“Augmented reality will go a long way to help manufacturers cut down decision-making time and help support projects like product launches by allowing them to work virtually in an industrial environment.”
- N.S. Bala, Wipro Technologies
Google, with its sci-fi inspired, slick Glass device, has finally brought augmented reality into the world. Well, almost.
Wielding a long-promised suite of augmented or mediated reality technologies, Glass—now tantalizingly close to public release—merges the physical world with the digital to, as enthusiasts say, free us from the downward gaze to our cell phones and re-engage with the world (without sacrificing our gadgetry).
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It is—or at least it promises to be—the first seamless merger of technology and reality.
As the company gears up for its product launch, videos of Glass’ capabilities have popped up across the web featuring mesmerizing point-of-view videos of skydivers and acrobats, hot air balloon rides and New Years in Times Square all recorded and enhanced by a host of high-tech features usually tied to a phone or PC.
They also show how otherwise mundane experiences like a trip to the airport can be enhanced by providing passengers with flight information, departure times, even highlighting the nearest power outlets.
While these videos have the public’s mind reeling, the interest of some manufacturing technology engineers is equally piqued.
