AR （Augmented Reality) is gaining in popularity.  The technology has improved to a point  where  animated graphics are able to be smoothly displayed on either  iPad or iPhone.  The advantages of commercially available AR is yet to be fully  explored.  AR- gaming companies such as String and Parrot  are already embracing the technology. More games will be flooding the markets over the next few months. This is inevitable,  AR is here to stay and will be all of our lives in one form or another as it’s  rolled out over time. So exactly how good is AR & how can we benefit from this in your face eye candy.

 AR-Gaming development companies such as Unity are  integrating  plug-ins that allow game developers to easily tailor AR- games and applications. One worth noting is a great little app named Inch High Stunt Guy.  Simply aim your iPad or iPhone at a small geographic symbol  that’s easily  printed out on any available printer, place the symbol on any flat surface and then watch the little guy fly through a series of obstacles  all on your desktop. 

Nintendo jumped on the AR band wagon with the release of the 3Ds hand held gaming device.  a small camera located on the front of the 3DS allows AR style games they call Mii.  Each game comes with a set of Mii cards that resemble a traditional card deck.  Simply place a card on a table and its game on !  

One Nintendo fan took things further by having one of the Mii card tattooed to his forearm !  

How far can augmented reality go ?  Will we soon be seeing display signs jumping out at us with all manner of information.. some so sub-lime & ridiculous they’ll simply push us away from embrassing this new technology as we’re slowly being bombarded  on a daily basis by more and more distractions.  Some are in fact useful but 90% are  garbage.  Here’s hoping there’ll be some form of effective filtering that will drown out some of the gibberish we’re about to encounter  through this magical AR looking glass.  

AR games is not the only territory where the technology is gaining momentum. AR’s being embraced in areas such has fashion, medical and engineering to name but a few. Several major clothing manufacturers such as Hilfiger have already implemented AR styled change rooms allowing customers to try on virtual garments in front of a magic mirror.  Bloomingdale’s in New York have installed a booth equipped with eight Kinect cameras. Each  camera is strategically placed around a booth & scans your body shape placing the data on a persoanl card you can use whilst shopping that is able to provide the best suggestion when picking jeans or other apparel.

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