There is consensus about the stagnation of the smartphone market. Improvements in processors and megapixels don’t hide one reality. They are just touchscreen devices in your hands.What kind of devices will we start using this decade as alternatives to handle new approaches like mixed reality? Augmented reality, or AR glasses, could be the keyIn one of their latest iterations, Chinese company AR Glasses promises to transform environments and deliver music on hardware that’s closer to traditional glasses.
What are AR or Augmented Reality Glasses?
Augmented Reality or AR is Digital information overlay – including text and images – view of the real worldThe real image can be viewed in an mediated form, like a cell phone screen, or directly through the lenses of eyeglasses.
For AR glasses, it is common to include a screen or use a projection mechanism in the lens to fuse the virtual and real images for perceptual purposes. In theory, this approach should be more effective. Users can go hands-free and move around their everyday environment unhindered. One of the earliest examples of this technology is the late Google Glass.
How are they different from virtual reality?
And that’s mainly the difference between AR glasses and VR headsets. Augmented reality glasses allow users to interact with their environment and perform everyday activities. In contrast, virtual reality offers a fully immersive experience that goes beyond physical reality.
However, in practice The line between AR goggles and VR headsets isn’t so clearNew prototypes of AR glasses, such as those developed by Meta, can dim the lenses and offer a virtual reality experience. At the same time, wireless VR glasses with built-in cameras can display physical reality combined with virtual elements.
glasses that translate reality
All experts agree that ergonomics and ease of use are essential to the adoption of AR glasses. The new model unveiled by the Chinese company at CES 2023 is a step in that direction. Although somewhat bulkier than traditional glasses, users can wear them every day.
These AR glasses have proprietary processors similar to those found in the latest generation mobile phones. Two Micro LED screens with Full HD resolution and 1000 nits brightnessin theory, can operate indoors and outdoors at different times of the day. However, the most exciting aspect is its application.
The company claims the glasses have integrated AI systems Translate conversations with other people in real timeSo while the interlocutor is speaking, the lens will show the translated words like a movie with subtitles.
Apart from that, the model has built-in GPS functionality that allows it to identify buildings and monuments in its environment.It also displays notifications received on the phone, such as messages and alerts, thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. You can also. Finally, you can listen to music or take photos and share them directly on social networks.And all this Controlled by a gesture interface.
Other uses for AR glasses
The first applications of AR glasses focused on professional environments. And perhaps the ability to solve simple tasks more efficiently will be a major selling point on the road to mass adoption. Right now, AR glasses are great for:
- constructionIn the building environment, whether at the design stage or on site, having access to 3D views of the model and construction elements can greatly speed up the process.
- Maintenance in an industrial environmentAs this AR project is applied to water management, getting real-time, hands-free assistance with parts and malfunctions will be a great support for operators.
- Logistics managementAR glasses can improve agility when managing goods and parcels in a warehouse for the purpose of finding and moving them.
- surgeryIf there’s one environment where hands-free is important, it’s surgery. Visibility of vital signs and alerts during surgery can be of great help to surgeons.
- video gamesThis is one of the most prominent applications as it allows you to display characters and game elements in combination with the real environment, as is the case with Pokemon Go.
In addition to AR glasses, another way to explore augmented reality is smart contact lenses. While this is a promising technology, it also poses challenges.
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