Welcome to our recurring post, 3D Interactive Tech Talk, highlighting how interactive technology is being used right now and where it’s headed.
Viewing Everything Through Augmented Reality?
With major players like Google, Apple, and Microsoft jumping to acquire smaller augmented reality (AR) companies in addition to their own efforts, it’s clear AR will play a huge role in the near future. But we’ve only scratched the surface of its commercial potential. TechCrunch contributor Todd Chusid envisions a world of “taggers” – tasked with scanning and tagging everyday objects for inclusion in AR applications. Such applications would level up those in play already – like SnapShop, which allows consumers to visualize how furniture from big stores like IKEA and Pier One Imports would look in their homes. Chusid predicts more retail app rollouts over the next 3-5 years, offering “immersive and personalized experiences.” But perhaps the best use of all will be replacing printed user manuals. The oil and gas industry is already using 3D interactive simulation in their training.
ISS Astronauts Preview Microsoft’s HoloLens
Demos of the Microsoft HoloLens have previously shown numerous applications for the AR headsets – from gamers immersing themselves completely in augmented fantasy battles to medical students virtually exploring the human body. But the astronauts aboard the International Space Station are arguably the coolest users to give the HoloLens a try. Astronaut Scott Kelly praised the headset, outlining one benefit he sees as particularly useful: sharing a 3D view of equipment with people back on Earth. This would come in handy in situations involving unfamiliar equipment, allowing experts on the ground to see what he’s seeing, and even make annotations within the field of view. The HoloLens’ first headsets will only be available to registered software developers in early 2016 – as well as the astronauts aboard the ISS. The rest of us will have to live vicariously through them for now.
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