Augmented Reality Status Quo

In this chapter, we will review the current state of augmented reality (AR), providing details of its first iterations with enterprise AR headsets and experiences created for the smartphone. Next, we’ll discuss AR glasses, most notably Apple’s upcoming product. Lastly, we’ll explain AR’s significance to the Metaverse.

In this chapter, we’re going to cover the following main topics:

• The current state of AR
• What led up to the current state of AR, including which AR headsets and glasses are relevant and which industries are using them
• The significant AR glasses that are anticipated
• Understanding what AR’s significance is to the Metaverse

After reading this chapter, you will be much better equipped to understand what AR hardware can do for you.

Smartphone, headset, and glasses endeavors

AR has been several decades in the making, with hardware going through many periods of experimentation. In this section, we’ll review smartphone AR and AR headsets and glasses, enabling you to understand AR’s current status. In learning this, you will be able to make educated decisions about what AR can do for your business.

The concept of AR can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s when computer graphics researchers developed the first head-mounted displays (HMDs), which could overlay computer-generated imagery in the real world. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that AR began to emerge as a distinct technology.

In the 1990s, computer graphics and video processing technology improved, enabling the development of more sophisticated AR systems. One of the first commercial AR applications was a toy called Virtual Fixtures, developed by Louis Rosenberg at the US Air Force’s Armstrong Laboratory. Virtual Fixtures...

Anticipated AR glasses

For several years now, Apple, Meta, and Google have been working on developing AR glasses. The most highly anticipated of the three, though, is what Apple is projected to deliver. Before discussing the potential product specs and timing of Apple’s future AR glasses (which we’ll do in the Product information and timing section), it would be helpful to first understand its particular circumstances within Apple’s business narrative.

Apple

Apple has significant advantages over other companies when it comes to producing and launching new products, including their future AR glasses. We will discuss the major advantages in this section, as well as their probable learnings as to what the specs for their AR glasses should be. We will also make informed estimates based on current technology of what the specs of their AR glasses will be and the timing of their launch.

iPhone connections

The success of the Apple iPhone has been a defining...

AR and the Metaverse

Imagine a world where only AR exists and there is no VR – the old concept of the Metaverse as VR-centric disappears, allowing it to take on a new form. At its core, the Metaverse is a virtual space that connects people from around the world in a shared, interactive experience. In an AR-only world, the Metaverse would take the form of a digital layer superimposed on top of the physical world, accessible through mobile devices, smart glasses, and other AR-enabled technologies. This layer would be designed to enhance and augment the real world, providing a new layer of information and interactivity that is seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives.

Imagine walking down a busy street and seeing a layer of digital information overlaid on top of the physical environment. You can see the names and reviews of nearby restaurants, navigate to your destination with virtual arrows and waypoints, and even see the names and faces of people you pass by, thanks to...

Summary

This chapter was a deep dive into AR – its history, current and anticipated technology and limitations, and its significance to the Metaverse.

AR’s role in the Metaverse will be very rich and in many ways more far-reaching than VR’s role since AR allows a person to still be connected to the real world. In this way, many everyday practical tasks could be accomplished using AR, as well as the most fantastical entertainment.

Next up is virtual reality – how it came about, where it’s going, and its particular relevance to the Metaverse.