Homework 2 - AR Demo

Going into this homework assignment, I thought augmented reality was really only a gimmick without much significant value. However, after experimenting and letting my thoughts gestate, I realized that this technology is really interesting and could have real world uses. I, for one, accept and welcome our new AR overlords.

My first thought for a practical use of AR could be in medicine. Imagine if we could take a 3D X-Ray of an injury and view it in augmented reality. I personally support any technological advance that can further modern medicine. Additionally, AR could be used to give patients a better understanding of their own health and what is happening inside their own bodies.

Imagine if, while roaming the streets, we could obtain real-time data on the things in our vicinity. What if while looking for a restaurant we could see, overlaid on the storefront, an estimated wait time for food? What if we could have navigation arrows and instructions while walking down the street if we got lost? These kinds of innovation would be revolutionary.

I think the biggest hurdle for AR is taking these concepts and ideas and actualizing them through business and consumer applications. I think these ideas are absolutely possible, but will require a lot more time and technological advances in both hardware and software.