Big topic #4: Linking Data to Objects
The term «augmented reality» has been around for some time. It describes technologies and processes that add digital data to real-world objects and places. Now, finally, we think that all the pieces are in place for these technologies to spread widely, become more developed, and dramatically alter our lives.
The rapid adoption of smartphones with geolocation capacities is the first major example of these pieces coming together. They spurred the rise of location-based services, ranging from “check-in” platforms like Foursquare to adapted instruments for exposing political oppression, like Twitter in Iran. Proliferation of smart mobile devices makes sharing your environment with personal networks instant—this has clear implications for industries ranging from marketing to politics. The second piece is image-recognition software that allows a more direct data input: Take a picture of the Eiffel Tower, and your phone automatically provides you with information about it. The Google Goggles application is one of the first steps in this direction. The last pieces are the already astronomical in size social networks provided by platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Adding these social mapping tools to the mix makes augmented reality services much more potent, as data can spread virally through these established networks.
As more augmented reality devices and applications reach market, boundaries between physical and virtual worlds will blur. Eventually, everything around us will be annotated with digital data that can be accessed and edited by anyone from anywhere.
This is one of the six big topics we feel will be important in 2010 and beyond. Have a look at the others and let us know what you think!
