Remembering 2007: How Augmented Reality Changed the Game
It’s hard to imagine life without smartphones today. They have become an integral part of our lives and have revolutionized the way we interact with each other and the world. One of the most significant advancements in smartphone technology is augmented reality (AR). Augmented reality is the integration of digital information with real-world environments, making virtual objects appear to be in the physical world.
AR technology dates back to the early 1990s, but it wasn’t until 2007 that it really began to take off. That year, a new app called Layar was released. Layar was one of the first AR apps to use a smartphone’s GPS and camera to provide location-based information with augmented reality overlays. Users could walk around with their smartphone camera and see digital information on top of the environment around them.
The Rise of Augmented Reality
After Layar, many other AR apps began to emerge. Yelp Monocle was another popular AR app that allowed users to see restaurant ratings and information overlaid on the real world. And then there was Wikitude, a travel app that used AR to show users nearby landmarks and attractions.
But it wasn’t just apps that were using AR at the time. In 2008, the Dutch National Ballet became the first ballet company to project a virtual scenery onto a real stage. This was accomplished using AR technology, allowing the dancers to interact with virtual scenery in real-time.
Augmented Reality and Gaming
While AR was being used in a variety of applications, it was in gaming where it truly began to shine. In 2009, a game called Monster Park was released by Qualcomm. This game used AR to bring virtual monsters to life in the real world. Users could use their smartphones to capture monsters as they appeared around them.
Later that same year, a game called ARhrrrr! was released. This game used AR to create a new kind of gameplay, where players had to use their phone’s camera to scan the world around them, looking for hidden virtual objects.
The Impact of Augmented Reality Today
Today, augmented reality is still used in a variety of applications, from entertainment to education. It’s become a popular tool for museums and galleries, allowing visitors to get a more immersive experience when viewing exhibits.
AR is also being used to enhance e-commerce. Companies like IKEA and Wayfair are using AR to let users see what furniture would look like in their homes before making a purchase.
In conclusion, the rise of augmented reality in 2007 changed the game for technology. What was once considered science fiction became a reality, and it’s had a major impact on the way we interact with technology today. From gaming to education to e-commerce, AR has proven itself to be a powerful tool that has transformed the way we see and interact with the world around us.
