Currently, there are 3 types of virtual environments available on the market. From the least interfering to the most, augmented reality(shortened AR), mixed reality and virtual reality. Each type offers different levels of immersion, opportunities, technological barriers, and ethical concerns.
What is augmented reality?
AR is an extended reality that, instead of generating virtual world ads, visual aspects of reality that are often perceived through mobile devices like smartphones.
Perspectives for the use in real life:
- Healthcare
Augmented reality with its overlay can be used in many different ways that aid doctors and surgeons with their work. It can take the form of a supporting device displaying real-time information about the status of patients but also help during training new doctors with hyperrealistic overlays.
- Entertainment
Being able to watch multiple films on one monitor, seeing a friend standing in your room despite being hundreds of kilometres apart, observing a computer-altered landscape. All of these scenarios and more can be normal in not o distant future.
- everyday life
This technology has the potential to change how we act and shop. For example, virtual shopping may become the most convenient and fastest method of obtaining new clothes. Instead of driving to try new clothes, you will see how they fit in an app. Mabey we will be able to have all benefits of having computer-aided overlays without body-altering surgeries.
One type of augmented reality device particularly has the potential to replace or change how we use conventional smartphones – AR glasses. This piece of tech if calibrated correctly may hold the same functions, while allowing users a full extended reality experience.
Out of all types of extended reality, I believe the highest potential to influence our future is AR. Right now it already is easier and cheaper than full VR, has fewer drawbacks and can be used almost anywhere. If we add the possibility that AR glasses become attainable, AR will be the most of both worlds – virtual and real.
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The implementation of extended reality in different spheres of life may have huge amount of benefits and thats a great path for improvement, but we shouldn’t forget the potential risks which will be certainly appearing. The real world is an environment in which a human being has been living for hundreds of thousands of years, and this insane desire of people to create an alternative reality and completely immerse in it, can lead to serious consequences.