Augmented reality – the extended reality

As the title suggests, we would like to introduce you to the subject of augmented reality, which in english means nothing but an extended reality. Augmented reality is an extended perception of the reality, which is achieved by computer-assisted systems.

As for example by VR (Virtual Reality) spectacles. It is now possible to address all the sense organs of a person through this technology. It is often referred to as 4D. Currently, however, it is mostly only used for the visual representation of, for example, computer games. Thus, photos or videos are fed with additional information or also superimpositions, which ensure an expanded reality. The player can interact directly and in real time.

In this article we would like to explain to you in more detail the current fields of application, the technique behind Augmented Reality, the future application areas and augmented reality in mobile communication, so that you also know how to expand your augmented reality and how this can function technically. Let us begin with the current fields of application.

 

Augmented Reality – The current fields of application

You’ve heard of Augmented Reality and think it’s only used in front of your PC or console? Then you have deceived. This is not the case at all. The expanded reality is also used in many other and very important subject complexes. One of the most famous and simplest examples is the following: You have already seen the fade-in of distances with free-weights or even off-lines, which are represented with a line.

 

How long has Augmented Reality already existed – the story

The beginnings of Augmented Reality can be traced back to the late 1960s. Since we also introduce you to the VR glasses, we are more concerned about mobile Augmented Reality. These do not exist for so long, but they develop rapidly and steadily. The first AR browser was in 2008. It was the Wikitude. But really interesting for the mass market was Augmented Reality with the publication of the first real, good smartphone, which had constant connection to the Internet. Namely the iPhone 3Gs. That was in 2009 and since that a lot has happened. The technology was finally so far, sensors and also the technical performance was available and one knew, it is steadily improved. Some companies in the field of software development have now established themselves. Today, metaio, Total Immersion and Qualcomm still stand for Augmented Reality. The interesting thing is that the software companies are now working closely with the hardware companies. For you, as a customer, it is ensured that the technology and the software are improved together. If you want to experience the extended reality with your smartphone, you need an AR browser. What this is and what it can, we will explain it to you now.

 

What is an AR browser?

An AR browser is an application for smartphones and tablets that displays additional information in the user’s camera image. A great example of this is, for example, the world-famous game Pokemon Go, in which the reality is directly extended with the help of the camera. So far only Apple iOS and the Android operating system are supported. If you own a Windows Phone or a Blackberry, you can only use AR with additional apps and difficulties. Therefore, if you want to use Argumented Reality, we suggest you switch to an Android model or the proven iPhone. Since 2008, various AR browsers, mostly free of charge, have appeared on the market. Wikitude (10/2008), Layar (06/2009), junaio (09/2009), aurasma (05/2011) and blippar (10/2011) are the most comprehensive and important apps. The most powerful AR app is probably the junaio Augmented Reality Browser. The developer metaio GmbH is a specialist in the field of AR and has been researching and developing the extended reality since 1999. You can already see which special technology is behind it! We will now explain the operation in detail.
How does an AR browser work?

The AR browsers support the following two functions. Here, let’s say there are AR browsers that can only perform some of these functions. But there are also browsers, which can run without problems both functions optimally.