twrama 1841_august_2.. - AMA WA

TECHNOLOGY
You ain’t
seen
nothing
yet
Augmented reality is poised to change the
very landscape of our everyday lives
In April this year, Google publicly announced Project Glass.
Although many in the tech- arena were already aware of the
project, this was the first real opportunity to see this innovative
eyewear.
The latest hot ticket item in geek-space, this technology brings
together various new innovations which augment the world.
Google Glasses are expected to be released to developers in early
2013 and general consumers about 12 months later.
But why are Google Glasses, and technology like it, such an
anticipated item? It is because they are expected to be the next
leap forward in our tech immersion, as they augment reality in a
way no Smartphone can. Like computers did before them, this
technology will change the very landscape of our everyday life –
from shopping to surgery, nothing will be the same.
Augmented reality is a multi-sensory experience where
computer-generated information is overlayed on the real world.
So unlike virtual reality, which creates an alternate reality, AR
‘enriches’ our existing reality. Smart-phones are a small step on
the augmentation road, for example a QR code to hyperlink a
physical object or an app like Google Goggles.
All of these in one way or another have the ability to overlay
data onto the physical world. However, currently this process is
mediated via an intrusive device between us and the augmentation,
an experience that is novelty rather than part of someone’s daily
process. With new neuro-recognition and gestural response
technology, along with better data streaming and micro
components, a more seamless AR experience is almost upon us.
Google’s slimline AR glasses will mark the beginning of a new
generation of eyewear that provides hands-free access to a whole
new dimension for viewing the world: the public and private
space of the future will be a very different landscape.
If someone passes you in the street with something you would
like - a bag, pair of shoes or snack bar - just by focusing in on
that item, with your actual eyes, the computer will be able to
map you back to all the details you need to acquire that object.
And with retina display technology, you will use your unique eye
signature to sign in and pay without pushing a button. And don’t
worry about people taking your eyes out to gain access to your
account; modern retina technology needs your eyes attached and
functioning to work.
Advertising will no longer be a flat mono dimensional
experience. As you walk down the street, look at a magazine or
do a bit of retail therapy, when you see something you like, you
can bring it closer, turn it over and access the full product details.
You will even be able to try it on. Say you see a bangle you really
like, in a shop front or on a passer-by, just by focusing on it, a 3D
model of the object will appear before you. You can then view it
or save for later.
The same will apply with clothing; via a morphological map
of your body you will be able to try on clothes without having
62 MEDICUS August