pull back its expectations concerning augmented reality. But Vuzix is on course to introduce many of the features that may be absent with Project Glass in the future.

M100 Smart Glasses designed to use applications of its own

The M100 Smart Glasses from Vuzix are designed to be an “intelligent hands-free display for smart phones.” Essentially, the eyewear will act as a display for a smart phone, enhancing a user’s view of the world with a wide variety of digital displays. These displays can be customized to suit the needs of the wearer. The augmented reality eyewear can make use of its own applications in a similar way that smart phones use applications, adding further customization options.

Augmented reality may have a future in mobile commerce

Though the M100 Smart Glasses lack NFC technology, they could establish a strong foothold in the realm of mobile commerce. Augmented reality has already proven popular amongst mobile shoppers, and the glasses from Vuzix may also be able to meet the needs of these consumers in a dynamic way. Time will tell how the new product could be used in mobile commerce, but the possibility for this is certainly there.

Esquire launches new augmented reality campaign

| November 14, 2012

 

Augmented Reality shoppingEsquire campaign combines augmented reality with mobile commerce

Augmented reality is widely used as entertainment for tech-savvy consumers, or as a marketing tool to engage these people. These are not the only uses for the technology, however, and it is beginning to gain traction in the realm of mobile commerce and shopping. Popular magazine Esquire has taken note of the capabilities of augmented reality, both in terms of marketing and commerce, and has decided to introduce the technology into its November 20 issue.

Mobile app lets readers participate in mobile shopping

Using an iOS application called Netpage, Esquire readers can scan every photo, advertisement, and article that is found in the latest issue to initiate an augmented reality experience. When scanned, a PDF version of the content will be saved to a reader’s mobile device. This content can be easily shared and, in some cases, can be used to initiate shopping experiences. Though Esquire boasts of a digital edition made for the iPad, this marks the first time the publication has chosen to make use of augmented reality as an integration medium for smart phones and other mobile devices.

Augmented reality used by retailers for similar endeavors

This is not the first time augmented reality has been used for shopping. Retailers have been using the technology, sparingly, as a way to engage mobile consumers. Augmented reality mirrors — applications that allow consumers to try on virtual clothing — have been used by some retailers that specialize in fashion. The technology has proven somewhat popular in terms of shopping because of its ability to provide consumers with dynamic, context sensitive information.

Esquire campaign may boost interest in mobile commerce and augmented reality

The mobile shopping implications of the new initiative from Esquire could help bolster interest in augmented reality and the technology’s use in the field of mobile commerce. For now, however, the technology is likely to remain within the realm of marketing and entertainment, though that may change at some point in the future.