Blog post 1

So what is Augmented Reality (AR)? 

AR is a view of the real world with some aspects generated by computers. Very simple AR is just graphics that are generated on top of a camera application on your phone. Such an example of this is Pokemon Go.

How is AR important or useful?

Because of how technology is evolving; AR may very well be our future. A product from Microsoft called Microsoft HaloLens, it project holograms all around your space, which allows the user to video call, play games, art, project ideas and more! AR is going to be important because our life will change by having another dimension that can be layered anywhere and anytime you want. Some companies have already started mass producing products using AR like RideOn's ski goggles. Based on Android, this set of goggles allows you to find your friends, "play" mini games while you're on the slopes, wind speed, personal records, temperature, how fast you're going and even connect your calls.

Ever walked into a restaurant in Montreal but they don't have an English menu? Well there's an app that can help you. Called Word Lens. This AR app can translate many different languages to one that you can read so you can order. Displayed just right from your phone, you are now able to read just as if it was English. These are just a few examples of how AR are implemented.

So how is AR an emerging Trend?

Consumers like to be immersed in the products they buy. Because AR is just another layer on top of the real world, it is a more natural feeling. Pokemon Go took the world by storm at the start of the summer of 2016. This game required people getting out of the house and walking around to find Pokemon and capture them. The game allowed players to turn on their camera and see the Pokemon that they are catching in the real world. Allowing people to see and feel the environment around them made this game succeed.