Augmented reality

sounds scary, doesn’t it?

The concept of it is this: why put the user into a virtual world when the opposite can just as easily be done, by bringing virtual elements into our world? Thus, the term “augmented” reality.
If you’re still not sure what all this means, think of one of the classic movies – Terminator. Although he mysteriously always teleports into the past stark naked (future engineers doubtlessly ran out of budget when purchasing his clothes), he is able to scan over people in his vision to determine whether or not their clothing would fit him through a computer’s visual analysis.
Amazingly, elements akin to this can actually be done with today’s technology: Welcome to augmented reality.
Here’s a link to a video that explains the entire concept quite clearly, from Rocketboom.com:

There are already practical applications of the technology appearing around us, as can be seen in the video’s subway locating iPhone application. How nice would it feel never be stranded again? I easily foresee this technology enveloping the rest of the world’s subway networks, and other public transportation: after all, it’s just simple data input and ages old GPS technology. We’re only at the beginning of this movement, and trust me on this, this is going to be BIG. With the current level of technology in augmented reality, we are already able to label, identify and locate different elements through a small portable screen.
We’re simultaneously developing virtual eyewear that simulates widescreen vision: currently topped by Q-London’s 80” wearable glasses display. I’m just going to let you imagine the possibilities that are born where these two technologies will invariably meet.

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