Augmented Reality: Still in Diapers, but Ready to Run
With Apple’s headset announced, Augmented Reality (AR) is finally on the cusp of a breakthrough, poised to revolutionize how we experience the world and share stories.
On June 5th 2023 Apple announced their new product: “Apple Vision Pro”, an Augmented Reality Headset, which is supposed to launch in 2024. Some people even think that this is the re-do of the introduction to the smartphone era with the iPhone, others disagree. Regardless, this is an incredible moment for one kind of technology that has just been waiting to dawn on us: Augmented Reality.
In the rapidly advancing world of technology, AR has emerged as a promising frontier, poised to revolutionize the way we experience and interact with the world around us. While AR is not yet fully ready for the consumer market, it is undeniably on the brink of a breakthrough. Just like a child taking its first steps, AR is preparing to sprint forward with boundless energy, transforming our lives in ways we can hardly imagine.
The Changing Landscape of Our Lives
Our lives have undergone remarkable transformations over the last few centuries. From sharing stories through books alone and the oral tradition of bards, we have witnessed an explosion of visual storytelling through movies and moving pictures. The possibilities for experiencing narratives have expanded exponentially, and now, with the advent of augmented reality, we stand on the precipice of a new era of immersive storytelling and learning.
You may not be aware, but stories are actually the primary way our ancestors taught their children. This is why all legends and old stories have themes, history and lessons ingrained within them. Schools existed, but the literacy rate was almost unbelievably low compared to today. This is why history, culture, and morals were passed on through stories orally transmitted by parents, grandparents, and bards. In some cultures, theatre was also a reputable method, but that wasn’t the case for everyone else. Regardless, storytellers existed everywhere.
AR: The Next Evolutionary Leap was not Quite Ready for the Consumer Market
As virtual reality (VR) simulations have already been in use for some time, augmented reality represents the next evolutionary leap in the realm of interactive experiences. While VR immerses users in entirely virtual environments, AR overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing our perception and understanding of our physical surroundings. It offers a seamless blending of the virtual and the real, creating new dimensions for exploration and learning.
While the potential of AR is immense, it is important to recognize that it is still in its infancy. Like a child wearing diapers, it requires further development and refinement before it can confidently step into the consumer market. Technical challenges such as the need for more powerful hardware, improved tracking capabilities, and seamless integration with our everyday devices must be overcome. Apple’s Vision Pro is merely a hint of what is to come. It all depends on Apple whether it’ll be successful or not.
The Promise of AR
However, regardless of that product’s outcome, the future of AR is tantalizingly close. Once it gains the necessary footing, it has the potential to reshape our lives in profound ways. Imagine walking down the street and seeing digital information seamlessly overlaid onto real-world objects. From interactive educational experiences to enhanced entertainment, AR has the power to transform how we learn, play, and engage with the world around us.
Just like a child who, once they start walking, cannot be contained, AR is set to burst forth with boundless energy. It will break us free from the constraints of our screens and become an integral part of our daily lives. From exploring historical landmarks with informative digital overlays to collaborating with holographic colleagues in virtual workspaces, the possibilities are limitless.
It’s almost here…
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, augmented reality is a force that is gathering momentum. While it may still be in its infancy, it holds the promise of transforming the way we experience and learn from stories, interact with our surroundings, and connect with each other. As AR progresses from wearing diapers to taking its first steps, we eagerly anticipate the day when it runs freely, enriching our lives in ways we could never have imagined. Brace yourself for the astonishing possibilities that lie ahead as AR prepares to join us on this exhilarating journey of technological evolution.
This stuff isn’t even new, you can look up Augmented Reality concepts on youtube from over 7 years ago. However, this time it is finally reaching consumers. Apple’s headset may be a flop in the near future (it’s very expensive and even the iPhone took a while to truly get picked up), but AR won’t be a flop long term. This is the kind of way your grandchildren’s children are guaranteed to live, but you… not so much. It’s just a “maybe” for us, but who knows?
Press the button above to read my article on why that could be the case.
TL;DR: Augmented Reality soonTM
Augmented Reality (AR) is not yet ready for the consumer market but is finally on the verge of a breakthrough after Apple’s announcement.
Our lives have undergone significant changes in how we share stories, from books and bards to movies and moving pictures.
AR has the potential to enhance the way we experience and learn from stories, revolutionizing our interactions with the world.
AR is still in its early stages, akin to a child wearing diapers, and requires further development before it can reach its full potential.
Once AR is ready, it will bring boundless energy and transformative possibilities to our daily lives.