Appendix A. The Future of AR
The earlier parts of this short book look at the present state of industrial enterprise AR. If you enjoy emerging tech and ideas like me, though, what’s coming in the future may be even more intriguing.
Specifically, this appendix focuses on two things: developing areas you should pay attention to, and why the way “mixed reality” evolves (as a term and as a set of technologies) matters so deeply. Both of these will shape where this category goes.
This is a look at what’s just beginning to emerge—with research minds and investment dollars indicating it will gain traction. It also gives insight into the kinds of ideas that will make AR more useful and exciting.
Durable Reality: Things That Stay in Space
One emerging space that will grow is durable reality—things that are durable and persistent, that stay in space. There are a few systems already created where you can leave notes, images, and objects in space just as you’d leave a sticky note in the physical world. For instance, you can leave a digital note on a machine for when a tech comes by; it pings him and tags a specific location telling him “it needs you here.” A few people featured in this short book have built basic systems of that sort. But there are a million other uses for durable reality as well.
Fashion designers can draw textured leather jackets and jeans, and then walk around “inside” their creation to see how it really looks and feels.
Artists can create and instantly change 3D sculptures ...
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