A Cool Way to Market Your Business Using Augmented Reality Apps

What's augmented reality? A good example is the yellow "first down" lines seen on TV during American football broadcasts - the field of play is augmented by a digital image of the line that must be crossed for the offense to get a first down. Imagine if you could augment the reality of your prospective customers to see a map to your business. You can actually, very easily and not that expensively!

Augmented Reality is a live or indirect view of the physical real-world over which are overlaid computer generated images or information. Beginning with their April edition, Calvin Klein Underwear will run augmented reality ads in GQ. Other applications integrate with YouTube or Flickr and users' geo-tagged media is overlaid to see what different places look like at different points in time. Augmented Reality is about to be assimilated into our lives.

You can start out by developing an AR app or you can use apps already out there and add information about your business, event or product for free. Three apps that you can add to are available at Layer.com, wikitude.me and at TagWhat.com What you have to do differs with each app but essentially you have to add a tag containing your information, media - whether pictures or video - and a geographical coordinate. Wikitude uses Google Maps as a tag provider for a quick and easy solution. Once you've tagged your location with your information, spread the work to prospective consumers digitally by web or in your marketing media so that they can discover something cool about your business by looking for it or taking a look at it through an AR browser.

Another cool way to engage prospective consumers is to use AR for fun - successful marketing strategies commonly involve "fun" and "entertaining" aspects to engage prospects through interactivity, and by so doing energize sharing and extension of a business' message, such as through contests, quizzes and games. AR can be used in this fashion such as by:

- Taking an AR picture with a local celebrity. Activating the app would open the mobile phone's camera, superimpose the celebrity's picture and your prospect could stand next to him or her. It could be "Picture The Celebtiry" at home, at lunch etc. The picture can then be sent to friends, submitted for entry to a contest or to a social networking site such as Facebook. A prize can be a lunch with the celebrity.

- "Meet, Greet and Discover" - Use the AR app as a Locator / MeetUp generator. Let your prospect discover what is happening around your business. Have news / updates fed in.

- "Proud to be?" - Place objects in virtual space. Choose from iconic images related to your business. Send a message to prospects mentioning that you just placed an iconic image somewhere. Whenever someone is in the neighborhood they can discover your message by turning on their phone. A game element is possible - as for instance, he/she who places the most objects wins a prize.

All such AR examples can be integrated with social media networks. Of course such technology would also be invaluable in showing your prospects where to go and buy from you, better than a map and more effective where calls to actions/information could be placed in a mobile user's virtual space.

Tee Marek is an Account Manager for RadioTrafix.com, a mobile interactive agency specializing in radio traffic uplift through extending traditional radio and on-air personalities to new digital media including iPhone Apps, Messaging and Augmented Reality applications. I hope this article helps you understand more about AR (augmented reality) applications, If you want the latest news and tips about Augmented Reality apps

Augmented Reality Games - A Whole New Paradigm

Mobile Application Development has seen an ultimate technology change in recent times. One of such change is the Augmented Reality (AR) Technology. It is a very advanced technology but is in main stream now due to the launch of Augmented Reality based Mobile Games.

Augmented Reality based games have made the co-existence of real and virtual objects possible in immersive game environments. It enhances the players gaming experience and provides new and exciting ways to control his actions, through position and 3D movement.

Augmented Reality has not only taken mobile gaming platform to a whole new paradigm but also added a significant value to handheld devices as for AG games, handheld devices are considered as the best option. Most of these devices have a camera on their back, just behind the screen, which is the only way to achieve see-through effect at mass-market cost.

AR based games could be developed by programmers and developers having the required skill set. Although not much in terms of skill set is defined but the basic technical literacy is mandatory like, advanced computer vision skills, 3D modeling (including texturing, shading and rendering),



desktop/web/mobile programming, preferred programming languages are usually C++ and C# (can vary according to the platform), passion for pushing the boundaries of new technologies, etc.

Augmented Reality has not only influenced our entertainment world but also has enlightened us by providing information in most entertaining ways. For instance, we have such pair of glasses available in market that shows description of the monuments you cross while wearing them. Similarly, you can use iPads or tablets or Smartphones with apps that can show you Wikipedia details of any building or street of object you mark. Thus, you get knowledge mixed with recreation.

Augmented Reality Technology could be used in many other domains as well like medical, entertainment, military training, engineering design, robotics and telerobotics, etc. When it is used in domains like medical and military training, its utility increase several folds as in these domains it serves the humanity and helps doctors and soldiers to serve their country and community well.

Thus, Augmented Reality has shown us a very fine view of how the technology will enhance each and every aspect of our lives in coming future. This has also paved way for AR based developers and programmers by making them hot commodity in technological job market. Everyone wants to hire dedicated and experienced AR developers to be equipped with related products for future demand.

We at MyMobileInnovations have focused approach to provide unparallel expertise in Mobile Application Development for several kinds of platforms such as iPad, Android, Palm web OS, Windows Mobile, J2ME & Nokia, iPhone, Blackberry, etc. amongst others. Moreover, with have rich experience in developing several Mobile Applications including GPS, Wifi, Socket Communication, Maps, Web service (SOAP/REST API), Ad - Server, Shopping Cart, Bluetooth, Game application, Social Networking, Payment Gateway e.g. Google Checkout, pay pal, etc.

The Very Best of Augmented Reality

Right now there are already a ton of augmented reality applications available on both Android and IOS, in this article we are going to present a handful of the top rated that are presently on the market.

Wikitude World Browser - This integrates information and facts with the real life with information from Wikipedia along with other tools. Whenever you study your digital camera in and around where you are, it is going to superimpose specifics of your area and track down landmarks in your area. Wikitude is among the leaders in augmented reality software, receiving 'Best Augmented Reality Browser' from 2009-2011. Points of interest could be identified by your present locale and looked at using a map, list, and also on an Augmented Reality (AR) video camera view. Wikitude is already obtainable for Android, iPhone, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Symbian and Bada.



Layar - Is another early Android augmented reality app and like Wikitude is likewise an augmented reality browser. The mobile application consists of several 'layers', which actually provide a variety of types of highly engaging and interactive features such as three-dimensional items and animated graphics. Utilizing your position there are various layers that can assist an individual find near by tourist destinations for example, cafés, stores along with other firms, as well as heritage sites and monuments. There are various alternative layers which make it possible for users to connect with their particular location in novel means, e.g. video games with their environment, take a look at digital stores in 3 dimensional and view paintings digitally in real life.

Google Goggles - This software package lets you take a snapshot of a real specific location after which by using image recognition computer software the application will compare the picture with others and then try to get a match and show information about that area. The mobile app will apparently be capable to recognize basically everything however at this time the application can identify a variety of labels and attractions and present the operator information and facts whilst not having to search manually. It is additionally proposed that the application may be able to recognize printed words and phrases through OCR and possibly even know how to interpret the text into a different language. Yet another interesting function that's been proposed by its coders would be that the mobile app have the ability to recognise many different leaves and plants and flowers while giving user specifics of its qualities.

Space InvadAr - This particular mobile app happens to be an augmented reality application that allows you to augment your own environment with aliens and spaceships you must beat. Require more information? I'll allow the developers, Zenitum, demonstrate for you..."You are a highly trained extra-orbital fighter pilot, armed with tactical medium-yield nuclear implosion devices. They are Zengi aliens hell bent on destroying earth. Use your iPhone to control your extra-orbital ship in AR mode, from the comfort of earth. How do you win? You can't. But how long can you last?"

And so there you have it... A quick summary of several of the most extremely fascinating and smoothest augmented reality applications at the moment available for sale. This really is merely the very beginning in this segment so keep an eye on this particular space when it comes to ideas to come.

What Sets the Top Augmented Reality Companies Apart?

What sets the top augmented reality companies apart? If you are wondering as to what makes the top augmented reality companies different from the rest, there are a lot of points that contribute to the success. Here, we are going to list some of the key points which contribute to the success of the company. By keeping an eye on these specifics, you can be hopeful that you will be able to steer your firm to the topmost position.

The Foundation



Augmented reality is still a relatively new concept. It has become extremely popular and more and more companies want to try their hands at it. However, it is definitely quite popular. So, before you venture in this field, it is important to ensure that you have a skilled team that is proficient in the concepts of augmented reality. It is only when you are willing to do so, that you can be hopeful of making a good name. Half-hearted attempt at augmented reality won't work. This is the reason you should first develop a team of core skilled developers who know the concepts of augmented reality inside out. Put in as much training as needed. Then you can start your journey to become one of the top augmented reality companies.

The idea

The next important thing has to be the idea. There is no dearth of apps and games which are available in the market. When you are willing to stand out, you will have to ensure that you come up with something truly dynamic and different. You should try and find the right kind of an idea which will give you the drive to carry out the projects. Apps and/or games which are either addictive or add something of great value to the table are the ones which are most likely to be loved by the mass. We know that this can be tricky but you need to start thinking from the perspective of the end users. Think of what could possibly excite them. You should either try to opt for something really exciting/entertaining or something productive/useful. This way you can tap into a major segment.

Testing

The next thing you need to do is go for regular and thorough testing. Never release an app and/or game which have not been tested thoroughly. This will hurt the firm's image and even the app. Go for some thorough testing rounds as this way you will be able to make the most of your apps. Both alpha and beta testing is important because if the apps have any kind of bug, it will impact the overall reputation and use of the app. So, you need to invest both time and effort in testing. These are some of the key things which you should keep in mind. If you follow these specifics, you should succeed in becoming one of the top augmented reality companies which will definitely be followed by the masses. There is nothing rocket science about it. You just need to stick to the basics and follow the right steps.

Augmented Reality Will Be Part of Our Daily Lives

Digital reality, which includes augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), is set to grow to a $162 billion market by 2020, according to IDC. And I personally believe AR is set to be the winner in this market, for a few reasons.

First, augmented reality doesn't require the user to wear a big, clunky headset. Nobody wants to wear that for hours; it's uncomfortable if worn for long periods of time, and you have to take it off to do anything else. With the amount of time that people spend multitasking now, that won't work.

The only alternative right now is being in a "virtual reality booth." While it looks interesting, people aren't going to have these big spaces set aside in their homes.

So the second reason VR won't be as big is because selling to individual consumers is the only way that anything new in the gaming industry can get off the ground nowadays.

Next, virtual reality right now is mostly limited to gaming. And gaming, especially with a big headset on, does not appeal to the majority of the general public.

I do realize that VR gaming headsets are selling well. There is a place for them, and they will be part of the bigger digital reality picture. But I believe that AR will end up being the dominant force in this market.

So what is augmented reality? Put in basic terms, it's anything projected on a screen or display that isn't really there.

An example that everyone has seen is the yellow line during football games that marks the next first down. It's actually been around since 1968, although it doesn't look anything like it used to (thankfully).

There was also Google Glass, which was Google's own AR "headset" in the form of glasses. The product was highly anticipated by the tech market, but not really anyone else.

Its release in 2014 was a bust, and it was discontinued the following year. That was primarily due to its $1,500 price, as well as the fear that Google was secretly recording people.

But now, this technology is exploding to the point where we could use it multiple times every day.

Virtual Shopping and Augmented Reality

At this point, most AR is done through smartphone apps, which is convenient because our phones are always right in front of us.

For example, Amazon has an app called Amazon AR that allows customers to visualize its products in the real world.

One of the main reasons that people don't want to shop for home goods online is because they want to be able to actually see the product in real life. But until now, this involved having to go to the actual store and then imagining what the product would look like at home.

The AR technology in this app lets you actually see a virtual version of the product in real life, which eliminates having to go to the store to pick something out. Shopping online is quicker and easier for browsing, too; you have hundreds of products right in front of you, and now you can see what they would look like in your home.

Ikea has a similar app called Ikea Place. One of the most tedious parts of buying furniture is having to measure all of the dimensions and then trying to estimate if the piece of furniture that you want will fit. But with the app, you can see what any "actual size" piece of Ikea furniture would look like in your home.

Augmented Reality Has Hundreds of Different Uses

Augmented reality is also proving its worth to manufacturing companies. For example, Ford and Volvo are using AR in their automobile design process. Now, instead of having to build a physical clay model of every car, they can visualize it with augmented reality.

This technology can save a lot of time and money that's spent fixing mistakes and guessing how to create or improve an automobile's functionality. Once this product is fully integrated, it will get rid of the entire prototype phase of automobile design, allowing manufacturers to roll out new models more often.



We can already get a glimpse of what else is to come with AR, as there are hundreds of different uses being figured out and developed.

Sticking with automotive uses, there's an app being developed by a company called AR-media that lets you track maintenance and perform repairs on cars.

The app is called I-Mechanic, and it could really save people a lot of money by showing them how to perform routine maintenance on their cars.

Volkswagen actually was a pioneer with this technology when it created an app that could be used with its XL1 model. While it had the right idea with the technology, only 200 of those cars were ever sold to the public, so nobody could really use the app.

I-Mechanic will be available to use with a variety of car models, building on what Volkswagen started.

Lastly, believe it or not, there is a technology being developed to turn your windshield into an AR station:

While a "smart windshield" may be a distraction for drivers, the real potential here would be with self-driving or assisted-driving cars. The person in the car could use the windshield for things like GPS or getting information on nearby points of interest.

Investing in Augmented Reality

Augmented reality has taken the tech market by storm over the past couple of years, and it's only just starting. For all the apps and features that I've explained here, there are hundreds more in existence or development.

There are also ways to invest in this technology.

Companies like Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) and Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) are creating augmented reality platforms that are being used every day by individuals and companies alike.

In 2018, I believe we will see exponential growth in the augmented reality market, and a significant immersion of the technology into our daily lives.

Ian Dyer is one of the top internal analysts for Banyan Hill Publishing. He graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in finance. He has passed the Level 1 and 2 CFA exams to become a Level 2 CFA, and will soon complete the final Level 3 exam. Becoming a Level 3 CFA demonstrates an analyst's thorough command of economics, accounting, portfolio management, stock and bond valuation, and more. For the last few years, Ian has utilized these skills to analyze valuable investment recommendations for Banyan Hill's 300,000 readers

Augmented Reality - When Code Comes to Life

By definition, augmented reality is any view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery. As a technology is growing rapidly, and its uses are now broadening to other platforms outside its early introduction in network sporting events.

Typically augmented reality is associated with ultra futuristic, cranial displays such as seen in movies like The Terminator. However, more familiar hardware is actually where we see the innovation of augmented reality heading. The combination of mobile computing and information-heavy, user-generated services have created a breading ground for new augmented reality applications that are pushing the limits on what we thought was possible.



The advancement of microprocessors and mobile computing has transformed augmented reality from a science fiction pipedream to an actual viable technology.

Many of the Smartphone and mobile computing devices on the market today, including the Apple iPhone™ and the Android™ phones, include built-in GPS as well as a compass which intern means that these devices have location detection. This is important because many of the current uses for AR rely on knowing the devices' location in Cartesian space. Some applications provide directions while others provide location relevant data such as directions, events, and more. Currently, both the Android and the iPhone have AR applications that are available for download. Dishpointer is an example of such an application. The Dishpointer application allows satellite installers to find the nearest satellite. By simply by holding up their phone to the sky, a satellite installer can get a virtual overlay of the nearest satellites line of sight.

Investors are getting into the AR game as well. In early 2010 the eastern Washington state based company Gravity Jack secured $250,000 in investment money for development of a new kind of AR application. The patented augmented reality concepts that Gravity Jack is working on held so much promise that the upstart company actually had to turn away some investors since it has an existing revenue model.

Its not only start-ups that are looking at this technology. Researchers from Research and Markets (R&M) claim that both Apple and Sony are developing wearable, head-mounted video displays while General Motors is working on an AR windshield that uses a compact laser reflection to superimposes messages and graphics on the windshield. The University of Washington is working on a proof of concept augmented reality contact lenses, and though it has only been tested on rabbits, scientists believe that this type of technology will be the future of AR.

A recent trend that has emerged in the AR space is that of using augmented reality code in advertising campaigns. More and more companies are finding ways to utilize AR into their website branding. During the release of the movie Avatar, Coke developed a campaign that allowed users to see a 3D ship appear from their screen. The ship appeared when users held up specially branded coke cans to their webcam. Ray-ban has used augmented reality code on their website in such a way that users can see what various sun glasses will look like when worn.

Many people feel that AR will change the way people interact with the online world. As the technology advances the real world and the online world will become more and more intertwined. Though augmented reality is still really in its infancy as a technology it is something to be watched.

Application of Augmented Reality in Various Fields

Augmented reality (AR) refers to the process of enhancing or amplifying the visuals of the real world that we see through our eyes, with the help of computer generated imagery. The motive behind augmented reality is to add description and definition to the real world places or objects. It is different from virtual reality as virtual reality only creates computer simulated environment. Augmented reality takes real world object or space as the base and combines various technologies that add appropriate information to help the person understand better about that space or subject. For example, a fighter pilot on the battlefield calculating trajectory of enemy's location with the help of AR. In this case, the augmented reality used by the pilot includes a headgear incorporated with a computer interface and other satellite and radar technologies that maps data of the geographical battlefield. Additionally, AR also adds voice speech, various other co-ordinates, atmospheric or climatic information and much more that increases the success rate of the pilot on a mission.

The technology is rapidly advancing in recent years and has been started to put into many fields that includes aviation (commercial airlines), where the pilot gets important information regarding landscape, maps, instructions, climate, and technical info about the plane itself; museums, where the various artefacts can be tagged with descriptions such as when and where it was forged or found, its historical details, etc.; medical, where patients data can be accessed by doctors for diagnostics; training, where information regarding the mechanism or how things work can be provided to the engineering students; and in automobile industries, where car manufacturers integrate AR's navigational feature to windscreen that provides driving directions to the driver.

Furthermore, augmented reality can also act as an informative and entertainment tool for an ordinary person. There are many cell phone AR applications that can be downloaded by the user and use it for informative purpose. Some of the multiple platform applications that are available in the market are Wikitude, Google Goggles, Layar, SpotCrime, Augmented Colors, Augmented Car Finder, Google Sky Map, AR Invaders, Lookator, TagWhat and much more.

Augmented reality has received a good acceptance from the people all around the world despite being relatively new developing technology. Though it is not fully developed, technological giants from all across the globe are constantly investing in research and development for the same. Moreover, CG artists from various places has also come together to provide 3D content for AR environment.

This Is How Augmented Reality Will Reshape Our Future

Augmented Reality uses the existing environment and overlays additional information on top of that.

If you are still unclear about what AR is, then all you have to do is go back and remember the time Pokémon Go took over the internet by storm. The game revolves around players catching digital monsters. Similarly, apps such as Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram offer users with filters which overlay animated images onto users' faces.

You will now be wondering how this technology can reshape or transform our future. Augmented Reality could bring about a lot of changes and development to various industries. Let's find out what they are.

Real Estate

We all dream of living in the perfectly designed house that boasts of our style and statement. With the augmented reality, that dream might just come true. AR uses interactive computer-generated images, which allows the buyers to envision the finished property while it is still under construction. The benefit of this technology in the real estate industry is that it can transform all 2D models such as blueprints and photos into 3D models for buyers to easily interact with.

Builders and real estate agents will find it convenient to display the properties with such an immersive experience. And not just that, interested buyers can also modify the colour, furniture, room sizes and more based on what they would want the completed design to look like. Envisioning your completed property with AR even before it is built is an advantageous marketing tool for selling a property.

Shopping

Online shopping is slowly taking over the traditional way of shopping. However, it is uncertainty that stops buyers from buying things online. AR making its way in the shopping industry could most definitely move potential buyers towards online shopping. With the growth of augmented reality at the store, customers can view products in a highly realistic manner in their preferred environment.

It will also become easier for marketers to share product catalogues with up-to-date information. Additionally, shopping experiences can be enhanced with AR glasses being available at every retail store or supermarket. These glasses will display all the pricing, design, and product specs to the buyers while shopping. Augmented Reality could definitely change the way people shop.


Travel

The travel industry is another sector that augmented reality could revolutionize. Although virtual reality has a bigger role to play in the travel industry, augmented reality could still be seen as huge change. AR-based applications on smartphones will help tourists and travellers check and find local tourists attractions nearby and translate boards and signs instantly into their native language.

Moreover, exploring and visiting local attractions, theme parks and zoos with augmented reality will help travellers have the most extraordinary trip. The technology will display 3D models of landmarks and take travellers back in time showing them the evolution brought with time. AR for the travel industry is not just about the fun factor, but also adds an educational element for the travellers.

Healthcare

While people are getting used to being transported into the world of 3D that does not really exist with Virtual Reality headsets, AR is already being used in the pharma and healthcare industry, to save lots of lives. However, that is not all. Augmented reality can be of major assistance to healthcare organizations in helping them perfect their existing processes. AR will provide surgeons with an in-depth knowledge of the risks involved with minimally invasive surgeries and help them perform effectively.

Surgeries earlier required different types of monitors which would display the patient's vital statistics through an endoscopic camera. Leaving all these hassles behind, doctors can wear AR smart glasses which will display all the pertinent information while they are performing the surgery and helping them stay focused on the task at hand.

Education

Augmented reality in the educational sector could be a huge game-changer towards how children learn. The technology will provide students with immersive content that will help them understand the concepts. With the help of engaging 3D models, students can grasp complex information in an easier manner providing them with a wider understanding of topics.

In our dynamic day and age, museums and historical sites have incorporated AR features to their exhibits to stay at par with technology. This is a great way for people to explore and gain additional informative knowledge. AR is all about exploration, which eventually leads students towards learning and understanding. This is a win-win for both technology and the educational industry.

Conclusion:

There is no doubt that Augmented Reality will reshape more than just these five industries. As devices adapt to the new technology, the growth of Augmented Reality is exponentially huge. With so many positive advantages, AR could fundamentally change what it is to be human

Augmented Reality (AR) - The World is Your Playground

One of the most exciting current developments in gaming technology in my eyes has to be Augmented Reality (AR). The possibilities this technology provides developers are endless and although AR is still in a fairly primitive state I believe that development of the technology is going to accelerate very quickly over the next 5 years. For those of you that don't know what Augmented Reality is, the simplest way to define it is that it is where a virtual environment is combined or placed over a real world environment to deliver a single reality which we call Augmented Reality. A good example of this is in Terminator 2 where Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator has augmented vision where he can see the real world around him but also has various different scans and data being presented around the real world objects. Another example I've given in the past is that with Augmented Reality in theory you could walk down a busy street with real world people and virtual characters from Star Wars or Lord of the Rings looking through shop windows or climbing up lampposts.

Augmented Reality is currently being developed because of its usefulness in everyday life, imagine you're someone with a very busy and hectic lifestyle, with Augmented Reality you could have a device built in to your prescription spectacles that allows you to walk to work or catch a train whilst accessing your emails and surfing the internet viewing all this through your the spectacle lenses. Obviously Augmented Reality has much greater uses and can be used in just about any scenario but what really interests me is when you apply AR to the gaming industry. I've recently written an article about the development of AR contact lenses, imagine as a gamer going to a local forest, quarry, beach or just about anywhere on your own or with friends and being able to play a first person shooter with real world surroundings wearing these AR lenses. In theory you could be playing a game like Halo and have crazy alien characters jumping out from behind real world trees and buildings firing lasers and throwing grenades at you. Augmented Reality could even reach a state where it is able to enhance and alter the appearance of the real world around you to make it look for example like the world of Pandora from James Cameron's recent blockbuster hit film Avatar. To be able to walk around a beautifully enhanced version of an area that doesn't really hold any interesting features in the real world would be incredible and people could escape into their own utopia whilst for example sitting on a bus. The possibilities with this technology really are endless and not just in gaming.


Augmented Reality as a concept really does start to become interesting when you combine it with other technologies. As we've seen from demonstrations of Xbox's upcoming innovation Project Natal voice recognition technology has come on leaps and bounds and is starting to be applied effectively to video games. Although voice recognition has been used in the past it has been clumsy and frustrating to work with and now we're really starting to see the human voice become a feasible control option. If we were to combine voice and facial recognition with Augmented Reality it is easy to see the potential that Augmented Reality has to providing an immersive gaming experience within a real world environment. With this combination of technologies you could in theory be able to have two way communication with high definition computer generated characters within your augmented world opening up a whole new avenue of potential in how we play games. I like to think of the experience as something similar to paintball shooting. Paintball shooting in essence is a role playing activity as the people involved in a game are recreating a scenario you would find in warfare. Augmented Reality can provide a similar experience without the need for paintballs and safety gear and instead of shooting real people you could be shooting real people and virtual characters with virtual ammunition. You'd probably still need some kind of gun controller in the example of a first person shooter but it wouldn't fire any ammunition in the real world, just the augmented environment.

Obviously this is all conjecture and most of what we write on this site is. I imagine this idea would work by connecting the AR lenses wirelessly to a portable console (possibly built into your mobile phone as we are talking about the future here) and obviously you would have audio delivered to a pair of wireless or bluetooth headphones that also provided a built in microphone for communicating with the virtual and real world characters.

In recent years video games have received a great deal of bad press in terms of how it is believed they help prevent the social, physical and mental development of young people and in some cases you would have to agree that this is true. The thing I love most about the potential with Augmented Reality is that it will mean young people will be outdoors more, socialising with friends, learning the importance of teambuilding, exercising and basically developing the skills and experience that are required later in life. The truth is Augmented Reality could be used everywhere to help make life easier and to improve the quality of life, we will probably see it in education, healthcare, security, design, manufacturing, sales, teambuilding and the list goes on endlessly. Augmented Reality clearly has unlimited potential and I hope some of the possible developments I have outlined in this article will come to fruition along with millions of others, but I guess time will tell. Please leave your own ideas, comments, thoughts and suggestions on how you could picture this technology changing the video game industry or of course whether you disagree with my ideas and believe AR is unlikely to become mainstream.