Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of reality. Although it has become more popular in recent years, the concept of AR has been around for decades.
Let's have a look at the history of AR. The first AR system was developed in 1968 by Ivan Sutherland, who created a head-mounted display that projected virtual objects onto the real world. However, the technology was still in its infancy and it would be several decades before it became mainstream.
One of the earliest popular uses of AR was in the entertainment industry. In the early 1990s, the company Total Immersion created a system that could project virtual objects onto live video feeds, which was used in TV shows and movies.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, AR began to be used in more practical applications. For example, Boeing began using AR to aid in the construction of airplanes, allowing workers to see virtual instructions overlaid onto the physical objects they were working on.
AR technology continued to develop, with the introduction of smartphones and mobile apps opening up new possibilities. In 2008, the first AR app was released for the iPhone, which allowed users to point their phone's camera at a location and see information about nearby businesses.
Since then, AR has been used in a variety of industries, from healthcare to education to marketing. It has also become a popular feature in video games, with the success of games like Pokémon Go and Minecraft Earth showing the potential for AR in the gaming industry.
Looking to the future, the development of wearable technology like smart glasses and contact lenses could take AR to the next level. With the ability to access AR information without the need for a separate device, it could become an even more integrated part of our daily lives.
Overall, the history of augmented reality is one of gradual development and evolution, with advancements in technology and innovation driving its growth. As AR continues to develop, it has the potential to transform the way we interact with the world around us.
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