Wednesday, November 21, 2012

6. Extra Credit: Augmented reality

From article: Improving Our Depth Perception in Augmented Reality from the week of 10/8

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The biggest question that we must ask ourselves about augmented reality is how will this affect the general public when this technology becomes widespread. Will the constant companion of virtual objects become so commonplace that people will begin to no longer discern the difference between real objects and virtual ones? Augmented reality will become the real reality. So far augmented reality has been used mostly for enhancement of sporting event and the uses in medicine and war can been seen as indispensable. The extra precision for doctors and the heads up information for soldiers provides a new era in accuracy and will prevent needless loss of life. This is an area where augmented reality should become the norm and will aid in nearly all situations. Should we stop here and only use augmented reality for these purposes rather than give headgear to the general public? Google is planning on releasing augmented reality glasses in the near future with the hope that they become everyday objects. As of now the thought that everyone would be wearing these glasses seems silly to most and in no way seems feasible. What if they do become as popular if Google hopes and everyone starts to where these glasses? I believe that these glasses will become a source of distraction more so than the cell phone. The attention span of humans is dwindling and is soon to be almost completely gone. With augmented reality glasses a quick notification in the peripheral view may completely deter the attention of someone during a conversation. Normal conversation will no longer be possible if all “engaged parties” are only paying attention the augmented reality glasses that all of them are wearing. This is a shift that humanity is already heading towards, but augmented reality for the common people could be the final nail in the coffin. Augmented reality is a danger to the human race, which we cannot afford if we don’t want productivity and human relationships to no longer become part of a social norm.

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