Augmented reality
Have you used any augmented reality applications? If so, has it been useful; if not, is it a service that seems interesting? Why or why not?
No I have not used augmented reality applications. It seems like an interesting feature, but it's just not for me. I don't see the appeal of virtual reality and have never been a fan of the concept. It's simply something that I have no relation with, not due to negative experiences or anything I simply don't see the added value of the concept.
Are there any privacy issues raised by augmented reality applications?
Yes, at first glance this may just seem like another application that uses geolocation, but with the announcement and development of something like Google Glasses some privacy issues have been raised. It's in fact not that much more invasive than current geolocation concepts, but for some reason peopel a riled up more for this one in comparison to the rest. Simply because it is yet another aspect in life where you share your personal experiences and thoughts and the ability to get hacked increases yet again. Just the same with the idea of being filmed constantly or watched by some piece of technology. It's a weird concept, but it worries people nonetheless.
What are the potential benefits of augmented reality applications? Are there any disadvantages?
For marketeers the advantages of augmented reality are almost limitless in an e-commerce setting. People can try on a virtual pair of clothes before buying them to see what it would look like on them. People can engage with your products through games or packaging making them interact in a positive way with your product. Further increasing their brand awareness and recognition. In an educational setting augmented reality could also prove to be usefull. Theoretical information can be turned into something practical nearly directly. Meaning that a teacher could tell you about a certain appliance or interaction and tell you what would happen. Or he could directly show you what is supposed to happen when certain products are combined. This would save both time and in same cases be safer than using actual products. Last but not least this could also be used in many different business sectors where 3D imaging could be usefull. Mechanics or engineers could take a look at how things are supposed to work before they start opening up machines, this direct example can never hurt the quality and consistency of their work. The same goes for doctors if they could simply see their handlings on a 3D image of a body and how their actions interact within the body of their patient.
No I have not used augmented reality applications. It seems like an interesting feature, but it's just not for me. I don't see the appeal of virtual reality and have never been a fan of the concept. It's simply something that I have no relation with, not due to negative experiences or anything I simply don't see the added value of the concept.
Are there any privacy issues raised by augmented reality applications?
Yes, at first glance this may just seem like another application that uses geolocation, but with the announcement and development of something like Google Glasses some privacy issues have been raised. It's in fact not that much more invasive than current geolocation concepts, but for some reason peopel a riled up more for this one in comparison to the rest. Simply because it is yet another aspect in life where you share your personal experiences and thoughts and the ability to get hacked increases yet again. Just the same with the idea of being filmed constantly or watched by some piece of technology. It's a weird concept, but it worries people nonetheless.
What are the potential benefits of augmented reality applications? Are there any disadvantages?
For marketeers the advantages of augmented reality are almost limitless in an e-commerce setting. People can try on a virtual pair of clothes before buying them to see what it would look like on them. People can engage with your products through games or packaging making them interact in a positive way with your product. Further increasing their brand awareness and recognition. In an educational setting augmented reality could also prove to be usefull. Theoretical information can be turned into something practical nearly directly. Meaning that a teacher could tell you about a certain appliance or interaction and tell you what would happen. Or he could directly show you what is supposed to happen when certain products are combined. This would save both time and in same cases be safer than using actual products. Last but not least this could also be used in many different business sectors where 3D imaging could be usefull. Mechanics or engineers could take a look at how things are supposed to work before they start opening up machines, this direct example can never hurt the quality and consistency of their work. The same goes for doctors if they could simply see their handlings on a 3D image of a body and how their actions interact within the body of their patient.