Tag: augmented reality

Looking into the future of AR technology shows possibilities in the automotive sector.

Though augmented reality has been making its mark in many different areas, such as in glasses, video games, publishing, and advertising, the automotive sector has been drawing a great deal of attention in terms of this cutting edge technology as it has been suggested as a convenience and safety tool.

The way that it would be applied in this industry would be to work the technology into windshields.

People have been speculating for some time now about the benefits of augmented reality windshields in vehicles. In 2004, BMW recognized the benefit of placing driving related information right in the line of sight of the driver by introducing the first color Head-Up Display (HUD). That same automotive manufacturer started work in 2011 on HUD acquiring a functionality that is “Contact Analogue”, which would allow a virtual marking to be superimposed over various real world objects in the view of the driver. This opens up the potential for displaying safety and navigation information right on the “screen” of the windshield.

It is precisely this type of feature that could be provided through a windshield with augmented reality.

An augmented reality windshield provides warnings of potential hazards, driving directions, and other relevant information in a way that the driver would never have to take his or her eyes off the road in order to see it.

The automotive industry has been embracing high tech solutions for years and as the release of the driver-free car draws ever nearer, the technological innovations become increasingly dazzling. A feature such as an augmented reality windshield would fit right in with other offerings that are already available, such as active park assist, attention assist (a drowsiness detector for drivers), active cruise control radar, collision warning with full auto brake, active city safety, and pedestrian detection, not to mention blind spot obstacle detection and Bluetooth.

These systems, and potential augmented reality features that can offer tremendous increases in the efficiency, safety, comfort, and convenience of the driving experience and traveling by car regardless of whether it’s in the city in a familiar area, or traveling across the country on unknown adventures.

Augmented reality revolution may kick into full swing in 2013

Augmented reality is gaining steam and 2013 may be the year in which the technology reaches a new level of its potential. For the past two years, augmented reality has become a powerful force in marketing and entertainment, and while the technology is expected to continue performing well in these sectors, the methods in which it is used are likely to evolve. 2013 may mark the beginning of an augmented reality revolution that could have major implications numerous industries.

Augmented reality glasses may see limited launch next year

Google, Microsoft, and several other technology companies are currently in the process of developing augmented reality glasses. These glasses, such as Google’s Project Glass, are designed to use augmented reality to enhance a wearer’s everyday life. Digital displays are used to provide wearers with information they may find important, as well as give them the ability to connect with others via social networking. While these augmented reality glasses may not be available before 2014, they are likely to see limited release next year to whet the appetites of consumers.

Technology may have major implications for mobile marketing

A growing number of smart phones are becoming more proficient in their use of augmented reality. With the rise of companies like metaio, which specializes in augmented reality technology, the mobile space is expected to become much more interactive in 2013. This goes beyond smart phones having the capability of interacting with augmented reality experience, however, as the technology could open up a new era in location-based marketing for the advertising agency. Because augmented reality is heavily influenced by the local environment, marketers could leverage the technology to target consumers with location-specific campaigns.

Mobile gaming could use more interactivity

Augmented reality is also expected to have a major impact on mobile gaming. Games have long been an interactive pastime for millions of consumers, but augmented reality could put a new twist on mobile gaming. The technology could  make games seem like they have an impact on the real world, as is the case with Google’s Ingress, which tasks players to go to real-world locations and solve puzzles.