Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes digital information onto the real world. It has been around for several decades now, but it wasn’t until the launch of Apple’s ARKit in 2017 and Google’s ARCore in 2018 that AR really took off. In this article, we explored when and why AR became popular, from its birth to its impact on society and the future of AR technology.
AR was first invented in 1963 by Ivan Sutherland, an American computer scientist. He created a system called “Swordfishtrombones,” which allowed users to draw lines in the real world using virtual objects. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that AR really began to take shape.
In 2001, a team of researchers from Stanford University created an AR system called “Pervasive Displays” that allowed users to see digital information overlaid onto the real world. This was a major breakthrough in AR technology, and it paved the way for future developments.
The launch of Apple’s ARKit and Google’s ARCore in 2017 and 2018 marked a turning point for AR technology. These platforms made it easier than ever to create and deploy AR apps, which led to a rapid increase in adoption. One of the first popular AR apps was Pokémon Go, which was released in 2016 by Niantic. The app used AR to bring the popular Pokémon franchise to life, allowing users to catch virtual creatures in real-world environments. This was a huge success, with millions of people downloading and playing the game around the world.
Other popular AR apps include Snapchat’s augmented reality filters, IKEA’s Place app, which allows users to see how furniture would look in their homes before buying it, and Nintendo’s AR game, “Mario Kart Tour.” AR technology has had a significant impact on society. It has revolutionized the way we interact with the world around us and has opened up new possibilities for education, entertainment, and commerce.
One of the most exciting applications of AR is in the field of medicine. AR can be used to train doctors and surgeons, allowing them to practice procedures in a safe and controlled environment. It can also be used to visualize complex anatomical structures, making it easier for doctors to diagnose and treat conditions.
AR has also had a major impact on education. With AR, students can learn about history and science by experiencing it in a more immersive way. For example, AR can be used to bring historical events to life or to teach students about the solar system by allowing them to explore it in 3D.
In the world of commerce, AR has allowed companies to create more engaging and interactive shopping experiences. For example, IKEA’s Place app allows users to see how furniture would look in their homes before buying it, which can help increase sales and reduce returns.
As AR technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting applications. One area where AR is likely to have a big impact is in the field of architecture and design. With AR, architects and designers can create more immersive and interactive experiences for clients, allowing them to visualize projects in a way that was previously impossible.
Another area where AR is likely to have a big impact is in the world of entertainment. AR can be used to create more engaging and immersive gaming experiences or to bring movies and TV shows to life in a whole new way.
In conclusion, augmented reality technology has come a long way since its birth and has had a significant impact on society. It has revolutionized the way we interact with the world around us and has opened up new possibilities for education, entertainment, and commerce. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting applications in the future.