Why AR Might Outshine VR – Weekly Mashup 137

Why Augmented Reality Might Just Outshine Virtual Realty
CNBC

"Virtual reality (VR) technology might have hogged the spotlight this year with a variety of possible business applications, but experts claim that augmented reality (AR) will also have a key role in our digital future. ... 'Smart glasses' using AR tech will allow users to interact with all sorts of objects in the real world, according to technology research firm Forrester, who has outlined some of the potential uses for AR in a report published this week." Read More

Augmented Reality Hardware is Still Way Ahead of Its Software
Engadget

"Augmented reality -- using a device's camera to overlay information on the real world -- is a concept that's been around for years. But the combined failure of Google Glass and huge hype around virtual reality players like Oculus over the last few years have dampened the enthusiasm for the field a bit, relegating it to second-player status. Microsoft has reignited interest in AR thanks to Hololens, but the demos I saw at this year's Augmented World Expo made me think there's still a lot of work to be done. Particularly on the software side." Read More

Augmented Reality Is Flashy but It Might Actually Be Most Useful at Your Job
Inverse

"Congratulations, you’re an aerospace engineer. Building planes is hard but you’re really good at it, especially working with engines. But, today there’s a problem with the exhaust and the senior mechanic is out at a different station. So, you grab a tablet and connect to an augmented reality instructional manual that presents 3D animations that virtually sit on the part in question. And if you’ve got a question, someone could could talk you though the process, and in real-time, draw instructions on the screen." Read More

Solve a Rubik’s Cube with Augmented Reality
Popular Science

"Physical puzzles don’t come with cheat codes. The Rubik’s cube has vexed amateurs since its invention in 1974. There’s a method to the puzzle, but to solve it, people need a grasp of the cube's mechanics and a good memory of its ever-changing faces. Or at least, they did, until Martin Španěl’s master cubes augmented reality thesis did all the work." Read More