In 2017, Gartner listed augmented reality in the Trough of Disillusionment. This is the period in the hype cycle where people start to doubt the technology. It could be due to early failures in the market place or investors pulling out of augmented reality companies.

Trough of Disillusionment:

“Interest wanes as experiments and implementations fail to deliver. Producers of the technology shake out or fail. Investments continue only if the surviving providers improve their products to the satisfaction of early adopters.”
via gartner.com

You can see why I was doubtful. I didn’t see how augmented reality (AR) could be useful when all it meant was looking through your phone. Most of us don’t have access to Magic Leap Glasses or the Hololens. But then something started happening. I started seeing AR everywhere. From movie theater bills, Pinterest Pincodes, and AR features on the apps we already use.

Augmented reality headsets are a far ways off but I think we’re starting to see AR pull itself out of the trough, even if just a little bit. Facebook announced that it’s developing their own AR glasses. You can make your own AR lenses for SnapChat. So while Magic Leap may be a flop, but AR is making its way into our smartphones.

Pinterest Pin Codes

Open Pinterest
Click the camera icon in the search bar.
Scan the image below.

You’re taken right to my board. No typing needed!

Movie Theater Bills

I love going to the movies. My husband and I have very low standards. We will see just about anything in the theater. Nothing beats an afternoon munching popcorn in recliner seats to the latest Blockbuster. Recently, our theater upped the experience of going to the movies by handing out movie bills. To my surprise, they were loaded with AR content!

Google Maps Live View

Augmented Reality has come to navigation. In 2018 Google announced it’s AR “Live View” feature on Google Maps. Using your phone’s camera, Google Maps overlays directions on top of what you’re seeing. So if you’re ever stuck you can use Live View to orient yourself in the right direction.

As a precaution, Google Maps does ask for permission to take pictures and record video.