AR Innovations only talked about in 2005 are fast becoming a reality with recent rapid advances in AR technology.
"By 2014, more than 30 percent of mobile workers will be using augmented reality".
Kaplan-Leiserson, 2004
In the industry, the most prevalent "next steps" discussed amongst AR researchers and developers include:
- Glasses which enable the user to interface information collected virtually with the real environment.
- Expanding a PC screen into the real environment: program windows and icons appear as virtual devices in real space and are eye or gesture operated, by gazing or pointing. This will be enabled through real time facial feature tracking. (Now exists, Feb 2008 see: Foldable Paper computers ).
- Developing wireless devices and cell phones for tourism and on the spot anytime information.
- Marketing technology: using 3D imaging for advertising.
- Gaming industry: interactive gaming.
- Virtual devices of all kinds, e.g. replacement of traditionalscreens, control panels, and entirely new applications impossible in "real" hardware, like 3D objects interactively changing their shape and appearance based on the current task or need.
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Enhanced media applications, like pseudo holographic virtual screens, virtual surround cinema, virtual 'holodecks (allowing computer-generated imagery to interact with live entertainers and audience).
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Virtual conferences in "holodeck " style.
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Replacement of cellphone and car navigator screens: eye-dialing, insertion of information directly into the environment, e.g. guiding lines directly on the road, as well as enhancements like "X-ray"-views.
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Virtual plants, wallpapers, panoramic views, artwork, decorations, illumination etc., enhancing everyday life. For example, a virtual window could be displayed on a regular wall showing a live feed of a camera placed on the exterior of the building, thus allowing the user to effectually toggle a wall's transparency.
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Increased haptic (touch) and audio augmentation systems
- With AR systems getting into mass market, we may see virtual window dressings, posters, traffic signs, Christmas decorations, advertisement towers and more. These may be fully interactive even at a distance, by eye pointing for example.
- Virtual gadgetry becomes possible. Any physical device currently produced to assist in data-oriented tasks (such as the clock, radio, PC, arrival/departure board at an airport, stock ticker, PDA, PMP, informational posters/fliers/billboards, in-car navigation systems, etc. could be replaced by virtual devices that cost nothing to produce aside from the cost of writing the software. Examples might be a virtual wall clock, a to-do list for the day docked by your bed for you to look at first thing in the morning, etc.
The following videoclip discusses AR in games.
As a next step in navigating this Wiki, we recommend reading the page "Research Questions we should be asking about AR"