WHAT IS AUGMENTED REALITY?
Augmented reality (AR) is one of the biggest technology trends right now, and it’s only going to get bigger as AR ready smartphones and other devices become more accessible around the world. AR let us see the real-life environment right in front of us—trees swaying in the park, dogs chasing balls, kids playing soccer—with a digital augmentation overlaid on it. For example, a pterodactyl might be seen landing in the trees, the dogs could be mingling with their cartoon counterparts, and the kids could be seen kicking past an alien spacecraft on their way to score a goal.
With advances in AR technology, these examples are not that different from what might already be available for your smartphone. Augmented reality is, in fact, readily available and being used in a myriad of ways including as Snapchat lenses, in apps that help you find your car in a crowded parking lot, and in variety of shopping apps that let you try on clothes without even leaving home.
Perhaps the most famous example of AR technology is the mobile app Pokemon Go, which was released in 2016 and quickly became an inescapable sensation. In the game, players locate and capture Pokemon characters that pop up in the real world—on your sidewalk, in a fountain, even in your own bathroom.
Games aside, there are as many uses for AR in our everyday lives as there are Pikachu on the loose in Pokemon GO. Here are just a few examples:
- Enhanced navigation systems use augmented reality to superimpose a route over the live view of the road.
- During football games, broadcasters use AR to draw lines on the field to illustrate and analyze plays.
- Furniture and housewares giant IKEA offers an AR app (called IKEA Place) that lets you see how a piece of furniture will look and fit in your space.
- Military fighter pilots see an AR projection of their altitude, speed, and other data on their helmet visor, which means they don’t need to waste focus by glancing down to see them.
- Neurosurgeons sometimes use an AR projection of a 3-D brain to aid them in surgeries.
- At historical sites like Pompeii in Italy, AR can project views of ancient civilizations over today’s ruins, bringing the past to life.
- Ground crew at Singapore’s airport wear AR glasses to see information about cargo containers, speeding up loading times
To learn more about Augmented Reality and how we can help you realize you goals, contact TekConnX today 1.888.646.4970.
COVID-19 INNOVATION AND REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES
COVID-19 began as an epidemic in China, before making its way around the world in a matter of months and becoming a pandemic. But epidemics don’t always become pandemics, and it’s not always a fast or clear transition. For example, HIV was considered an epidemic in West Africa for decades before becoming a pandemic in the late 20th century. Now, thanks to advances in modern medicine, HIV is considered endemic, which means the rate of the disease is stable and predictable among certain populations, according to the American Medical Association.
The Importance of Digital Readiness
COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance of digital readiness, which allows business and life to continue as usual – as much as possible – during pandemics. Building the necessary infrastructure to support a digitized world and stay current in the latest technology will be essential for any business or country to remain competitive in a post-COVID-19 world, as well as take a human-centered and inclusive approach.
Why COVID-19 Is Accelerating the Adoption of AI, AR and Research Tech
Before COVID-19, the adoption of technology-driven research techniques was limited, and progress was slow. Whilst many CEOs and Chief Insight/ Innovation Directors seemed excited about a cheaper, faster, more quantitative way of understanding consumer wants and needs, few had the confidence, or company backing to make the leap. Unfortunately, this mindset meant these companies have been getting left behind. Smaller, more innovative players have entered the market, released new products.
The arrival of COVID-19 has challenged this approach to innovation. Brands are now being forced to make changes and adopt the technology that could take their place. They need to reset their understanding of their customers and consumers, and they need to do so in a more continuous and agile way than they have needed to before.
In response to COVID-19, consumers, employees and citizens across all demographics and sectors worldwide are embracing an array of digital activities and technologies throughout their personal and professional lives. This fundamental change is prompting the technology industry to redirect its investments and reconsider its roadmaps.
Well, we’ve reconsidered our roadmap and now we offer some new technologies along with some old ones to help fight this pandemic. TekConnX is delivering technology solutions that keep us safe! Technologies such as:
- COVID-19 killing UV-C Air Filtration Systems
- Smart Glasses (Scanning for fevers)
- HD Cameras, with both Thermal Imaging & Scanning Technology”
We have not seen the end of the crisis. Nor do we know exactly whenthe recovery will come. But it will come, and our leadership team will prepare TekConnX for a more digital future will give us the best chance for a brighter future. For more information, contact TekConnX today at 1.888.646.4970.
Stay Safe and Healthy!