Feb 01, 12:03 AM EST Newsletter Signup BusinessTechnologyWorldNationalMedia & CultureOpinionSportsLuxury Business By Ashraf Eassa 01/31/19 AT 11:56 PM Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been talking up augmented reality (AR) for a while. More than that, the company has done a significant amount of hardware and software work to optimize some of its more recent iPhone and iPad devices for augmented reality use cases.Apple CEO Tim Cook was quoted in 2017 as saying that AR is poised to "change everything."For instance, Apple released the second version of a software development kit called ARKit 2.0 back in June and is likely to launch a third-generation version at its Worldwide Developers Conference later this year. ARKit allows developers to more easily build AR applications for Apple's iPhones and iPads. An Android 3D app could utilize its GPS and location hardware to track users using augmented reality. The facial recognition sensory can visually display … [Read more...] about Apple Is Set To Supercharge Its Augmented Reality Ambitions For iPhones, iPads
Augmented reality use
Bose Is Making Augmented Reality Sunglasses That Send Sound Right Into Your Temple
Bose, the company you probably best know for noise-canceling airplane headphones, is getting into the sunglasses business. But the coolest part of the Frames is that they are a canvas for new software.Bose Frames will work like Bluetooth earbuds. The part of the temple that sits near your ear plays audio (music, calls, voice assistants) that only the wearer can hear. It's controlled with a microphone and a multi-function button embedded in the right temple. The first sets will go on sale in January 2019 for $199. When shipped, the Frames will play music and work with voice assistants. Later in 2019, they will give contextual information based on what you’re looking at. Bose Along with audio, a battery, and connectivity components, the Frames have a 9-axis motion sensor. Combining that data with your phone's GPS, Frames can ascertain what you're looking at, which is necessary for augmented reality uses.I tested an early prototype of this back in March 2018. As I walked … [Read more...] about Bose Is Making Augmented Reality Sunglasses That Send Sound Right Into Your Temple
Augmented reality used in new Colgate kids’ toothbrush
Colgate has launched a new children’s toothbrush that uses augmented reality to help make brushing teeth a more fun experience for kids – while teaching them about hygiene.The new Magik toothbrush uses a smart connector attached to the brush which tracks brushing movement and technique, displaying it on the screen of the Colgate Magik companion app alongside a range of animated monsters kids have to brush away.The new system is powered by smart toothbrush firm Kolibree, and is aimed at children aged six and up.Special augmented reality (AR) masks can be picked up as rewards for brushing that combine with the front-facing camera so kids can see themselves wearing a virtual snorkel among other things.The app also includes a dashboard which enables parents to track brushing as well as get guidance on how to improve brushing performance for their children.Philip Durocher, Colgate’s vice president for northern Europe, said: “At Colgate we are committed to improving … [Read more...] about Augmented reality used in new Colgate kids’ toothbrush
Mapbox hires former Apple designer to spur augmented reality use
(Reuters) — Mapping startup Mapbox Inc. said Monday that it had hired Avi Cieplinski, a veteran of Twitter and Apple who co-invented several popular iPhone features, to head up its efforts to help application makers design location-based augmented reality software. Mapbox does not make a mapping app itself but provides the underlying maps inside of other apps that compete against Alphabet Inc.’s Google Maps and HERE Technologies, a map firm owned by a group of companies. Mapbox maps are found in Snap Inc.’s messaging app and the Instacart grocery delivery app. Washington, D.C.-based Mapbox secured $164 million in funding last year from a group led by Softbank Group Corp’s Vision Fund and has been expanding beyond standard maps and to help developers use location in creative ways. Earlier this month, the company announced a series of partnerships with Microsoft Corp, Intel Corp and Softbank’s ARM Holdings around mapping services for self-driving cars. … [Read more...] about Mapbox hires former Apple designer to spur augmented reality use
This augmented reality app turns shopping for discounts into a video game
A new augmented reality app wants to help turn the mundane grind of shopping into a near gaming experience by guiding users to their target in stores.Arround Platform describes itself as an “advertising solution in augmented reality”, using holograms overlaid on to a user’s screen when they use the in-app camera. When pointed at certain stores the app will show users any items that are on offer, and if selected will then guide them to that product in-store.All in the style of what looks like a 3D platform game. The platform will also use cryptocurrency as a form of payment for goods within the app, with the developers hoping to partner with stores and entire shopping malls for its AR promotional deals. Arround said that as well as a way of finding discounts and special offers, they want the platform to be used to post social media content such as pictures and videos in augmented reality for other users to see. The app remains in development for now, but the company … [Read more...] about This augmented reality app turns shopping for discounts into a video game