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The History and Future of Augmented & Virtual Reality

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Vishal Shah

The History and Future of Augmented & Virtual Reality



The advancements in technology have opened up new opportunities for innovation in various industries. One of the most noteworthy technological advancements is the introduction of Augmented and Virtual Reality. They have revolutionized the concept of immersive technology and interactive experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of AR/VR, the current state of developments, and future possibilities.

History of AR/VR



Augmented Reality (AR) refers to the integration of digital information in the real world. AR technology was first introduced in 1968 by Ivan Sutherland at Harvard University. His Head Mounted Display (HMD) technique became the foundation of AR technology.

In 1990, Louis Rosenburg developed the Virtual Fixtures system, the first fully immersive AR system, for the US Air Force. During the 1990s, movies and video games also adopted AR and VR technologies, thereby increasing their popularity.

The development of Virtual Reality (VR) started in the 1960s as well. The first VR headset was developed by Ivan Sutherland and Bob Sproull in 1968, called the Sword of Damocles. In 1991, the first commercial VR headset, the Virtuality Group Arcade System, was introduced. Despite the advancements, VR technology only became mainstream in recent times.

Current State of Development in AR/VR



In recent years, the use of AR technology has become widespread, and many companies have started using it in various industries. For example, IKEA has an AR app that allows customers to visualize how their furniture would look before buying it. Pokemon Go, a popular mobile game, utilized AR to create an immersive gaming experience. Social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat also integrated AR filters to enhance their user experience.

VR technology, on the other hand, had a slow start; however, it's now starting to gain momentum. VR has seen its most successful use in the gaming industry. Companies like Sony Playstation, Oculus VR, and HTC Vive have developed high-end VR headsets for gamers. Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR have also brought VR to the masses with their budget-friendly VR headsets.

AR and VR technologies have shown their potential in other industries as well. For instance, the healthcare sector has started using AR/VR technology to facilitate treatments for patients. It allows doctors to display medical information in a more interactive and immersive way. The automotive industry has also applied AR/VR technology to create a more engaging car-buying experience for customers.

Future of AR/VR



The future of AR/VR technology is exciting, and it’s predicted that they will become more prevalent in various sectors.

Interactive Experience



AR and VR technology will continue to provide immersive and interactive experiences in gaming, movies, and other entertainment sectors. They have the power to transport users into a medieval battlefield or a futuristic cityscape. In the future, they will provide a more realistic and engaging user experience.

Immersive Technology



The use of AR/VR in industries such as tourism, education, and healthcare is expected to increase in the future. AR technology, for instance, could be used to enhance museum exhibits and allow visitors to interact with historical artifacts. VR technology could provide medical practitioners with innovative methods to train and educate students. Immersive technology can revolutionize the traditional methods of education, making it more engaging, interactive, and intuitive.

Innovative Developments



Recent developments in AR/VR technology include hand tracking, AI-assisted facial recognition, and interactive gesture recognition. The inclusion of 5G technology will create more possibilities for AR/VR technology. 5G augmented with AR/VR will not only provide faster responsive experiences but will increase network reliability.

Moreover, advancements in microprocessors and sensors will help develop lighter, more advanced, and affordable AR/VR devices that can create a more realistic and immersive experience.

Increased Integration in Industries



AR and VR will continue to find new applications in different industries. The retail industry will use AR technology to provide a more engaging customer experience when browsing and purchasing products. AR/VR technology will also enhance the training experience for employees in various industries.

Conclusion



AR and VR technology have come a long way since their inception. Their potential applications are limitless, and they will change the way we experience digital content. The future of AR/VR technology is exciting. It will not only improve how we interact with digital content but will positively impact various industries and bring intuitive solutions to multiple issues. In the coming years, we can expect to see these technologies widely adopted and intensified greatly.
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