Introduction to Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is a blend of the digital and the physical worlds, featuring digital overlays on the real world, as seen in applications like Google Maps and Pokemon Go. However, it is important to distinguish AR from another emerging technology, Virtual Reality (VR), which seeks to envelop the user in a synthetic environment, though this remains somewhat convincing only in specific contexts.

The Reality of Virtual Reality

When examining the reality of AR and VR, we must consider what constitutes "reality." This question, while rooted in technology, often leads to philosophical inquiries. For example, when Morpheus in The Matrix posits that reality is merely electrical signals interpreted by our brains, we delve into a philosophical debate.

By this definition, virtual reality could indeed be viewed as real as long as it can mimic our sensory inputs and perceptions. However, augmented reality, by definition, only augments reality without completely replacing it. Thus, AR itself is always a combination of the real and the digital, which can sometimes blur the line between the two.

Applications of Augmented Reality

Despite such philosophical considerations, there are numerous applications of AR today that demonstrate its practical and impactful nature. Some notable examples include:

tGatwick Airport Passenger App: Enhancing passenger experience through information overlay. tIkea Place: Allowing users to visualize furniture in their homes without physical purchase. tDulux Visualizer: Providing real-time paint color visualization in homes. tLowe’s Help Remodel: Offering virtual home renovation assistance. tSephora Virtual Artist: Enabling customers to simulate makeup effects. tAccuvein: A device that projects vein visualization onto skin, aiding medical professionals. tDrawyBook: An augmented reality coloring book that enhances storytelling and learning.

Augmented Reality and Reality Perception

The essence of the question, "Is augmented reality a real thing?" can be further broken down into whether it provides a more intense or enriched version of reality. Oftentimes, reality is a subjective experience, and what is real for one individual may differ from another.

Consider a scenario where ten people witness the same car accident, with each person providing a different account of events. Despite the accident's objective occurrence, the narratives of the witnesses diverge due to their subjective perceptions. In this context, augmented reality can be seen as a tool that can enhance the intensity or richness of an individual's reality.

For some individuals, a car accident or any significant event can lead to a heightened state of awareness or a more intense reality experience. Similarly, augmented reality can provide immersive and detailed experiences, such as the perceived presence of a spaceship or a communication from an intelligent alien, as narrated in a personal anecdote.

Ultimately, the question of whether augmented reality is a real thing is subjective. For some, it adds a layer of depth and intensity to their everyday reality, while for others, it is simply an extension of the digital world.