It used to be just a futuristic dream — but Augmented Reality (AR) is currently making a home for itself in our daily lives in ways that were always out of the question. Whether it’s elevating gaming experiences to a whole new and immersive level or providing us with new ways to shop, learn and see the world around us, AR is the present and the future. But is there a new AR product coming down the pipeline that really feels like something game-changing? The short answer is: absolutely.
Today’s blog takes a closer look at some of the most innovative AR devices that have been released or are soon to hit for the market, and how they’re helping to advance the limits of what AR is capable of.
What Makes an Augmented-Reality Device Revolutionary?
Before we dig into the exciting future of AR, however, it’s necessary to establish what counts as “revolutionary.” What an AR device typically provides that is truly innovative:
-
Unique innovation: Features or actions that have never existed in AR previously.
-
Real-World Value: Applications that can have practical use and solve real world issues or develop real value.
-
User-Friendly: A convenient design embracing new technology for everyday use.
-
Impact: The ability to improve across industries, from gaming to enterprise.
With that backdrop, let’s take a look at the visionaries changing what’s possible in AR.
Apple Vision Pro
The new Apple Vision Pro – making augmented reality easy to use
The reveal of Apple Vision Pro has reinvented the AR headset game. Apple jumping into the space totally changes everything for AR because it’s going to be easy for people and it’s going to be really powerful.
Key Features
-
Flawless Integration: Vision Pro integrates AR with virtual reality (VR) to bring you top quality, immersive experiences.
-
Eye-Tracking Tool: Monitor eye movement for precise control and interaction with digital objects.
-
Gesture Navigation: Your hand is the interface with your drone. No need for any extra drivers.
Why It’s Revolutionary
Now Apple Vision Pro is taking it beyond entertainment apps and thinking about productivity and collab apps. Picture adding digital screens to your workspace, or sitting in virtual meetings that feel real. Targeted initially as an enterprise product, this headset is revolutionizing how professionals make use of AR.
HoloLens 2
First of a new wave of technology: Pioneering Enterprise and Industrial Use Cases
“Microsoft HoloLens 2 has solidified itself as a name in the enterprise AR product category with practical use cases across a variety of industries- healthcare, manufacturing, education and more.”
Key Features
-
More Comfortable: Lightweight ergonomic shape allows you to enjoy our product for long hours.
-
Intuitive, Easy-To-Use Touchpad: Located on the top of the headset, this touchpad allows for easy navigation while the games are in use.
-
High Quality Lenses: Expressive, 52mm, & clear lenses for responsive visuals.
-
Collaboration Real-Time: Teams can share holographic designs and annotations so that remote collaboration feels more like working in the same room.
Why It’s Revolutionary
The HoloLens 2 is changing the way the industries are looking at training, prototyping, and complex workflows. Surgeons are using it for guided overlays during surgeries, and engineers use HoloLens to view 3D models prior to physical prototyping.
Magic Leap 2
Pivoting to a Professional Focus
Magic Leap was one of the early flag bearers to bring AR to the mainstream, and its latest — the Magic Leap 2 — now comes in a more enterprise-friendly garment.
Key Features
-
Configurable Dimming: a first time in the industry, allowing the unit to have the ability to be visible in both bright and dim environments.
-
Comfortable Slim Design: 10 hour battery life.
-
Open Developer Ecosystem: Magic Leap 2 enables developers to create personalized, industrial-grade apps.
Why It’s Revolutionary
Rather than consumers, Magic Leap 2 is meant for tech-savvy professionals. Its focus on innovation with features like dynamic dimming improves use in healthcare, field services and architecture.
Tilt Five
To Change the Way You Think About AR Gaming
Tilt Five has applied a fresh perspective on AR to gaming. This is not your average headset, but rather AR gaming on a table top.
Key Features
-
AR Glasses for Gaming: The lightweight glasses connect via Bluetooth to a game board and produce holographic images.
-
Social Interactions: Promises a better multiplayer, cooperative gaming experience.
-
Budget-Friendly Pricing: Aims for an affordable price point for consumers.
Why It’s Revolutionary
Tilt Five differentiates itself by providing a device that provides extremely interactive gaming experiences at a consumer friendly price point. It’s a peek at the future of AR-enhanced board games.
Nreal Air
Making AR Wearables Apparently Easy
And here we go again, they’re ba-ack…
Nreal Air aspires to be a smart and minimalist AR glasses that combines a fresh design with practical function that can be made affordable to more people together with the drive to bring AR to the day-to-day consumer.
Key Features
-
Augmented Viewing Experience: V1’s virtual screen ranges from 80-201 inches designed for an awesome media experience.
-
Compact & Lightweight: At only 79 g, perfect feel for long wearing.
-
Device Compatibility: Connect to smart phones and tablets for portability.
Why It’s Revolutionary
Nreal Air is democratizing AR with an emphasis on affordability and portability, while not compromise on performance. This device may be particularly attractive to those looking for entertainment-oriented AR wearables.
The Future of AR Devices
These trailblazing gadgets are just the beginning of what AR tech can do. But the next chapter in AR is about removing barriers to entry, making devices more affordable for wider use-cases, [and] making them more useful and powerful through AI. With AI-driven real-time translations, and environment mapping among others, the potential for AR is unbounded.
How to Join the AR Revolution
Whether you’re a tech junkie, gamer, or businessperson looking to speed up some workflows, there’s an AR headset for you. Keeping up to date with the latest developments means that you are heading to be one stage ahead of using this amazing innovative tool.
What is the AR device that you find most exciting? If you’re just getting your feet wet in the AR realm, dip in a toe with affordable options like Nreal Air, or let AR power your every day life with high-level tools like Apple Vision Pro for enterprise. Keep staying curious, keep staying creative, and keep experimenting with the amazing possibilities of augmented reality!
