Future Technology 500

As one of the most commonly discussed forms of technology out there, Augmented Reality (AR) has become a technology many people love to use. It has become a major part of the world of virtual technology and is being used for various purposes: mostly entertainment and commercial purposes. However, despite huge potential, it’s fair to say that AR has not had the same kind of breakthrough impact that was suggested by some experts. That, though, could be on the verge of changing in the near future.

With various new AR models arriving, the potential and power of the system is about to take a step in the right direction. Often seen as an impressive gimmick whilst being limited in functional capacity, AR hardware is becoming more and more impressive. At the recent Viva Technology conference in Paris, there was a significant upturn in the amount of AR-themed projects which were on the go. More importantly, crowds seemed to be very much drawn to the AR stands, showing an appetite for it very much exists.

A change in AR interest?

One of the main problems with AR was competing with VR in many ways. While they are very much different projects with differing aims, it was easy to see why some have had a one, not the other, kind of mentality. However, the new ESPN conjunction with Second Spectrum to create real-time AR graphics for the Western Conference Finals was a huge step forward in advertising.

Now, users can look at metrics and features that would never have been possible or available without the improvement and addition of AR. We could be about to see a major breakthrough in the AR industry, then, as it begins to become more common and mainstream in the sporting industry. Given how much sport ties into other tech industries growth with the public, this could be another fine example of this taking place.

AR is about to change significantly, with many major AR-related companies looking to drive forward and make the most of this growth in their market. With AR interest probably as high as it has ever been, it’s easy to see why a lot of people are interested in seeing what this all-important next step is going to be for the industry.

At the moment, most see AR as stuff like video games and real estate house showings. It has far more potential than this, though; the secret is showing the public that full potential. In fact, many believe that this has been the biggest problem with AR; a lack of a solid message. These new tools, though, as well as an increase in the release of AR-compatible devices, could see a comprehensive change in the way that we see this technological advancement used.

For many, it was a bit of a chocolate teapot: not offering much to the wider populace. That now might just be about to change, and for the better.

Since the release of the augmented reality game Pokemon Go weeks ago, it has received positive feedback for its surprising positive effects on mental and physical health. Apart from getting kids, who are hospitalized, to engage in social and physical activities, the game also motivates people to explore their cities and consequently boost local tourism as tour agencies and independent tour guides take advantage of the chance to conduct Pokemon Go city tours.

Although this is basically an AR game that literally turns people into digital zombies as they walk the streets looking for Pokemon characters, this phenomenon has also encouraged people to socialize more not only in meetings or conventions held in different states but also in parks in New York City and Georgetown, to name a few.

Social Awareness and Environmental Impact

But if one will look beyond just the mental and physical effects of the game, there is a lot of potential seen in Pokemon Go that gives it environmental and social relevance. A perfect example is the idea of an animal shelter in Indiana. The Muncie Animal Shelter came up with the idea of letting Pokemon GO players walk dogs which are also up for adoption while enjoying the location-dependent AR game. Not only was the invitation well-received, with more than 250 volunteers showing up at the shelter but also according to Melissa Blair, the assistant superintendent at the animal shelter, four dogs were adopted after the experience, including a black Labrador which found a new family. Labeled “Pokemon Dogs”, this brilliant idea became international news.

Other Possible Scenarios

Pokemon GO is a potential medium to spread environmental and social awareness to people in a global scale, given its popularity among digital gamers of all ages. There is no doubt that one of the most fascinating features of this game is the augmented reality platform. However, what makes it more unique and attention-grabbing is its location dependence. This very same popular aspect of the game is can motivate gamers to contribute to the upkeep of Mother Earth.

Players of Pokemon GO spend hours and even weeks looking for Pokemon characters and hatching eggs without getting bored. As opposed to other augmented reality games that require players to hover their devices on a piece of paper or a specific product packaging for a visual sequence to be enjoyed, Pokemon Go uses the real surroundings the players are in. This platform allows players to walk for miles around the cities they live in and takes them to places they seldom have the chance to visit at any given day. Having said that, the game can be instrumental to reaching places like illegal trash dumping sites, crime locations and other important places that are overlooked and in need of attention from authorities.

In the future, perhaps, Pokemon GO manufacturers will add features that will enable players to contact government agencies responsible for repairs and maintenance to ensure public safety like covering open manholes or fixing damaged slabs. Or Pokemon GO players will be able to take images of emergency situations and send them to specific government agencies by just pressing a button.

With all these possibilities, the AR game experience will someday be taken to yet another level, one that has significance not only in terms of technological advancement but also in environmental and social awareness.

Reference

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kalevleetaru/2016/07/30/how-pokemon-and-location-based-augmented-reality-could-save-the-planet/#4e031dfe66cc