Augmented reality – because the real world is average

Augmented reality is the hottest thing since sliced bread. (What came before sliced bread is anyone’s guess.) Simply put, augmented reality (AR) refers to software that superimposes computer-generated virtual imagery onto real-world images. Thus, reality is ‘augmented’ with digital information. You know the Head-Up Displays fighter pilots have? That’s augmented reality. Unfortunately we civilians have to make do with Apple iPhones, but that’s the next best thing.

Visual search: because text search is so nineties

Imagine you are walking down the street when you see a stunning red sportscar flash by. It’s a new model – you’ve never seen it before in your life and have no idea what brand it is. But it’s so drop-dead gorgeous you just have to find out what it is. So you whip out your mobile phone and take a picture. The picture gets sent to a search engine, which recognises the car and gives you pictures, videos and information on the latest model, including pricing and colour options. If you think this sounds like a far-fetched vision of the future then think again: this sort of technology is already here.

The Internet of Things

Last week I spoke about Web 3.0 and the future of the Internet. Taking a step back, this week I’ll be talking about how the Internet can be applied to everyday objects. It is already happening through what is known as the Web of Things.

The Internet of Things is a network of digitally connected objects that are able to communicate with one another and send information to web services that manage these objects. Imagine a world where billions of objects can report their locations, identities and histories over a wireless network. If all objects were equipped with tracking/identifying devices, we would never run out of stock or waste goods and we could monitor the consumption of everything from food to electricity and oxygen.