Augmented Reality

There’s buzz around the web about a new technology that’s sprung up in the recent years called Augmented Reality.
Here we will briefly explain what this is, what it does, how it can be applied, and a short list of companies
that are currently working this new and creative field.

Augmented reality (according to Wikipedia) is “a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world
environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer-generated imagery.” It’s basically a really cool way
to show a real life 3D animation on your screen triggered by a marker that you hold in your hands show it thru
your computer’s webcam. The movement allows you to see the projected 3D image in any angle you wish,
depending which way you move it.

This new technology is being used in many types of mediums, and it’s fast becoming an essential staple of
future advertising for many companies. Web design companies have started to offer these services as an additional tool for clients to promote and interact with clients and users.

 
Here is a video showing how augmented reality works with markers on clothing.



Enhance the online retail shopping experience. Virtually “try on” clothing and add them to your shopping cart without using a mouse.



Here’s a video of augmented reality used for the auto company MINI. You can see a 360 view of the car using the marker and webcam.



Lego is also using this awesome technology on their boxes. Check it out: